By Kratika Agarwal

The fantastical world of Disney is for everyone, regardless of age. If you are someone who daydreams about exploring the magical lands in these fairytales, we’ve got some great news for you—some of these places actually exist! So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the fascinating locations that served as inspiration for your favourite Disney movies.

1. Elsa’s Ice Palace from Frozen

Elsa’s ice palace is a wonder. Who can forget the iconic song ‘Let it go’ and the sheer power of her magic that created this magnificent structure? Believe it or not, the inspiration for Elsa’s ice palace came from the real-world ice hotel known as Hôtel de Glace in Québec City. Picture yourself surrounded by snow vaults and crystalline ice sculptures, as you explore this enchanting icy wonderland.

2. Pride Rock from Lion King

The breathtaking landscapes depicted in Lion King draw inspiration from the stunning vistas of Kenya. Imagine standing on Pride Rock at Borana Lodge, overlooking the vast savannahs and witnessing the circle of life unfold before your eyes. Kenya’s diverse wildlife and majestic scenery will leave you in awe, and allow you to relive the iconic scene where Simba was presented as the next king.

3. Paradise Falls from Up

Now, let’s take a trip to Paradise Falls and experience Carl and Ellie’s dream to live near the magnificent waterfall, which exists in real life. Paradise Falls finds its real-world counterpart in Angel Falls, located in Canaima National Park, Venezuela. With a height of 979 metres and a width of 807 metres, it is the highest uninterrupted waterfall on the planet. To witness this awe-inspiring natural wonder, you’ll have to embark on boat trips or flyovers, as there are no roads leading to the falls.

4. The town from Beauty and the Beast

Here’s your chance to be a part of the song in which Belle takes you on a tour of her provincial town. The animators took inspiration from the French region of Alsace. In particular, a French town called Riquewihr helped create this picturesque fairytale come to life.

5. The castle from The Little Mermaid

The Château de Chillon in Switzerland gives you the opportunity to experience the magic of Ariel’s stunning castle. The castle’s strong stone exteriors and its prominent location overlooking the waterside views were the key elements that inspired the animators. Imagine strolling through the halls of this majestic castle, capturing the essence of Ariel’s extraordinary journey.

6. Mirabel’s town from Encanto

The Disney team explored Colombian locations like Bogota and Cartagena to fuel their imagination and create the fictional town of Encanto. Walk the streets of these towns to be transported to Mirabel’s unique world.

7. Portorosso from Luca

Inspired by various small towns and villages in Italy like Cinque Terre, the fictional town of Portorosso was a tribute to director Enrico Casarosa’s childhood days in the beautiful countryside.