Walt Disney World settings are pretty fantastical most of the time. The Hundred Acre Wood, Neverland, Tatooine: these are just a few examples of the World’s other-worldly locales.
But some of the most iconic places in Walt Disney World are based on real life ones — and we’re not just talking about the countries in Epcot!
We’re taking a look at six of the most recognizable spots in Disney World and the real-life inspirations behind them.
1. Main Street, U.S.A – Marceline, Missouri
Turn of the century Main Street, U.S.A., was inspired by Walt Disney’s boyhood home of Marceline, Missouri. This photo shows Marceline in 1888, similar to how Walt would remember it. His family only lived there for five years (1906 – 1911), but he remembered it fondly, even saying, “I’m glad I’m a small-town boy, and I’m glad Marceline was my town.”
While Main Street is supposed to represent any Midwest town of this era, it’s clear where Walt found his influence.
2. The Hollywood Brown Derby — The Hollywood Brown Derby, California
The Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios‘ Signature Restaurant, is designed after a real L.A. hotspot of the same name.
Located on the corner real-life Hollywood & Vine, this location of the Hollywood Brown Derby (yes, there was more than one) was where the who’s who of Tinsel Town rubbed elbows. It was complete with caricatures of celebs (also seen at Disney World), and some of the menu items are the original recipes!
Click here for all the details on Disney’s Hollywood Brown Derby — including reader reviews!
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris — The African Savannah
Animal Kingdom’s flagship attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris, clearly takes its inspiration from the real trees and bush of Africa. Imagineers not only needed to create a realistic environment for the guests but for the four legged residents as well.
Disney imported seeds from 37 countries when building Animal Kingdom, mixing savanna species with local varieties. They recreated termite mounds and broken trees that really exist in the African bush — thanks to elephants!
4. Cinderella Castle — Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
While many castles provided inspiration for Magic Kingdom’s icon, none were as influential as the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. (We know: Cinderella is a French tale — but the castle has lots of Bavarian flavor!)
The stunning castle was built in the late 19th century and features soaring turrets and dramatic colors.
5. Crossroads of the World — Crossroads of the World, California
Crossroads of the World is the welcoming beacon in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The merchandise location sells a few items — autograph books, pins, etc. But you can clearly see the inspiration from the original Crossroads in Los Angeles!
Crossroads of the World was the first outdoor shopping mall in the U.S.. It was designed to resemble an Ocean Liner, and in many ways it inspired Walt Disney to use buildings to help tell the story of his Parks. The Hollywood Studios’ Crossroads is almost identical — with a Mickey on top, of course!
6. Expedition Everest — Namche Bazaar, Nepal
Imagineers spent a lot of time in Nepal and surrounding countries when developing the land of Asia in Animal Kingdom. They studied the architecture, decor, colors, and landscape in great detail.
The fictional Disney village of Serka Zong, which is located at the base of the Forbidden Mountain, is heavily influenced by the Everest base town of Namche Bazaar.
7. Haunted Mansion — Harry Packer Mansion, Pennsylvania
While there is more than one historic house that inspired Disney’s ghostliest attraction, there is no spot more obvious than the Harry Packer Mansion in Pennsylvania.
Imagineers used the gothic inspiration for this version of the Mansion, as it differed greatly from the Southern Manor style in Disneyland. The Harry Packer mansion is super creepy, but it totally works with the mansion vibe. It is missing 999 happy haunts, though… at least we hope so.
So what do you think of the real-life inspo into these iconic Disney sights? Let us know in the comments!
Interested in Disney history and Imagineering details? Take a look at these recent posts:
- 4 Trees You'll Only Find at Disney Parks
- 6 Retired Disney World Animatronics We Miss
- Do You Remember These 9 Short-Lived Disney Attractions?
- I Bet You Don't Know Which Attraction Was Inspired by Fantasia!
- What's Left of Disney-MGM Studios 30 Years Later
- 10 Walt Disney World Attractions Walt Had a Hand in Creating
Another interesting article. Thanks Molly.
Hi Molly,
I really enjoyed reading this article. I’m from PA so I will have to check out the Parker Mansion. I’ll be careful !
When I taught Kindergarten we had a little, paper guy we sent to various places . His name was Flat Stanley and he traveled to the Walt Disney Elementary School in Marceline, Missouri. The teacher there sent pictures of the inside of the school that had Disney murals.
Keep these interesting stories and videos coming.