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Ever watched an animated movie and wondered where they came up with the idea for the location? Or do you find yourself imagining what it might be like to visit it?
Believe it or not, many of the settings in your favourite animated films are based on real places.
6 Must-Visit Locations That Inspired Animated Movies
If you’re looking to travel to a location with your kids that will fill them (and you!) with wonder, here are the spots you should add to your bucket list.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany – Sleeping Beauty
Nothing says fairy tale quite like a castle, and if your little one is a fan of classics like Sleeping Beauty, Germany is where you want to be.
Built in 1869 for the king, this Bavarian castle inspired the design of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, both in the movie and Disneyland. Millions of people have visited the castle to date, and it’s absolutely worth the trip. Just don’t forget the princess dress!
2. Angel Falls, Venezuela – Up
If Up is one of those movies that tugged on your heartstrings, why not see the incredible Paradise Falls in real life?
Angel Falls is the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, located in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park. It’s a truly mesmerising site and a memory you won’t soon forget.
3. The Bahamas – The Little Mermaid
Life is always better at the ocean, especially when you can swim around in crystal blue waters like mermaids.
If you’ve been dreaming about a family escape to the Caribbean and your daughter has dreams about being a mermaid herself, this is the ideal spot for your next vacation. The Bahamas is an almost identical replica of Ariel’s undersea kingdom, Atlantica.
4. Mont-Saint-Michel, France – Tangled
France is a dreamy location all its own, but if Tangled is a fan-favourite in your home, head to Mont-Saint-Michel.
This island commune in Normandy has a fairy-tale castle rising from the sea and served as the inspiration for Rapunzel’s kingdom of Corona. You can even walk to the island at low tide!
5. Jiufen, Taiwan – Spirited Away
Taiwan is diverse and vibrant, so it’s no wonder it made its way into a top animated film.
The charming lantern-lit streets and teahouses of Jiufen resemble the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. If you feel like packing your bags and heading to a place brimming with beautiful culture, Taiwan comes highly recommended.
6. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland – Brave
The mystical highlands and castles of Scotland served as the inspiration for Princess Merida’s kingdom.
It’s hard to beat the view of Eilean Donan Castle at sunset, but doors are open from 10 am if you would prefer to go earlier. The rest of Scotland is also just as magical, so be sure to spend some extra time here if you can.
Magical Movie Locations Await
With so many locations to explore, there’s no reason why all your upcoming holidays can’t be magical!
Just be sure to take the weather into consideration when planning your trip to ensure you can have the most memorable experience possible with your family.
