Through many ups and downs, Disney has still been considered one of the most influential studios in the world. And of course, when it comes to the factors that make this company successful, we can’t forget the creativity and care of its filmmakers pour into even the smallest details, for example the historical references hidden in Disney’s iconic hits.
Most Disney movies are based on real periods of the human world. And to add the authenticity and accuracy to the world that Disney is trying to create on screens, its directors often include some Easter eggs or astonishing details related to true events that once existed in their works. Especially, these allusions are often mentioned in such a subtle way that they can hardly be figured out by children, but thankfully, most adults can enjoy these fascinating scenes.
The Calanais Standing Stones, The East India Trading Company, or The Court of Miracles are just a few of the many historical details that inspired Disney’s animations. If you’re interested in this topic, don’t hesitate to scroll down to discover more!
#1 The journey to a new world of Pocahontas.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World was based on a true historical event – Pocahontas’ trip to Europe. However, unlike the trip full of joy and happiness with her new love interest John Rolfe as the movie described, the trip of real-life Pocahontas was nothing more than a tragedy. She even perished on the return trip.
#2 The costume of Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast is very similar to Napoleon Bonaparte’s.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Did you notice that in the scene where the servants of the Beast fight together to protect the castle from Gaston’s mob, Cogsworth dressed up as Napoleon Bonaparte with his iconic bicorne hat and all?
#3 The East India trading company in Pirates of the Caribbean was real.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
If you are a lover of modern history, you will surely know this company. With the support of the Royalty, the East India Company was once the most powerful business on the globe with its influence spanning seven seas, including the Caribbean.
#4 Queen Victoria was the role model for the Mouse Queen in “The Great Mouse Detective”.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
There are many details in this film that give you hints for this historical reference of Disney: the way the Mouse Queen dresses, acts or even the palace she lives in all remind us of Queen Victoria.
#5 Louis from The Princess and the Frog is basically Louis Armstrong in alligator form.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
These two characters have a lot of things in common: they share the same name and play the same instrument, which is the trumpet. And in case you haven’t gotten this reference yet, the alligator once asked the audience “Y’all heard of Louis Armstrong?”
#6 The Calanais Standing Stones appeared in “Brave”.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
The blockbuster “Brave” includes some very real Scottish landmarks, and one of the most notable is the Calanais Standing Stones which have existed since the late Neolithic Age.
#7 Disney animators redrew some famous works of art in “Frozen”.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
During the scene when the song “For the First Time in Forever” is played, the paintings Anna saw featured recreation of some famous artworks. The real-life paintings referenced in this scene by Disney filmmakers include Brueghel the Elder’s “The Peasant Dance,” Auguste Serrure’s “The Picnic,” and Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “The Swing”.
#8 The statue of Zeus in “Hercules” really exists in real life.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Not only does the enormous stone statue of Zeus that Hercules stumbled across at Olympia is real, but it is also recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This detail certainly can’t be missed by loyal Disney fans, right?
#9 The name “Kuzco” in “The Emperor’s New Groove” is inspired by the name of the Incan capital city.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
In case you are curious about Kuzco, we have you prepared you some interesting information about this city as follows: Kuzco became the Incan Empire’s capital for more than a century, starting sometime around 1400 with a population in its most prosperous time up to 150,000 Incans. Today, the city is located in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba valley of the Andes.
#10 The Land of the Dead in “Coco” is literally based on Mexican history.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Coco” is another successful movie that shows Disney’s efforts in adopting the cultural heritage of countries into its films. Harley Jessup, a production designer even described the structure of the Land of the Dead as the “layered history of Mexico”.
#11 The Court of Miracles depicted in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” used to exist in Paris.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
The slum filled with thousands of homeless people actually existed in Paris in the late 17th century. While it’s not as neat and tidy as it was in the movies, the Court of Miracles still holds an important place in the history of France’s lavish capital.
#12 The belief that chickens can predict the future in “The Black Cauldron”.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Although it sounds quite absurd and can only exist in cartoons or novels, the ancient Romans actually believed that chickens had prophetic powers and often resorted to their help when making important decisions.
