As I go about my day, staring out of the window onto a very wet London (most of the time, anyway), I realise, it’s no wonder we Londoners crave magic in our lives. 90 minutes or so of pure escapism to a world where princesses have icy powers, lions can talk, and nannies can fly, after all, sounds like complete bliss – but it’s the kind of bliss that can only be found in a certain comfort. Disney.
Even 100 years on, Disney’s crown remains untilted. It’s an icon through the generations, a marvel that will outlive us all, and most of all, a part of our lives worth celebrating. Need even more Disney in your life? We’ve rounded up the most extraordinary Disney experiences in London. Bibbidi, bobbidi, boo.
1. Search for Wendy and Peter at Big Ben
The London landmark synonymous with Peter Pan, Big Ben famously featured in the beloved children’s film of the same name, in which fans may remember Peter, Wendy, and co. flying around the iconic clock tower through the night. Now, of course, this movie was animated, but fans can visit Big Ben at any time of day they wish, while gazing into the sky and imagining the gang floating among the stars.
Unfortunately, this won’t transport any of us to Never Never Land (and tbh, I’m glad because Captain Hook scares the living daylights out of me), but there’s certainly a moment to be had as the clocktower glows orange among the London sky.
2. See the Pride Lands come to life in The Lion King
If you’re a Disney fan and haven’t had a chance to experience The Lion King on stage just yet, bump this to the top of your list. Now one of the most popular stage shows in London, The Lion King brings Simba’s story to life in a whole new way, with puppetry, incredible costumes, beautiful effects, and, of course, classic music you’ll recognise from the original film.
It’s been running for 24 years already and has cemented itself as the show to see at the Lyceum Theatre. Get tickets here.
3. Channel your inner fashionista at Liberty London
Liberty London played a key part in Cruella’s story in the recent live-action film, Cruella, catapulting the character’s interest in fashion and she lands her dream job at the famous department store. Both the interiors and stunning Tudor exterior were used in the movie, and fans can potter around the beautiful store just as Emma Stone did when filming the hit movie. Thankfully, with no Dalmatian skins in sight. Liberty London, Regent St., Carnaby, London, W1B 5AH.
4. Go merch mad at the Disney Store, Oxford Street
Any Disney fan worth their salt will have visited one of the UK’s many Disney stores, but despite that, every visit is just as magical as the first.
London’s Disney store can be found on the busy Oxford Street, and is home to the widest selection of official Disney merchandise. Think Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and all your favourite classic Disney characters – all under one roof. It’s a fantastic place to pick up children’s Disney-themed costumes, toys, gifts, games, and more, and, of course, every Disney fan’s new must-have item: the Baby Yoda plushy. Disney Store, 350-352 Oxford St, London, W1C 1JH.
5. See the nanny we always wanted at the Mary Poppins Statue, Leicester Square
One of Disney’s most iconic characters, Mary Poppins, stands (or should I say, floats) proudly in Leicester Square, and celebrates a century of cinema at the iconic London film location. The supercalifragilisticexpialidocious statue is one of twelve, however, is the only nod to Disney of the dozen.
The stunning sculpture depicts Mary Poppins in her most iconic form, her giant bottomless bag in one hand and a flying umbrella in the other. Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DE.
6. Fall in love like Pongo and Perdita at St. James’s Park
If you, like me, grew up on the 1996 version of 101 Dalmations (and were absolutely terrified by Glenn Close’s Cruella), you might recognise St. James’s Park. The gorgeous park plays the backdrop to wear Pongo and Perdita experience love at first sight, alongside their owners Roger and Anita, who catch each other’s eye too.
It’s a moment that sets up the rest of the film, and leads to a dangerous adventure for Pongo, Perdita, and their many, many puppies. St. James’s Park, London, SW1A 2BJ.
7. Escape to Neverland at the Aqua Shard’s Peter Pan Afternoon Tea
A magical dining affair set high up in the sky above London (kind of like the above scene we spoke about when Peter and co. fly around Big Ben), Aqua Shard’s afternoon tea is a heavenly treat for Disney fans. Served daily, the showstopping afternoon tea takes inspiration from the classic fairytale, with a cakestand at its centre providing a nod to the Jolly Roger.
That isn’t the only nod to Peter Pan, however. On the stand, guests will find finger sandwiches wrapped in the Lost Boys rules, Tinker Bell cookies, scones in a treasure chest, a jelly Tick-Tock the Crocodile, Hook’s ‘Perish’ cake and so much more.
The dining experience brings the story to life in a unique (and edible) manner, and fans will love uncovering the many subtle details throughout. Aqua Shard, Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY.
8. Visit the Lost Boy himself at the Peter Pan Statue, Kensington Gardens
Once you’ve got into the Peter Pan spirit at Aqua Shard, you can head over to Kensington Gardens to see the leader of the Lost Boys’ very own statue. Found on the Bayswater Road side, the magnificent bronze statue depicts Peter Pan blowing his pipe on the top of a tree trunk, with various other characters from the story climbing towards him. Kensington Gardens, London, W2 4RU.
9. Get inspired at 50 Smith Street in Chelsea
At this point, you’ve probably realised, Mary Poppins and London go hand in hand. Not only was the story set in London, but the creator of Mary Poppins resided there, too, at number 50 Smith Street in Chelsea. Pamela Lyndon Travers OBE, more commonly known as P.L. Travers, was the author who dreamed up the iconic nanny, and even has her own Disney film telling the story of how Disney came to purchase the rights from the author.
Travers moved into the property following success with her Mary Poppins book series, and lived there for almost twenty years before relocating to the US. Today, Disney fans can easily identify which house was Travers’, thanks to a large blue plaque adorned on the exterior. It was here Travers lived and worked when finalising the deal for Disney to create the now-iconic Mary Poppins movie.