Walt Disney World’s architecture is known for its stunning design and attention to detail. Though they’re undoubtedly eye-catching and immersive, the elements of Walt Disney World are far from original. Many of the buildings in the theme parks are variations on real-world locations that bring authenticity and realism to a world that’s otherwise steeped in fantasy.
From the authentic Hollywood flair in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the realistic touch of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the parks are filled with mimics that give an Imagineer’s touch to everyday features from around the world.
1. Grauman’s Chinese Theater
TCL Chinese Theater
Image: Chris Tse, Flickr (license)
Inspired: The Great Movie Ride, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Great Movie Ride’s exterior was carefully constructed as an exact replica of what was at the time Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. This historic movie palace offers the perfect housing for an attraction that’s designed to transport you into classic films. The original Chinese Theater opened in 1927. It’s hosted major movie premiers such as the 1977 Star Wars as well as Academy Awards ceremonies and other special events.
In 1968, the theater became a historic and cultural landmark. Ted Mann purchased the property in 1973 and renamed it Mann’s Chinese Theater through 2001. Today, it’s known as the TCL Chinese Theater and features an IMAX theater inside.
Great Movie Ride
Image: Joel, Flickr (license)
The replica Chinese Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios was always meant to stand at the end of the street, immediately visible upon guests’ entrance into the park. For many years, the sorcerer’s hat obstructed this view, much to the chagrin of Great Movie Ride Cast Members. In 2015, the Sorcerer’s Hat was removed from the park, leaving the Great Movie Ride’s theater façade to shine once again.
2. Pan-Pacific Auditorium
Pan Pacific Auditorium
Image: whitewall buick, Flickr (license)
Inspired: Entrance Gate, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Though it no longer stands, the entrance to Pan-Pacific Auditorium was nearly identical to the entrance gates for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The auditorium was constructed in Los Angeles’s Fairfax district, and opened in May, 1935. During its lifetime, the auditorium hosted the Harlem Globetrotters, Ice Capades, and Elvis Presley. Both Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon addressed audiences in the building.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Image: Christian Lambert, Flickr (license)
The auditorium closed in 1972 and earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Unfortunately, the iconic building was later destroyed in a fire. Today, the remarkably similar gates to Hollywood Studios offer a glimpse at the glory of this historic structure.
3. Chateau De Chillon
Chateau de Chillon
Image: Faustino Garcia, Flickr (license)
Inspired: Eric’s Castle, Fantasyland
Fans of The Little Mermaid will find it nearly impossible to look upon the elegant seaside walls of the Chateau de Chillon without thinking of Prince Eric’s castle. This Swiss Cultural Heritage Site was occupied as early as the Bronze Age. Written accounts of the castle date back to 1150.
Eric’s Castle in Fantasyland
Image: Julie, Dave & Family, Flickr (license)
From the colors to the construction, Prince Eric’s castle in the new Fantasyland mimics the historic stylings of this castle in Veytaux, Switzerland.
4. Chateau De Chambord
Chateau de Chambord
Image: Cristian Bortes, Flickr (license)
Inspired: Beast’s Castle, Magic Kingdom
Chateau De Chambord, a castle in Loir-Et-Cher, France, inspired Beast’s Castle in the original animated Beauty and the Beast. Construction on the chateau began in 1519 when Francois I commissioned the architectural masterpiece. Construction finished in the 17th century under the reign of Louis XIV. The elaborate exterior of the chateau closely resembles the castle drawn for the film. Its surrounding forest environment is similar to the setting used for the movie as well.
Beast’s Castle
Image: Anna Fox, Flickr (license)
When Beast’s Castle came to the new Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom, it retained many of its original features, and includes turrets that still mimic the design of the French chateau, though Beast’s roofs are shaped slightly differently.
5. Hollywood Tower Apartments
Hollywood Tower Apartments
Image: Loren Javier, Flickr (license)
Inspired: The Tower of Terror, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Hollywood Tower Apartments are widely credited with inspiring the architectural features of the Hollywood Tower Hotel that houses The Tower of Terror attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The apartment building was constructed in 1929 in Hollywood. Designed by Cramer & Wise, this historic building is considered a national treasure, and earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Disney’s Tower of Terror
Image: Chad Sparkes, Flickr (license)
The similarities in the buildings is less obvious here than in some other Disney constructions. However, the towering design, eye-catching roof line, and glowing Hollywood Tower sign are in evidence on both buildings. Imagine the Hollywood Tower Apartments with a pinkish cast, and you’ll notice the resemblance even more.
6. Lamu, Kenya
Lamu, Kenya
Image: Xiaojun Deng, Flickr (license)
Inspired: Harambe Market, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
When Imagineers were designing the vibrant streets that would serve as Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, they headed to Lamu, Kenya for inspiration. This seaside town has the perfect combination of weathered buildings and tourist charm. A Unesco World Heritage site, Swahili culture thrives here, giving it an authentic air that Disney would naturally want to mimic in its own African village.
Harambe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Image: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr (license)
You can see signs of Lamu in the architectural lines, building styles, and vibrant marketplace stalls that abound in Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom. It’s details like these that make Animal Kingdom so successful at giving guests the sense that they’re traveling around the world.
With a close eye for the architectural details in the parks, you’ll find many more areas that aren’t original to Disney, but are taken straight from the streets of locations around the world.
