Disney movies are set in some stunning locations. Explore these real life destinations that both inspired Disney movies and are a perfect location for your next family Disney travel adventure.
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1. La Macarena National Park, Colombia- Encanto
Experience the beauty, food, and culture of Encanto with a visit to Colombia. While plagued with a violent past, Colombia is now a great country for family travel. In fact, Caño Cristales in La Macarena National Park is one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. It is even a meeting point for the Andes and the Amazon and is rich in wildlife.
2. Moorea, French Polynesia- Moana
Motunui is a fictional island, but you can still experience the culture of Polynesia. Visit Moorea to experience both beautiful beaches and Polynesian culture. This island is often overlooked in favor of nearby Bora Bora. However, Moorea is an excellent option when traveling with family. While there, explore the jungle, snorkel with sharks, and relax on white sand beaches.
3. Bergen, Norway- Frozen
Explore the fjords near Bergen for an undeniably Frozen experience. There are many ways to explore the fjords, both on your own and with a group. For an independent excursion, consider the Norway in a Nutshell tour. This famous day trip includes a historical train ride, a beautiful fjords ferry, and other public transit. Alternatively, consider a shorter fjord cruise from Bergen.
4. Iguazu Falls, Argentina- Up
Paradise Falls in Up was inspired by Angel Falls in Venezuela. However, due to political turmoil and high rates of crime, Venezuela is not a safe destination. A visit to Iguazu Falls in Argentina will still fulfill a lot of your Disney travel dreams. While there, experience a beautiful waterfall set in a lush jungle. The national park has been especially well cared for and is filled with interesting wildlife. While you are there, don’t miss out on the adventure of a boat ride under the falls!
5. Colmar, France- Beauty and the Beast
Evidently, Colmar is the town that inspired the village in Beauty and the Beast. This quaint Alsatian town boasts great food, wine, and a charming historical district known as Little Venice. Colmar is both an easy day trip from Strasbourg, and a great base to explore the rest of Alsace.
Read more about our adventures in Alsace here.
6. Maasai Mara, Kenya- Lion King
An African safari is unquestionably a bucket list vacation. It’s also a great family destination. While there, kids that love animals will enjoy spotting their favorite Lion King characters. Exploring the Maasai Mara will certainly be a trip of a lifetime.
7. Oaxaca, Mexico- Coco
Santa Cecilia from Coco is an imaginary town, but you can still experience Dia de los Muertos. Oaxaca is one of the best locations in Mexico to experience this celebration. For a great visit, choose a hotel in the Centro Historico to be nearby the festivities.
8. London, England- Peter Pan
Even though you may not be able to visit Neverland, a trip to London should still be on your list. London is a terrific city to visit with kids. First, it boasts parks and green spaces with great playgrounds. Additionally, there are many family friendly attractions and historical sites. For example, The Hop-On-Hop-Off tour is a great way to orient yourself to the vast city.
9. Tokyo, Japan- Big Hero 6
San Fransokyo, the city in Big Hero 6, is geographically set in California but is a mix of San Francisco and Tokyo. Therefore, it features strong cultural influences from Tokyo. A visit to Tokyo will allow your family to experience a similar technology-forward city. In addition, you will enjoy the same delicious food and bright lights featured in the movie. After exploring Tokyo, spend a few days at Tokyo Disneyland for the ultimate Japanese Disney trip.
10. Cairns, Australia- Finding Nemo
Explore the Great Barrier Reef while searching for Nemo, Dory, and the rest of the Finding Nemo crew. While there, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef will surely be an adventure of a lifetime.
11. Paris, France- Ratatouille
Without a doubt, Paris is one of our favorite family travel spots. The city is largely walkable and also features great parks for stretching little legs. First, get your bearings in the City of Lights with a family tour. Later, extend that Disney magic with a trip to nearby Disneyland Paris.
Read more about our adventures in Paris and at Disneyland Paris.
12. Scottish Highlands, Scotland- Brave
Follow Merida’s adventure through the Scottish Highlands. Scotland is a particularly great location for family travel. Your family will undeniably enjoy the wild, rugged, nature. Families can take archery lessons, ride horses, take a scenic boat cruise and even search for mythical creatures.
13. Beijing, China- Mulan
Beijing is the home of many top cultural sites found in China. Many of these sites are seen in Mulan. Visit the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace to experience Imperial Chinese cultural sites.
14. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda- Tarzan
Despite nobody knowing exactly where Tarzan was set, Rwanda is a great place to see gorillas. A mountain gorilla trek is a bucket list adventure. On this trek, you will spend an hour observing the endangered mountain gorillas in their habitat. However, expect the hike to the mountain gorillas to be long and challenging. Because of this, this trip is not suited for young children.
15. Ranthambore National Park, India
Embark on an Indian safari in search of Shere Khan. The Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places on earth to find Bengal Tigers, as well as ancient ruins. Because access to the park is strictly limited, it is a great place for wildlife viewing. However, don’t expect to find King Louis on your Indian adventure. Orangutans are found only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Looking for Travel Inspiration? Check out these posts:
- 101 Great Destinations for Family Travel
- The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Paris with a Baby
- Complete Guide to Your Northern Ireland Road Trip
