How To Craft A Magical, Disney-Inspired Backyard

If you're charmed by fairytales, playfulness, and spaces that make you smile, then you might be the kind of person who fills their home with delightful Disney décor. You may also want to create a backyard that's inspired by the most magical place on Earth. Of course, while you might assume that popping a few Mickey Mouse-themed sculptures around your yard will do the trick, there's much more that goes into crafting such a special spot. Jeff Morosky, Managing Executive of Landscape Architecture at Walt Disney Imagineering, told Designing Disney, "The visual aesthetic is strongly informed by the storyline of a particular space or place. With that as a touchstone, the 'green' features such as trees, shrubs and groundcovers are selected by the Landscape Architect to support the story and provide the appropriate character."

Morosky certainly knows what it takes to craft a Disney-worthy spot, since he has worked on beloved spaces like Walt Disney World, Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA, and plenty of others. He explained to The Ohio State University, "Every environment that we design and develop is based upon creating a great experience for our guests and the opportunity for immersion with the story." You can capture that same kind of enchanting vibe around your home. All you need to do is incorporate some adorable and idyllic accents into your backyard that will Disney-fy it in simple, stunning, and whimsical ways.

If you have little ones with big imaginations or like to keep the childhood magic alive by playing make-believe yourself, then you may want to add a castle to your backyard. Although a real one will surely be too big — unless you have a particularly large property and a massive budget — a castle-like playhouse should do the trick. While there are plenty of stunning castles around the world that you could take inspiration from, a palace worthy of Cinderella would be perfect for a Disney-themed space. Just think about tiny turrets, mini flags, and faux stained glass windows.

Larger Disney locations like Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park are filled with rivers, small lakes, and countless water features. Each one creates a tranquil spot to stop and enjoy a few calm and restful moments, not to mention an ideal place to daydream. Add the same peaceful feeling to your backyard with a water fountain. Since they come in various sizes, you should be able to find one that's a perfect fit. You'll also be able to track ones down that feature fairytale-worthy woodland animals, quirky cartoon-like creatures, and plenty of adorable artistic details.

If you wander into the forest, you might come across a charming cottage that's the home of a friendly witch or lost princess. Or, at least, that's what fairytales would have us believe. For those who might require a (real) place in their backyard to store a lawn mower and gardening tools, a cottage-like shed might be just what you need. If you aren't in need of a functional shed, then you may want to turn this tiny dwelling into a fort, playhouse, or even a backyard craft room, art studio, workshop, or office.

You and any little ones will feel like you've entered a giant's world when you set up a tent that looks like a massive mushroom. Along with the playful Disney-like shape, the design will bring pops of color to your backyard. Not only will this be the perfect place for kids to play with their imagination, but it can also be a handy spot to get out of the hot sun or pouring rain. If you get a larger tent, then you might be able to set up a table inside to enjoy meals in your mushroom.

Part of the charm of Disney parks is the fact that they create plenty of stunning areas filled with decorative touches that are meant to remind you of the past and story-like settings. That includes the vintage lampposts that can be found lining walkways. While you could always spend some time at markets to try to find genuine antiques, there is also a range of modern versions available that are energy efficient, durable, and look like they were made well over a hundred years ago. Some even have light bulbs that flicker to mimic flame.

If you've ever taken a stroll around EPCOT, then you may know that one way those behind the park create magic is with their pro (and super-talented) landscaping efforts. That includes caring for flowers, hedges, and shrubs that have been shaped to resemble well-known characters. Of course, Disney tends to take its topiary to the extreme when it comes to artistic creations. If you have the talent and resources, then you can certainly do the same. If you don't, then you can opt for simple-shaped perennials like a Mickey Mouse-like hanging plant.

Fairies like Tinkerbell, Fawn, Silvermist, and Periwinkle are treasured — as well as tiny — members of the Disney family. Thanks to their itty-bitty stature, the fictional characters live in homes that are just as small. These abodes are also whimsical places tucked into spots like old hollow trees surrounded by little twinkly lights, cozy moss, and miniature accessories. You can add a fairy house to your backyard by putting a small door at the base of a tree. If you're thrilled by how it turns out, then you can add an entire neighborhood of fairy houses.