Buildings Featured in Disney Films That Are Real! Here Are Some Real-Life Structures That Inspired Disney Animation
Designers certainly need inspiration in their creative process. This applies not only to architects but also to all fields that require creative thinking. Animators at Disney are no exception. Working on Disney's fairy tale-style animated films is filled with imagination. However, some parts of their visual designs are actually inspired by real-world buildings and locations. Imagine various palaces in Disney princess stories like Snow White and Rapunzel actually have real-life counterparts. Here are some buildings and locations that served as inspiration for Disney animators:
- Sleeping Beauty
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
The luxurious castle featured in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" was inspired by a real castle in Bavaria, Germany. Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1892, was a personal project and a tribute to his favorite composer, Richard Wagner.
- Beauty and the Beast
Alsace, France
Belle's picturesque village in "Beauty and The Beast" was inspired by the region of Alsace in France. The village's distinctive architecture is not just a product of Disney's imagination; it can be found in the Northwestern part of France, particularly in areas with pastoral architectural styles. Despite its small size, Alsace boasts charming and architecturally appealing houses.
- Tangled
Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
The Kingdom of Corona in "Tangled" drew its inspiration from Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. This unique island is separated from the mainland and connected by a causeway that emerges during low tide. In 1879, the connecting bridge was raised to allow access to the island. Mont Saint-Michel was originally a strategic fortress due to its isolation by surrounding seawater and is now a popular tourist destination.
- Aladdin
Taj Mahal, Agra, India
In the Disney film "Aladdin," the opulent Sultan's Palace drew inspiration from the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The Taj Mahal, often mistaken for a palace, is a stunningly beautiful mausoleum built in 1632 in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. This iconic marble structure is surrounded by a picturesque garden with a long reflecting pool leading up to it.
- Mulan
Forbidden City, Beijing, China
Given that "Mulan" is set in China, the film's inspiration naturally came from the country. The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, served as the model for the Imperial Palace in "Mulan." The Forbidden City was once the residence of Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. It was known as the "Forbidden City" because access was restricted to the emperor and those he permitted to enter.
- The Little Mermaid
The story of a mermaid princess and a human prince features a coastal castle that was inspired by Chateau De Chillon in Switzerland, near Lake Geneva. Chateau De Chillon dates back to the Roman period and was used as a fortification guarding the mountain pass through the Alps. Beyond its beautiful design, its lakeside location provides the perfect fairy tale setting.
- Frozen
St. Olaf's Church, Balestrand, Norway
In "Frozen," not only the exterior but also the interior of a Disney film was inspired by a real location. St. Olaf's Church in Balestrand, Norway, served as the inspiration for the chapel featured in one of the film's scenes. This church was constructed by Margaret Green, an Englishwoman, though it was not completed during her lifetime.
- Wreck-It Ralph
Grand Central Terminal, New York
"Wreck-It Ralph" is a unique Disney animated film that delves into the world of video game characters. One location frequently shown is the central station in the video game world. It bears a striking resemblance to Grand Central Terminal in New York. This iconic station, which once suffered a major collapse, was rebuilt in a similar style in 1913.
- Cars
U-Drop Inn, Shamrock, Texas
Ramone's house in the animated film "Cars" is clearly inspired by the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas. This iconic inn, located on Route 66 in Texas, is no longer operational, but its distinctive art-deco design makes it a cultural landmark, receiving a national monument designation.
- Snow White
Alcazar of Segovia, Spanyol
Who isn't familiar with this legendary tale? Snow White, poisoned by an apple, is one of the most famous children's stories. The palace of the evil queen in this tale is inspired by a real castle located in Segovia, Spain. This castle sits atop a hill and looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. The iconic structure, which was already standing during the Roman era, was heavily damaged by a fire in 1862. Its location between two rivers gives it the appearance of a ship's bow.
These are just a few real-world buildings that served as inspiration for Disney's animated films. Which one would you most like to visit?
