Disney animation teams don’t always create their worlds entirely from imagination. For many films, artists and filmmakers travel to real destinations, photograph landscapes, architecture, and study local cultures before bringing those influences back to the studio. The result are some of Disney’s most magical settings that exist in the map and that you can visit.
🏰 MONT SAINT-MICHEL — TANGLED
French artist Laurent Ben-Mimoun was looking for a Renaissance-style castle where Rapunzel could let down her hair and he found inspiration in Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. With its medieval towers and stone walls rising dramatically from the sea, especially when surrounded by water at high tide, the iconic island has a huge resemblance to the Kingdom of Corona.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Saint-Michel welcomes more than 3 million visitors each year. At its summit stands an impressive 11th-century abbey, which is one of the main reasons to visit. Visiting at high tide offers a particularly spectacular view, when the island appears surrounded by water, one of the most photographed sights in France.
📍Normandy, France. Approximately 4 hours from Paris by car.
🌹 ALSACE — BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The charming villages of Alsace with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and flower-filled balconies, feel just like the setting where Belle lives in Beauty and the Beast.
The village of Eguisheim is associated with the real inspiration for Belle’s village. The region’s unique blend of French and German influences can be seen in its beautiful European architecture, cuisine, vineyards, and traditional Christmas markets.
📍Alsace, France. Approximately 30 minutes from Strasbourg by car.
🏯 ALCAZAR OF SEGOVIA — SNOW WHITE
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop between two rivers, Alcazar of Segovia is one of Spain’s most spectacular castles. Its distinctive towers and fairytale-like appearance are associated with the castle seen in Disney’s Snow White movie from 1937. Walt Disney went to visit this location before the movie production started.
Inside, visitors can explore historic royal halls, original armor from the 15th century, and beautifully decorated rooms while learning about the castle’s centuries of history.
📍Segovia, Spain. Approximately 90 minutes from Madrid by train.
🌊 CHÂTEAU DE CHILLON — THE LITTLE MERMAID
Disney fans may recognize similarities between Prince Eric’s castle in The Little Mermaid and Château de Chillon, Lake Geneva. The lakeside fortress has been in continuous use since the 12th century and sits on a limestone island near Montreux.
Lord Byron visited the castle in 1816 and later wrote a poem inspired by its history. Today, Château de Chillon remains one of Switzerland’s most visited historic landmarks by tourists, with its original dungeons, medieval frescoes, and spectacular views of Lake Geneva.
📍Montreux, Switzerland. Approximately 30 minutes from Lausanne by train.
❄️BERGEN — FROZEN
Disney confirmed that Arendelle was inspired by some beautiful locations in Norway. Bergen’s colorful Bryggen waterfront, inspired the colorful harbor architecture of the movie, Akershus Fortress in Oslo inspired the exterior of Elsa’s castle, and the Nærøyfjord provided inspiration for the dramatic fjord landscapes. Is it really necessary to arrive at the airport several hours early for your flight? Find out here.
Bergen’s Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly known in the movie for its colorful wooden buildings. The fish market along the harbor and the funicular ride up Mount Fløyen, which rises 320 meters above the city, round out a visit that’s just as enjoyable with or without the Disney connection.
📍Bergen, Norway. Accessible by direct flights from several major European cities.
🌺 TAHITI — MOANA
The world of Moana was inspired by the islands, cultures, and traditions of the South Pacific. Disney’s creative team traveled throughout the region to learn about Polynesian culture, architecture, navigation, and the natural environment. Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, offers turquoise lagoons, lush volcanic mountains, and deep-rooted Polynesian traditions reflected throughout the film.
The French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands, with Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora among its famous tourist destinations. The ocean Moana sails across is the same vast Pacific that Polynesian navigators crossed more than 3,000 years ago without modern navigation instruments.
📍Tahiti, French Polynesia. Approximately 8 hours flight from Los Angeles.
🏰 NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE — SLEEPING BEAUTY
Walt Disney visited Neuschwanstein Castle before they started building Disneyland park. Inspired by its striking colors, fairytale architecture, and dramatic setting, he drew on the castle’s design when creating the iconic fairytale castle associated with Sleeping Beauty. Neuschwanstein became a major source of inspiration for the film’s castle and later influenced the design of Disney’s iconic castle in its theme parks.
@royalholidayvc Hay lugares que hacen que mires dos veces solo para confirmar que sí existen. 👀🏰 Neuschwanstein, entre los Alpes de Baviera, definitivamente es uno de ellos. Ahora entendemos por qué parece sacado de otro mundo. ✨ #RoyalHoliday #Neuschwanstein #Alemania #TravelTok
♬ sonido original – Royal Holiday
The castle was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century as a private retreat. The irony is hard to miss: a real royal castle built for a king fascinated by fantasy would go on to inspire one of the world’s most famous fairytale castles.
📍Bavaria, Germany. Approximately 2 hours from Munich by car.
HOW TO VISIT WITH YOUR ROYAL HOLIDAY MEMBERSHIP
As a Royal Holiday member, you can use TravelXtra, the exclusive member platform available through the Royal Holiday website, to explore accommodation options in destinations across Europe, Asia, and Polynesia, including member-only prices and discounts.
Through Royal Travel, you can also access international travel options, including flights and transfers, with support for planning your getaway.
Discover new destinations on our website, explore TravelXtra for exclusive accommodation options, and visit the real-life places that inspired the magic of Disney movies. 🏰✨
