Turning Disney Into Reality
Welcome to the last (planned) installment of our Into Reality Series.
As I was researching the various movies and television shows for the other two posts linked here and here, I started to find a trend of animated classics coming from beautiful areas of European countries. Unlike the other posts, I’ve opted to forgo the summaries and head straight into the shared characteristics of each. How can these be turned into inspiration for your next trip?
Let’s dive right in and see!
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I’m sure you heard all the Corona jokes during the beginning of 2020, but did you know Tangled’s kingdom is based on a real town? In the Normandy region of France with a history dating back to the 11th century lies Mont St Michel. The island is surrounded by sandbanks, so it is rarely surrounded by water. Embark on a full-day tour of the city where you can learn the history of the Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel, the abbey for which the island was known. Then, spend the afternoon walking the Grand Rue. This charming street is lined by tightly packed stone houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. These of which are now occupied by souvenir shops, cafés, restaurants, and hotels.
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It’s well-known that Beauty and the Beast takes inspiration from France, but do you know where exactly? Chateau Chambord is where they based the Beast’s castle! I suggest heading out on a several-day French chateau experience by starting at this famous site. Enjoy private tours of Chambord and Chateau de Blois, two of the Loire Valley’s finest chateaus, and stunning examples of the grand architecture and gardens that make chateaus such icons of the French aesthetic. As you travel, head towards the French-Germany border to a region called Alsace. This region is where you’ll find inspiration for Belle’s town. Stroll along the streets and get lost in the various little towns that fill this not-quite-French but not-quite-German area.
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Situated on an island where three lochs meet is Eilean Donan Castle. Inspiration for Castle DunBroch in the 2012 Disney film Brave. Although it was first inhabited in the 6th century, the first fortified castle came around the 13th. Since then, four different versions of it have stood. We were lucky to stumble upon it this April. I suggest heading out on (at least) a 3-day trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye. You’ll see the Glencoe region (Fort William included for you Outlander fans) and head to the Eilean Donan afterward for a tour. You can explore nearly every area of the castle still! From there, it is a short drive to Skye where you’ll find the fairy gardens and pools, which I’ll discuss in upcoming posts.
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Elizabeth’s Tower, also known as Big Ben, is probably the world’s most famous clock and is located in the heart of London, England. Unfortunately, it was closed when I was there in 2017 for renovations (see right.) Although it has made appearances in several Disney like The Parent Trap and Soul, I decided to highlight one of the classics, Peter Pan. The city has so much to see and do that I had to include it on the list. After checking Big Ben out, see other nearby stops like the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. Then, see if the queen is in residence at Buckingham Palace. The Royal Standard flag will be flying if she is there!
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Released in 2021, Luca takes place in a seaside town in the Italian Riviera named Portorosso. In real life, this town is based on Monterosso in Cinque Terre. Spend a day, weekend, or week exploring the five towns of Cinque Terre. From the history of this unique area to sipping wine in a typical trattoria, there is plenty to do and see!
Are you looking for a more hands-on experience? Try your hand at a pesto-making lesson!
P.S. This is pretty high on my must-do list!
Did any of these surprise you? Inspire you? I think I’ll head to Monterosso and see if I can catch Luca or perhaps get lost sipping wine and eating pasta. Next time you are watching a movie with the kiddos (or enjoying it yourself,) I encourage you to find where the inspiration came from.
Happy Travels, Hannah
P.S. If you are ready, head to the Book Now section for a 1:1 consultation about your next trip!
