Disney films don’t just entertain—they inspire us to dream, imagine, and explore. Many of their most beloved stories are set in locations that were inspired by real places, from sun-kissed islands and icy kingdoms to bustling cities and timeless villages. For those who love both Disney magic and travel, this guide brings the two together.

Here are the best Disney movies to watch before packing your bags—and the real-world destinations you can explore to bring those stories to life.

Inspired Destination: Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawaii

Moana’s journey across the ocean is a heartfelt tribute to the ancient Polynesian navigators. The film’s vibrant landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and rich cultural heritage are all drawn from real locations in the Pacific.

Travelling to the Polynesian islands offers more than just stunning beaches. In Fiji or Samoa, you can explore traditional villages, witness fire dancing, and hear stories passed down through generations. Tahiti enchants with its overwater bungalows and coral reefs, while Hawaii provides dramatic volcanoes, lush rainforests, and strong community traditions rooted in respect for nature.

Cultural immersion activities like lei-making, traditional canoeing, or attending a luau will bring Moana’s world to life in the most authentic way.

Inspired Destination: Norwegian Fjords and Towns

The kingdom of Arendelle in Frozen was largely modelled on the spectacular natural beauty and architecture of Norway. From dramatic fjords to wooden stave churches, the influence is unmistakable.

Travellers to Norway can begin in Bergen, often dubbed the ‘real Arendelle’. This UNESCO-listed town is surrounded by mountains and fjords and features colourful wooden buildings that feel straight out of the film. The Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most iconic fjords, offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and boat tours.

You can also visit Oslo to explore its Viking museums and Akershus Fortress—its medieval design served as visual inspiration for Elsa and Anna’s castle. In winter, Norway becomes a true snowy wonderland, perfect for those who want to follow in the footsteps of Frozen’s heroines.

Inspired Destination: Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara

The sweeping savannahs and iconic wildlife in The Lion King are a direct reflection of the East African landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania. This region is renowned for its national parks, rich biodiversity, and deep-rooted tribal cultures.

In the Serengeti (Tanzania) or Maasai Mara (Kenya), you can witness the annual Great Migration—an awe-inspiring event where millions of wildebeest and zebras move in search of fresh grazing. The sunrise over the plains, silhouetted by lone acacia trees, looks exactly like the film’s opening scenes.

Safari lodges offer everything from luxury experiences to rustic adventures, with expert guides leading you in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, and hyenas. Many itineraries include visits to Maasai villages, where you can learn about their customs, dress, and language—offering a deeper connection to the 'circle of life'.

Inspired Destination: Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and the Châteaux of the Loire Valley

Belle’s provincial French village and the Beast’s enchanted castle are not merely fairytale fantasies—they’re rooted in France’s real-world charm. The story captures the rustic elegance of small towns and grand palaces.

Riquewihr and Eguisheim, located in the Alsace region, are known for their timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and flower-filled balconies. These villages seem untouched by time, and walking through them feels like stepping into the opening scene of Beauty and the Beast.

Further south, the Loire Valley is dotted with castles that could have inspired the Beast’s home. Château de Chambord is one of the most striking, with its blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, grand staircases, and fairy-tale towers.

Spend your days wine tasting, cycling between villages, or enjoying a picnic by the riverbank—all with the timeless elegance of Belle’s world as your backdrop.

Inspired Destination: Paris, France

Few Disney films capture the soul of a city quite like Ratatouille. From the banks of the Seine to the gourmet kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants, this love letter to Paris showcases the City of Light in all its splendour.

Start your adventure in the Latin Quarter with a visit to Rue Mouffetard, one of Paris’s oldest and most atmospheric market streets. Here, you’ll find fromageries, patisseries, and cafés that might have inspired Gusteau’s kitchen.

A walk along the Seine takes you past Notre-Dame and towards the Eiffel Tower—one of the film’s recurring motifs. You can even book a fine dining experience at a rooftop restaurant to recreate the film’s iconic skyline scenes.

To fully embrace Remy’s spirit, consider taking a French cooking class and learning how to make ratatouille from scratch. Your taste buds will thank you.

Inspired Destination: London, England

Set in a whimsical version of Edwardian and 1930s London, Mary Poppins Returns captures the charm of the city’s leafy streets, lamp-lit avenues, and rooftop views.

