A Fairy Tale Come True

Great news for Disney fans - Disneyland is set to open its latest theme park in China, Shanghai Disneyland Park on June 16 this year. Everyone loves coming to these parks to experience the magical worlds created in Disney’s famous movies, but did you know that many of these scenes are actually based on real places? From Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to 13^th century castles in Scotland, these stunning locations have been the setting to iconic Disney movies.

Visiting Disneyworld is one way to experience the magic, but what better way to feel fully immersed in the films than visiting the places that inspired Walt Disney himself. Booking.com, which has more great places to stay than any other travel brand in the world, from hotels to guest houses, villas, apartments, treehouses and even boats, has selected some unique accommodations around the world, which will delight fans wishing to holiday Disney style.

Frozen - The Ice Church

In the famous scene where Elsa creates an ice palace while singing ‘Let It Go’ in the 2013 Disney movie, the snowy world and the ice palace are strikingly similar to the Ice Church in Kiruna, Sweden. The church is completely built from ice, even the furniture and walls which are built from ice extracted from the nearest river and located just below the Arctic Circle.

After a long day in the frozen world, rest up nearby at the Máttaráhkká Northern Light Lodge, which is a great spot for viewing the beautiful aurora lights. The Máttaráhkká Northern Light Lodge also provides snowmobile tours and dog sledding safaris, so you can get your full frozen experience – you’ll want to wrap up warm for these adventures!

Máttaráhkká Northern Light Lodge - http://www.booking.com/hotel/se/mattarahkka.en-gb.html

Sleeping Beauty - Neuschwanstein Castle

Located in the south of Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is a work of art created by King Ludwig II, often called the Swan King or the Fairy Tale King. In the classic Disney movie “Sleeping Beauty”, Princess Aurora was born in a white castle with similar features and the famous castle logo of Walt Disney also originated from this striking creation.

Visitors can stay in Villa Jägerhaus, a lovely country-style hotel with beautiful views of the surrounding castles and countryside. This idyllic hotel is also walking distance from Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle for those who wish to explore the area on foot.

Villa Jägerhaus: http://www.booking.com/hotel/de/villa-jagerhaus.html

Finding Nemo – The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This heartwarming Pixar film takes place deep in the ocean, amongst the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Clownfish Marlin set out to find his son Nemo back in 2003 and since the film’s release this destination has attracted visitors from all over the world who want to explore this iconic reef. Cairns is the ideal place to try out diving and snorkeling and where you might even spot Nemo yourself. Cairns also has a wide choice of fantastic restaurants and nightlife.

After days spent underwater rest up on land nearby at Waters Edge Apartment Cairns. These apartments are one of Booking.com’s top picks for Cairns due to its amazing location and the buildings private swimming pool perfect for days spent paddling and soaking up the Australian sun.

Waters Edge Apartment Cairns - http://www.booking.com/hotel/au/waters-edge-apartment-cairns.en-gb.html

Tangled - Mont-Saint-Michel

We all know the tale of Rapunzel - the Princess of Corona who was kidnapped as a baby because of her magical hair and locked up to spend her entire life in a tower. The city of Corona in the movie “Tangled” was inspired by one of Frances most stunning sights, Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. Located on a mountain on an isolated island, it is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Ferme Saint Joseph - Gites provides self-catering holiday homes and boasts beautiful views of Mont Saint-Michel. This working farm even also allows you to bring pets along for the stay. Facilities include a relaxing indoor pool and bike rental, which is the perfect way to discover this area.

Mouton Blanc hotel: http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/ferme-saint-joseph-gites.en-gb.html  

Brave - Eilean Donan

Located in the deserted western Highlands of Scotland, Eilean Donan is one of the most recognizable castles in Scotland, situated on its own little island overlooking the Isle of Skye -at the point where three great sea-lochs meet. In the 2012 Disney movie “Brave”, the red-haired princess Merida lived in a castle inspired by Eilean Donan. Built in the 13^th century as a stronghold to defense against Vikings, it is now a truly breathtaking sight. If you’re visiting, spend a night at Glencoe House - the private dining room of this country house hotel offers you spectacular mountain views, breakfast, and a warm fireplace.

Glencoe House: http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/glencoe-house.html