Watching movies together as a family can be a delightful form of armchair travel. Destinations as diverse as China, Norway, and Australia suddenly feel within reach. Young minds begin to dream about iconic places such as the Eiffel Tower or adventurous activities like swimming with sea turtles or getting up close to giant pandas.
Need recommendations for your family’s watch list to keep the spirit of travel alive? We’ve discovered real-life settings for 11 animated films that are bound to ignite curiosity in the whole family.
Moana – Motonui
The South Pacific acts as a backdrop in Moana, a story about a girl’s quest to find her identity while making her family proud. The film’s directors visited several islands including Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and New Zealand to create the fictional island of Motonui.
The stunning Tetiaroa atoll inspired the design of Motonui, while Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu mirrors the beauty of this fictional island. For a taste of South Pacific hospitality, consider family-friendly Fiji or Aulani, a Disney resort located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where Moana entertains guests through storytelling and fun activities.
Happy Feet – Antarctica
Mumble, a young emperor penguin, embarks on a quest for love in the icy realm of Antarctica. The film Happy Feet delivers a strong environmental message to children about the importance of preserving Antarctica and its inhabitants.
Consider dreaming of a daring voyage across the Drake Passage to witness the majestic emperor and Adélie penguins that inspired Mumble. The crew’s explorations included Ross Island, Port Lockroy, and Petermann Island, yet every corner of Antarctica promises an extraordinary adventure.
The Secret Life of Pets – New York City
In The Secret Life of Pets, Max, a spoiled terrier residing in New York City, finds his life turned upside down when his owner adopts a street mutt named Duke. Experience the city through Max’s eyes by walking over the Brooklyn Bridge, riding the carousel at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and splashing in the fountain at Washington Square Park.
Your next visit to NYC isn’t complete without exploring the vast 843 acres of Central Park. Discover its beautiful gardens, winding paths, statues, and lakes, not to mention its 21 playgrounds. Don’t miss the Alice in Wonderland statue, driving remote-controlled boats, and singing under the picturesque Bethesda Terrace—this park is a wonderland for both dogs and children!
Madagascar – Madagascar
Follow in the pawprints of Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo on an African expedition. Madagascar showcases the animals from New York City’s Central Park Zoo transplanted to the exotic island of Madagascar.
With 80% of its flora and fauna being endemic, Madagascar is filled with unique wildlife for children to explore, including over 100 lemur species, the inspiration for King Julien. Visiting Lemur Island offers an educational opportunity about conservation as visitors encounter species that have adapted to human presence.
Finding Nemo – Australia
The characters from Finding Nemo can be encountered in reality at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and on Hamilton Island or Lady Elliot Island. This underwater paradise is home to clownfish, seahorses, long-nose butterfly fish, spotted eagle rays, great white sharks, whales, and jellyfish, not to mention the beloved sea turtles from the film.
After his adventure, Nemo ventured south to Sydney, where he was held in a dentist’s office. While there, walk across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, enjoy a family-friendly performance at the Sydney Opera House, and hop on a ferry to discover the breathtaking sights of Sydney Harbour.
Frozen – Norway
For Frozen enthusiasts, Norway belongs on your travel bucket list. Begin in Oslo at Akershus Fortress, the ancient castle that resembles Anna and Elsa’s residence in Arendelle. Continue to the Norsk Folkemuseum to view traditional costumes similar to those in the film, then venture to Balestrand, home to St. Olaf’s Church. Notably, the church appears in the coronation scene, sharing a name with the popular snowman character. No trip to Norway is complete without searching for trolls in Bergen or heading north to witness the magnificent aurora borealis—just like Elsa’s magic.
Rio – Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro serves as the vibrant setting for the animated film Rio. The narrative follows Blu, a macaw taken from his jungle home to Minnesota, who believes he may be the last of his species. This prompts his adventurous journey back to South America to find another blue macaw.
While families might not spot Blu himself in Rio, they can admire over 1,800 bird species native to Brazil. For the adventurous, the legendary Amazon jungle beckons, but for those with younger kids, Rio’s Botanical Gardens offer a closer encounter with 140 bird species, along with wild monkeys and marmosets.
Kung Fu Panda – China
Giant pandas provide a compelling reason for a trip to China, the home of the Kung Fu Panda franchise. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is teeming with the adorable creatures that inspired Po, the reluctant panda hero.
Explore nearby Qingcheng Mountain, where a bamboo forest, serene streams, and lush landscapes serve as the cinematic backdrop for Panda Village (though you won’t encounter any pandas there!). Be sure to savor local delicacies, including Dandan noodles, tofu, and hot pot, which are staples of the region.
Ratatouille – Paris
A culinary journey through Paris follows Remy, the rat aspiring to be a chef in the animated feature Ratatouille. The renowned restaurant, La Tour d’Argent, inspired the film’s Gusteau’s restaurant, while a walk along the Seine showcases landmarks such as Petit Pont, Pont au Charge, and Sainte-Chapelle church.
For something different, visit the Musée des Egouts, a museum honoring the sewers of Paris and the rat-friendly tunnels sprawling beneath the city. For a truly immersive Ratatouille experience, visit Disneyland Paris and dine at Bistrot Chez Remy, where oversized cutlery and cocktail umbrellas transport diners to a rat’s-eye view while enjoying ratatouille.
Paddington Bear – London
Though Paddington originates from Peru, his adventures unfold in London. The story begins at Paddington Station, where the Brown family discovers him. A bronze statue of the polite bear is located here, alongside a Paddington Shop featuring another statue.
Many famous London landmarks appear in the Paddington films, including Serpentine Lake, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, and Buckingham Palace. For sustenance during your adventure, marmalade sandwiches are optional but definitely recommended, as you search for more Paddington adventures across the city on the Pawprint Trail.
Coco – Mexico
The creators of Disney’s Coco explored Mexico to gather insights for their story about the significance of family and following dreams. The charming town of Santa Fe de la Laguna in Michoacán served as inspiration for the Rivera family’s origins.
The historic center of Mexico City presents a wonderful Land of the Dead landscape, where the baroque architecture of the Palacio de Correos, opened in 1907, influenced the Disney animators’ creative vision.
