Every time I watch a Disney movie, I am struck by how beautiful the scenery is. I always think to myself that there is no way some of the places are real, and it’s true! They aren’t real, but there are real places like the places in those movies that would most definitely succeed in taking your breath away in person. Here is a list of those places as well as the movies you can pretend to be in while you’re there. Sing, dance, and twirl as much as you want. I won’t tell anyone.
1. Brave: Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire Scotland
Dunnotar Castle in Scotland is a medieval fortress that stands ruined in Scotland. The effect of this is that it looks like a huge rock with grass and tower-like structures protruding from it. It’s the kind of place I could imagine Merida either living in or trying to escape her parents in. With the castle being right on the coast of Scotland, it’ll be sure to make you feel otherworldly. The Castle has a history that you can uncover while you’re there. If you’re really feeling it, you can even contact someone to have your wedding there!
2. The Princess and The Frog: French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Princess and the Frog is set in 1920’s New Orleans so, unfortunately, that New Orleans is gone, but the current one does look very much similar! French Quarter is one of the more historic places in New Orleans that’ll make you feel like you traveled back. In French Quarter is Bourbon Street which is one of the most popular streets in New Orleans, where you’ll be sure to find a place for those delicious beignets that all sweets-lovers cannot help but have plenty of. And make sure to get Gumbo while you’re at it! Princess Tiana would be ashamed if you didn’t. Bourbon Street is also absolutely gorgeous at night though no reason to be afraid of The Shadow Man; most of the people there are friendly and filled with life. That’s just how it is down in New Orleans.
3. Anastasia: Red Square, Moscow, Russia
Now, the actual Anastasia, Countess Anastasia Vasilyevna Hendrikova, lived in the Catherine Palace. The real Anastasia also has a very tragic story that I won’t go into details about because of just how sad it is. The Catherine Palace is nice, but with red being one of the biggest themed colors in Anastasia, you may want to visit somewhere more cheerful and striking. Red Square in Moscow will definitely have you whisper singing “Once Upon a December”. It is a city square that has many gorgeous buildings such as the State Historical Museum and St. Basil’s Cathedral. The square is vibrant and even has an impressively shopping center. It is a vacation, after all. You’ll definitely need a full day to see everything here.
4. The Little Mermaid: Venice, Italy
The Little Mermaid is actually set in North Jutland, Denmark, but the best way to feel like a mermaid is to travel by water. That’s why Venice, Italy is the best way to feel truly connected to Ariel. With so many beautiful signs and gondolas galore, you can’t be bored. And don’t worry, there are plenty of chances to walk around if you get tired of gondola travel. Even Ariel got tired of the sea, after all.
5. Moana: Maui, Hawaii
I didn’t want to give a sell-out, but if you love Moana and go to Hawaii, Maui has got to be on your list of places to travel. With its clear blue waters, lush green land, it’ll be impossible not to feel one with the landscape. Just be careful to actually explore the Island rather than fall for the few tourist traps. I’m sure nobody would judge you too hard if you began to mumble-sing a few verses of “You’re Welcome.”
Keep a look out for the second part of this with 5 other places to visit to make you feel like a main character in a Disney film.