Chicago truly captivates with its magical charm, and the enchantment continues with the recent unveiling of Disney100: The Exhibition in Logan Square this past November. We made it our mission to uncover the city’s hidden gems that sprinkle a touch of magic into our day. Dive into the list below to discover the Disney-inspired locations in Chicago that we recommend for an extra dose of pixie dust!
1. Get a behind-the-scenes look of your favorite Disney films at Disney100 Exhibit
A unique Disney exhibit is now open in Chicago, giving you the chance to get a closer look at the new Exhibition Hub Art Center Chicago. Discover over 250 rarely seen works of art, artifacts, costumes, props and other memorabilia as you explore ten themed galleries. View exceptional costumes worn by some of your favorite Disney characters, and hear moving stories from your most treasured films. Delve deeper into Disney like never before at this unique experience in Chicago.
2. Go back to where it all began by visiting the birthplace and childhood home of Walt Disney
Walt Disney’s two-story wood cottage in Hermosa offers Chicagoans a chance to witness where the magic began! Constructed in 1891 for $800 by Elias Disney, Walt’s father, with architectural plans designed by his mother, Flora, this historical home is a rare gem. While generally closed to the public, the house opened its doors during the Chicago Architecture Center’s annual Open House last fall and for Walt’s recent birthday celebration. Stay tuned for more opportunities like these to explore the place where Walter Elias Disney was born on the second floor in December of 1901!
🏠Learn more about Walt Disney’s birthplace home here!
3. Ride the carousel at Lincoln Park Zoo
One of our favorite zoos in the country happens to be right here at home—Lincoln Park Zoo. Not only is it one of the few free zoos in the U.S., but it’s also a wonderful place to stroll and observe animals in their natural habitat. Our favorite part? The carousel, transporting us into the magical world of Mary Poppins. Don’t forget to include it on your next visit to Lincoln Park Zoo.
🎠 Spend the day at Lincoln Park Zoo and visit the carousel!
If you’re exploring Disney100: The Exhibition, be sure to catch a glimpse of the actual carousel horse from the film, proudly on display for all to enjoy!
4. Find charming ‘Up’ houses around Chicago…minus the hundreds of balloons to let them fly away!
Chicago boasts several ‘Up’ houses reminiscent of the Disney film, with various neighborhoods featuring colorful homes similar to the iconic flying abode. From Logan Square to Lincoln Park, these unique residences add a touch of magic to the city’s skyline, evoking the spirit of adventure and creativity portrayed in the heartwarming tale of ‘Up’. Explore Chicago’s streets to discover these real-life houses that playfully echo the animated wonder of Disney’s storytelling and have helped prevent them from becoming massive condo buildings or shopping complexes.
🎈Want to see more of these charming homes? Check out 15 around the city!
5. Enjoy the 3D Le Petit Chef dinner experience that reminds us of the fan-favorite Ratatouille movie
Le Petit Chef takes you on the ultimate gastronomic adventure, providing an immersive experience of art through dining. This joyous 3D animated dinner, presented by TableMation Studios, is the finest way to savor a five-course meal within a virtual reality dinner theater! Marvel at each dish, skillfully prepared by the tiny French chef standing only 2 ½ inches tall. We were enchanted by the unique character of each course, complemented by delightful wine pairings. The whimsical presentation and culinary mastery of Le Petit Chef vividly remind us of the charm found in the Disney film Ratatouille.
6. The famed Edgewater Beach Apartments have Alice In Wonderland-inspired hedges
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The pink Edgewater Beach Apartments boast a storied history, having opened their doors in 1928 and enticing affluent Chicago residents into a resort-style lifestyle. Today, this historic building holds landmark status on the National Register of Historic Places since 1994. While functioning as a private apartment complex, you can catch glimpses of it during events such as the annual Sheridan Road Art Walk, Edgewater Historical Society’s annual home tour, Edgewater Neighborhood Yard Sale, and the Chicago Architecture Center’s annual Open House Chicago. Don’t miss the chance to admire its famed, award-winning gardens, featuring topiaries straight out of Alice in Wonderland—including heart shapes. Take a closer look at the Maltese-Cross shape and explore its luxurious Beaux-Arts style indoor pool.
7. Step into ‘Frozen’ by visiting our many Ice skating rinks around Chicago
Glide into winter in Chicago by lacing up your skates and exploring the city’s enchanting ice rinks. With 11 magical locations, each offering its unique charm, you can feel like you’re gliding into a scene from Frozen. Some rinks provide a stunning backdrop of the iconic skyline, adding to the charm. Whether it’s the picturesque setting of Millennium Park or the festive atmosphere at Maggie Daley Park’s iconic skating ribbon, there’s a perfect spot for everyone to enjoy ice skating in the heart of Chicago.
⛸️ Explore all 11 ice rinks here!
8. Feel like a royal at the Palmer House Hilton
The moment you step into Chicago’s Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, the extravagance of this historic establishment, billed as the longest continually operating hotel in America, becomes evident. For an enchanting experience fit for royalty, we recommend stopping at the immaculate Lockwood bar – the closest thing we have to a palace while you enjoy specialty cocktails and decadent bites. Marvel at the exquisite Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Winged Angel candelabras and take in the 21 Greek Mythological frescoes adorning the ceiling. These frescoes were meticulously restored in 1996 by Lido Lippi for the hotel’s 125th anniversary – the same painter who contributed to the restoration of the Sistine Chapel. Embrace the regal ambiance and create memories worthy of a prince or princess at this timeless Chicago gem.