Begin your journey in Kensington Gardens, where the original Mary Poppins stories were set. Walk through the Italian Gardens, visit the Peter Pan statue, and enjoy an afternoon tea nearby. From there, stroll through Notting Hill with its pastel-coloured houses and antique shops.

Take a boat ride through Little Venice or explore the canals of Camden—modern equivalents to the film’s fantastical worlds. Don’t forget to stop by St Paul’s Cathedral, where the “Feed the Birds” scene was famously imagined.

You can even catch a musical version of Mary Poppins in the West End, continuing the magic into the evening.

Inspired Destination: Huangshan Mountains, Xi’an, and the Great Wall

Mulan draws from both Chinese history and folklore, featuring majestic mountains, ancient architecture, and themes of honour and bravery.

The Huangshan Mountains (Yellow Mountains) in Anhui Province offer a dramatic and misty landscape that feels straight out of the film’s battle scenes. The jagged peaks, hot springs, and pine trees are among China’s most photographed natural wonders.

In Xi’an, home of the Terracotta Warriors, you can explore China’s imperial past and learn about the real-life military traditions that shaped Mulan’s story. Beijing offers access to the Great Wall, particularly the Mutianyu section, where you can hike through centuries of history while enjoying panoramic views.

These sites reveal the strength and spirit that define Mulan’s journey—from obedient daughter to legendary warrior.

Inspired Destination: Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef

The vibrant underwater world of Finding Nemo was inspired by one of the planet’s greatest natural wonders—the Great Barrier Reef.

Based in Queensland, this UNESCO World Heritage site stretches over 2,300 kilometres and is home to thousands of species of marine life. Cairns and the Whitsundays are popular gateways for snorkelling and diving tours. Many eco-conscious operators offer trips that include marine education, helping you appreciate the delicate beauty of this ecosystem.

On land, explore the Daintree Rainforest or take a trip to Sydney to visit the famous Opera House and Aquarium—where parts of the film’s storyline unfold.

When you're floating among coral gardens or lounging on a tropical beach, the reef brings Nemo’s world to life in unforgettable ways.

Inspired Destination: San Francisco, USA and Tokyo, Japan

The futuristic city of San Fransokyo in Big Hero 6 merges two dynamic cities: San Francisco and Tokyo. Each offers its own unique blend of innovation, culture, and energy.

In San Francisco, explore landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alamo Square, and Chinatown. The city’s steep hills, trams, and waterfront make it one of America’s most photogenic and walkable cities. For tech lovers, Silicon Valley is just an hour away and offers glimpses into the future.

Tokyo, on the other hand, dazzles with its high-rise skylines, quirky themed cafés, Shinto shrines, and robot shows. Shibuya Crossing, Akihabara’s tech district, and Harajuku’s fashion scene provide an exciting contrast to its peaceful gardens and temples.

Together, these cities offer the perfect double-destination for fans of innovation and adventure.

Inspired Destination: Kauai, Hawaii

The island of Kauai provided the backdrop for Lilo & Stitch—its waterfalls, coastal cliffs, and tropical forests forming the heart of the story.

Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is the oldest and greenest of Hawaii’s islands. Explore the Na Pali Coast by boat or helicopter, hike the trails of Waimea Canyon (often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), and relax on Poipu Beach. Local hula performances and ukulele music bring the cultural richness of Hawaii to life.

In Hanapepe, the real-life town that inspired Lilo’s community, you’ll find art galleries, local food trucks, and that welcoming aloha spirit. It’s a perfect place to experience ‘ohana’—the Hawaiian belief that family means no one gets left behind.

We’ve just travelled through jungles, castles, oceans, and snowy mountains—all from our favourite Disney movies. But guess what? You can do more than just watch the magic on screen… you can actually meet your favourite Disney characters in real life!

Imagine walking through a Frozen Kingdom where it really snows and waving hello to Elsa and Anna. Or hopping on a ride with Baymax, zooming through Tomorrowland like you're a superhero in Big Hero 6. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

At Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, the magic doesn’t stop. The castles are real, the music plays all day, and Mickey and Minnie are right there to give you a hug. There are exciting rides, colourful parades, and the yummiest snacks shaped like your favourite characters. Everything feels like you're inside a Disney movie!

So after visiting the places that inspired Moana, The Lion King, Frozen and more, let’s end our big adventure with the happiest place in Japan—Tokyo Disneyland. Pack your mouse ears, bring your biggest smile, and get ready to say, “Hi Baymax!” because the magic is waiting!