Pinocchio Inspired Travel

“I’ve got no strings to hold me down, to make me fret, or make me frown. I had strings, but now I’m free, there are no string on me!” — I’ve Got No Strings (Pinocchio)

I thought it would be fun to do a series of blogs that explore where a fan of a certain movie may want to travel.  This could get challenging for me as the movies go on, so be sure to come back each time I switch movies to see what I come up with!

Pinocchio Park (Collodi, Italy)

This is a MUST for a Pinocchio fan.  Keep in mind that this is based on the original novel, not Disney but it’s still a Pinocchio fan’s dream!  This park is 2 hours away from Siena and opened in 1956. This charming, storybook-themed park brings Carlo Collodi’s timeless tale to life with whimsical sculptures, interactive exhibits, and enchanting pathways that immerse you in Pinocchio’s adventures. From the playful characters scattered throughout the park to the nostalgic atmosphere that captures the heart of the classic story, Pinocchio Park offers a delightful journey for visitors of all ages, connecting you with the legacy of Italy’s most beloved wooden boy.  There are statues of the characters, adventure courses, a museum, butterfly garden, and most of it is pet-friendly!  It’s currently open March - November.

Vernante - the Town of Pinocchio

In this town, you can find large cartoons on the walls showing the story of Pinocchio - there are 150!  The reason this town received this is because the illustrator of the first color edition of the original novel ended up living there; and after his death, his partner donated his artwork to the city which they placed in a museum that you can still visit.  There are other architectural wonders to explore and you can’t forget to check out the food!  Verante is known for “siule piene” which is baked onions stuffed with potatoes, leeks, chard, spinach, and rice.

Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Park in Paris

Photo credit: Maya (@Mouseketeermaya on Instagram)

While my home park of Walt Disney World does not have a Pinocchio attraction, only a quick service dining location, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Park in Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland have the attraction Pinocchio’s Daring Journey.  All 3 are the same in story, but the artwork varies from park to park.