Travel to the Worlds of Disney Movies

When you recall or rewatch your favourite Disney movie, do spellbinding castles, mist-veiled mountains, and rivers shimmering similar to rainbows appear like magic (in your mind)? Disney movies have a way of whisking us into worlds where magic isn’t just possible—it’s practically expected. But here’s the twist: many of those dreamy landscapes weren’t conjured from thin air. They were inspired by real places—towering landmarks, storybook towns, and natural wonders immensely enchanting, they could have been drawn straight from an animator’s sketchpad.
 

Think rolling Scottish hills worthy of a headstrong princess, sun-drenched African plains fit for a lion king, or a French village that feels one musical number away from bursting into song. These destinations are simply the places that helped shape Disney movies. So if you’ve ever wanted to step into the scene, now’s your chance. Adventure - and maybe a touch of magic - awaits.
 

Alcázar of Segovia, Spain (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)

Mirror, mirror on the wall, where’s the fairest fortress of them all? Spain’s Alcázar of Segovia, believed to be the spellbinding muse behind the Evil Queen’s towering lair in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. With its witch’s hat turrets, fairytale moat, and dramatic perch above the plains, this part-Moorish, part-medieval castle oozes dramatic exits and poisoned apples. Disney knew a proper villain needed a castle as iconic as her cheekbones.
 

Caño Cristales, Colombia (Encanto)

Colombia’s landscape doesn’t just serve as a backdrop in “Encanto"—it dances. From the kaleidoscopic waters of Caño Cristales (a real rainbow river) to the misty jungles of Chocó, nature in this film bursts with personality. No surprise, then, that Antonio’s magical room—a veritable wildlife sanctuary—was inspired by Colombia’s wildest corners, home to jaguars, toucans, and curious capybaras. It’s a world alive with wonder, and yes, it is most definitely magical.
 

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland (Brave)

Cue the bagpipes and let your hair down—Scotland’s misty highlands were the soul of “Brave”. Castle DunBroch, the fiery-haired Merida’s home, took inspiration from several real-life strongholds, with Eilean Donan Castle standing tall among them. Perched on a loch like it’s guarding secrets, this 13th-century fortress once defended against Vikings and now inspires animators. Toss in a visit to Dunnottar Castle’s cliffside drama and the mysterious Calanais Standing Stones, and you’ve got all the makings of a Pixar legend.
 

Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya (The Lion King)

Welcome to the wild kingdom that roared its way into our hearts! When Disney’s animators set out to bring “The Lion King” to life, they didn’t imagine the sweeping savannah; they went to the source. Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, with its dramatic escarpments and the geothermal marvels of Hell’s Gate National Park, provided a fitting canvas. Look closely and you might spot Fischer’s Tower rising like a real-life Pride Rock. Lions? Rare. But baboons, hyenas, and warthogs—aka the supporting cast—are regulars here. With zebras and antelopes roaming freely, it’s not hard to see why this wild landscape became the heart of the Pride Lands.
 

Machu Picchu, Peru (The Emperor’s New Groove)

That mountain palace Kuzco dreams of building looks suspiciously similar to Machu Picchu. With its jungle-wrapped ruins and cloud-kissed cliffs, Peru’s iconic Incan citadel is the perfect setting for “The Emperor’s New Groove”, the zaniest of Disney’s royal tales. Animators trekked through the Urubamba Valley, gathering inspiration for jaguar-filled forests, llama drama, and a capital city worthy of an overconfident young emperor who simply needs a good friend.
 

Riquewihr, France (Beauty and the Beast)

If Belle’s “poor provincial town” seems too picturesque to be real, you haven’t seen Riquewihr. Tucked among Alsace’s vineyards, this French fairytale village is all flower boxes, cobbled lanes, and half-timbered houses that practically hum with song. Together with nearby Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr provided the idyllic backdrop for Belle’s bookish musings and baguette-filled mornings. Be our guest!
 

Samoa (Moana)

A deep dive into Polynesian life was non-negotiable for a film as rich in culture as “Moana”. Disney’s research voyage led them across the Pacific, dropping anchor in Samoa, Tahiti, Mo’orea, and Fiji. While Motunui is a fictional island, its soul—lush, volcanic, and teeming with oceanic spirit—is most closely mirrored by Samoa. To ensure authenticity (with mixed reviews), Disney gathered cultural experts to form what they called the “Oceanic Story Trust”. And while Maui’s legend is larger-than-life, the real magic here is the islands themselves, born not just of myth, but of millennia of heritage.
 

St. Olaf’s Church, Norway (Frozen)

Tucked beside the enchanting Sognefjord, St. Olaf’s Church is the type of place that feels synonymous with being plucked straight from a fairytale—and in a way, it was. When Frozen's art director, Michael Giaimo, ventured through Norway’s dramatic fjords and storybook towns, this charming stave church left its mark. It became the inspiration for the chapel where Elsa is crowned queen, its wooden spires echoing the old-world beauty of Arendelle. And it even lent its name to everyone’s favourite hug-loving snowman. Icy magic, meet Nordic charm.
 

Sydney Harbour, Australia (Finding Nemo)

“Finding Nemo” splashed across Australia’s coastline with the native coral-coloured dreams of the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Harbour’s urban sparkle. Nemo’s grand escape leads Marlin and Dory on a wild, current-surfing ride with chill turtle bros to Sydney, where the adventure greatly heats up—greedy gulls, heroic pelicans, and one seriously stressful fish tank. After snapping a selfie at the Harbour Bridge, head over to Sydney Fish Market—but beware: those seagulls don’t just say “Mine” for fun.
 

Temple of Zeus, Greece (Hercules)

He’s strong, he’s sweet, he’s got a pet Pegasus—and his story starts atop Mount Olympus. Disney’s “Hercules” may have taken a few liberties with ancient myth, but the nods to Greece’s architectural majesty are unmistakable. The chief among them is the Temple of Zeus in Athens, whose stately ruins echo through the film’s heroic training montages. Meanwhile, Phil’s Island is likely inspired by Rhodes. The Greek gods may be dramatic, but their ancient playground? Positively divine.