20 Breathtaking Real-Life Places That Inspired Disney Movies

Located right in the center of Agrabah near the Jordan River, the Sultan’s Palace is visible no matter where you are in town.

The Sultan’s Palace was loosely based on this architectural wonder in Agra, India. Although the Taj Mahal is a tomb, not a palace, we can see the inspiration come through in the movie’s storyline as well. For example, Aladdin has a pet monkey and Jasmine has a tiger—two animals Agra is known for.

After a spell is cast on this Baroque-style castle, it becomes a dark and mysterious place—until Belle breaks the curse, that is.

The Beast may have been cursed, but his castle was modeled after quite the elegant abode. This stunning château in central France is characterized by its distinctive French Renaissance architecture.

Belle lives in a peaceful, secluded village filled with charming local vendors, such as a flower shop and a book store.

Belle’s hometown features many architectural details reminiscent of the northeastern region of France. And while the town’s inspiration is unconfirmed, the movie offers small hints of Alsace culture beyond the town square, like the design on the wine bottles featured in the film.

When Tiana and Prince Naveen tie the knot, they do so at the most beautiful place imagineable.

As a nod to New Orleans, the wedding location resembles St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States.

Rapunzel was born in Corona, an island topped by a towering castle and surrounded by the sea.

Created by Queen Elsa as a place she could live in isolation, the Ice Palace is quite the sight to behold.

If you spend the night in Quebec City’s ice hotel, we won’t blame you for belting out a verse or two from “Let it Go.” Being surrounded by snow vaults and crystalline ice sculptures will truly make you feel like a snow queen.

Located in the Scottish Highlands, Princess Merida resides in this stunning fortress with her royal family during the Medieval period.

Brave may be a fairytale, but the places that inspired Disney are very real. This iconic castle overlooks the sea on one side and rolling Scottish highlands on the other—just like DunBroch.

Located on the shores of a mountainous region, Prince Eric’s castle overlooks Ariel’s underwater home.

This historic monument dates back to the twelfth century and is thought to be the inspiration for Prince Eric’s Castle, given its lakeside location.

As the leader of a poor village, Pacha lives in a hut at the top of a hill—the very spot Kuzco wants to build his ginormous summer home, Kuzcotopia.

While Incan influence is evident throughout the movie, Pacha’s village may just be the most obvious—the hill is actually based on a very familiar looking mountain: Machu Picchu.

After being cursed by Maleficent, Princess Aurora is placed under a sleeping spell inside this towering castle.

Not only did this striking castle provide inspiration for the movie, you can see a real-life version of Sleeping Beauty’s castle inspired by the German palace at Disneyland.