You can see references to a tiny British settlement in every Disney movie: What is the connection

By TravelWiseOct 22, 2023 17:51 PMNews
Share:
You can see references to a tiny British settlement in every Disney movie: What is the connection
Walt Disney honoured his ancestors in the studio's work. Source: Pexels

You can find a tribute to a village of about 240 people in Lincolnshire, England, in every Disney movie. Few people know, but it was there that the famous Walt Disney drew inspiration for the decor of the recognizable Sleeping Beauty castle that appears at the beginning of films.

In this way, the animator honoured the history of his family, which he learned about during a short trip to the village of Norton Disney. According to the BBC, Disney's ancestors may even be buried in the local cemetery.

On July 7, 1949, the already famous American and his family travelled to the tiny village because they were intrigued by the name, which was similar to the artist's surname.

Walt visited a local church, immersed himself in history, and saw the majestic 14th-century tomb of Sir William d'Isnay, which bore the family coat of arms with three lions. Theoretically, this could have been the American's ancestor as his family had once lived in England for some time.

There is no 100 percent certainty about this as it is difficult to trace the family tree so far back in time, but the animator was definitely impressed and decided to pay tribute to the village where his relatives probably lived.

Walt Disney later reproduced the image of lions on the flag that flies on the castle in California in all Disneylands and at the beginning of each movie. It is a little fuzzy when the camera zooms in closer.

You can see references to a tiny British settlement in every Disney movie: What is the connection
Walt Disney recreates lions on the flag. Source: Screenshot
Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Interior check-in hall at London Heathrow Terminal

UK Tightens Entry Rules with Digital Travel Pass

Jan 24, 2026 19:28 PM
View of Yerevan at sunset with Mount Ararat in the background

Vienna Lands a Direct Airbridge to Yerevan

Jan 24, 2026 18:43 PM

Cagliari Airport Opens Pet Zone for Travellers with Animals

Jan 24, 2026 18:14 PM

Fiumicino Adds New Premium Lounge Option

Jan 24, 2026 17:57 PM
Pedestrians walking in heavy rain during stormy weather

Heavy Rain and Wind Begin to Disrupt Journeys Across Britain

Jan 24, 2026 00:52 AM
Close-up of a power bank with blue charging cables on a white surface

Asiana Tightens Power Bank Rules

Jan 23, 2026 21:45 PM
Hand holding a large water bottle inside an airport terminal

Big Bottles Back: Heathrow Drops 100ml Liquid Rule

Jan 23, 2026 21:29 PM
Street view with Oujda’s clock tower and busy city traffic

Rotterdam Gains Summer Link to Oujda

Jan 23, 2026 21:13 PM
Person using laptop with headphones on an aeroplane

KLM Brings Free In-Flight WiFi to Europe

Jan 23, 2026 04:47 AM

Weather Disruption Prompts Loganair to Offer Flexible Rebooking

Jan 23, 2026 04:34 AM

Edinburgh Airport Clears Up Hand Luggage Confusion

Jan 23, 2026 04:21 AM
Scrabble tiles forming the word fraud

UK Visa Scam Alert Hits Cyprus Applicants

Jan 23, 2026 04:19 AM
Colourful breakfast and brunch dishes on a table with natural sunlight

Airbnb Adds Meal Delivery Twist with Chef-Made Dishes

Jan 22, 2026 04:36 AM
Aerial view of Nice marina with yachts and hillside apartments under a clear sky

Bratislava Lands New Budget Route to the Riviera

Jan 22, 2026 04:23 AM
Person viewing airport departure screens with camera on shoulder

Europe Faces Widespread Flight Disruptions

Jan 22, 2026 03:48 AM

Spain Rail Crash Disrupts Travel and Triggers Price Spikes

Jan 21, 2026 23:15 PM

Lisbon Gains New Direct Link to Athens

Jan 21, 2026 22:52 PM
Sun loungers and parasol on a tropical beach

Manchester Lists Winter Sun Deals Starting at £30

Jan 21, 2026 04:34 AM
Airliner at a remote airport stand at sunset

European ‘City’ Airports That Are Nowhere Near the City

Jan 21, 2026 03:37 AM
Air France aircraft taking off against mountain backdrop

Air–Rail Link-Up Expands as OUIGO Joins Train+Air

Jan 21, 2026 02:05 AM
Rail workers walking across tracks during maintenance works

Aberdeen Station Faces Three Weekend Shutdowns for Track Renewal

Jan 21, 2026 00:18 AM
Rocky coast with boats anchored in clear turquoise water.

Munster–Osnabruck Lines Up Strong Holiday Summer 2026

Jan 20, 2026 23:32 PM

More Airlines Ban In-Flight Use of Power Banks

Jan 20, 2026 05:32 AM

Montenegro Cuts Fares on Key European Routes

Jan 20, 2026 04:37 AM
Renfe high-speed trains at a station platform

Spain Locks in €60 National Transport Pass for January

Jan 20, 2026 03:28 AM
Passenger drinks a cold beverage while seated by an aircraft window

Plane Water Study Raises Fresh Concerns About Hot Drinks On Board

Jan 20, 2026 02:34 AM