Amazing Destinations that Served as Disney Inspiration
Visiting Disney World or Disneyland can feel like you have literally stepped into the pages or screen of a fairytale. Did you know that many of Disney’s attractions and films are inspired by actual spots around the world? Disney’s Imagineers pull inspiration and creative ideas from many avenues, and the ones below are just a few you are able to visit IRL.
Matterhorn, Mountain, Switzerland; inspiration for Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland
The Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles
Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles; Inspiration for Disney World’s Tower of Terror
Early Hollywood Academy Awards Ceremonies, plays staring famous actors and actresses such as Mae West and Katherine Hepburn, and more recently the set of the semi-finals for American Idol, the glitzy Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California, is famously known for many things. It’s possibly most well known, especially among Disney lovers, as inspiration for Tower of Terror, one of Disney’s favorite rides. If you are planning to visit Disney World in the next year and your heart is set on experiencing this well loved ride, you may need to schedule another trip down the road: work is set to refurbish the attraction later in 2022 and into early 2023. If you want to experience the real deal, however, the actual hotel in Los Angeles remains open and accepting reservations for your next trip to the Golden State.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany; Inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Disneyland
Arguably all castles have a fairytale feel, but some clearly more than others. Neuschwanstein Castle, pristinely placed tucked away in the German Alps, served as Walt Disney’s inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland in California. The original architect of Neuschwanstein was said to be a dreamer much like Walt Disney himself, and he built the castle as a tribute to his favorite art and poetry. Like our most loved Disney movies, the walls of Neuschwanstein are said to be delicately decorated to tell tales of triumph, failure, love, and heartbreak. Tours of the castle are open daily, so you can experience it for yourself if you make your way to Germany.
Zambezi River, Africa
Zambezi River, Africa; Inspiration for Disneyland and Disney World’s Jungle Cruise
Flowing through six countries in Africa and home to Victoria Falls, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Zambezi River is the 4th largest river in Africa and is as impressive as it is famous. It’s natural plants and trees along the river’s edge largely inspired Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise architect. What originally were mostly faux plants gradually transitioned to real ones by the 1990s to resemble as close to a real life jungle as you can get without making the trip to Africa.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico, Inspiration for Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean
Built in the 16th century as a military fort in San Juan to protect the Puerto Ricans from pirate invasions, the impressive fort is still standing and welcomes many visitors daily (see below: Kevin and I toured the grounds when we were in San Juan earlier this year!). The fort’s architecture inspired Disney Imagineers when creating the family favorite ride Pirates of the Caribbean. While waiting for the ride to start, visitors walk through Disney’s take on the replica of the fort, with a name creatively shortened to Castillo del Morro.
Kevin and I visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Puerto Rico, before boarding SeaDream
Cadillac Ranch, Texas
Cadillac Ranch, Texas; Inspiration for Disney’s Cars Franchise
Along historic Route 66 Highway (locally called Route 40) in Amarillo, Texas, you will find 10 colorfully spray-painted Cadillac cars buried half way in a roadside attraction named "Cadillac Ranch”, which opened in 1974 by a collective group of artists named Ant Farm. Disney Pixar’s Car franchise paid homage to the famous roadside stop with their own Cadillac Range in the mountains surrounding Radiator Springs.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona; inspiration for Big Thunder Mountain
Visionary minds draw from their surroundings, and Disney’s Imagineers are some of the most creative around. Let our team know next time you are ready to add a little Disney magic and inspiration to your next adventure!
