This critically acclaimed drama by director Sean Baker was filmed in Kissimmee, Florida. Kissimmee is located in the heart of Florida, near Lake Tohopekaliga and the John F. Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island. The city is known for its attractions, such as amusement parks and large shopping centers. Most of the film was shot at the «Magic Castle Inn & Suites» and «Futureland Inn» motels, which became the on-screen home for Moonee and her mother Halley. These bright but dilapidated buildings convey the contrast between the magical world of childhood and the harsh reality of life on the brink of poverty. Additionally, local landmarks such as «Eli's Orange World» and «Jungle Falls Gift Shop» appear in the frame, giving the film a colorful, almost fairy-tale visual style. Despite the difficult conditions in which the characters live, these bright elements help create an atmosphere of childhood optimism and hope that permeates the entire film.

Filming Locations:

Future Land Motel

In the Movie

The scene where a little boy named Dicky runs after his friends, Scooty and Moonee. They head to a dilapidated motel called «Future Land.» Reaching the second floor, the children climb onto the balcony and, laughing, begin to spit down onto a parked car.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the «Paradise Inn» hotel in Kissimmee. It became a key location for filming, transformed into the fictional «Future Land» motel. This modest roadside motel perfectly fit the film's atmosphere, capturing the spirit of temporary housing for families in difficult life circumstances. The «Paradise Inn» building retained its appearance after filming, remaining recognizable among fans of the film. Its facade is a simple two-story structure with rows of identical doors and balconies, typical of inexpensive Florida motels.

Magic Castle Inn & Suites

In the Movie

The scene where during summer vacation, the children spend their days seeking adventures around the motel and its surroundings. One day, driven by curiosity and mischief, they sneak into the utility room and turn off the electricity. Soon the entire motel is plunged into darkness, and its residents, trying to escape the heat, react irritably to the sudden blackout.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the «Developer Inn Highway» hotel. During filming, the motel was called «Magic Castle Inn & Suites.» Nearby is another filming location, «Paradise Inn,» allowing fans to visit two key places from the film in one outing.

Abandoned House

In the Movie

The scene where the children, full of energy and curiosity, decide to explore an abandoned house. The atmosphere inside is threatening and full of forgotten things — dusty walls, scattered old items, and windows through which only dim light filters. Moonee, Jancey, and Scooty have fun playing pranks: they break old toys, bang on doors, and find new ways to cause chaos. However, the situation gets out of control when Scooty finds a stolen lighter and, without thinking about the consequences, decides to set fire to a pillow lying under the chimney.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at an abandoned house at 4778 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee, Florida. This old building, surrounded by rusty fences and overgrown plots of land, looks secluded and lost among more modern structures. It is currently unknown whether the building has been preserved or has already been destroyed.