Disney+ has offered up another documentary aimed at giving us a glimpse into the world of Disney. This time, the focus is on the beginning, the very beginning. Disneyland Handcrafted (2026) is a Disney+ documentary directed by Leslie Iwerks that follows the overwhelming task of constructing Disneyland in one year. The documentary includes archival footage and audio to tell the tale of the craftspeople who brought a dream to fruition. Disneyland Handcrafted includes restored, never-before-seen footage from film archives of the construction of Disneyland. Iwerks’ inclusion of media coverage and home-video-like shots shows us the inner workings of creating a theme park. We get to see a new viewpoint with the documentary’s inclusion of overhead shots and ground footage, along with audio from those who were there. We see footage of the dangers of moving dirt around orange groves in Anaheim, as well as the stress of opening day. The documentary shows us a behind-the-scenes look at the stress and hardships that each day brought in order to get the theme park open in a year. A daunting task.
Disneyland Handcrafted: One Year, One Dream, and the Workers Who Made It Real
Like other documentaries done by Leslie Iwerks (The Imagineering Story), Disneyland Handcrafted provides another look into the workings of Disneyland, from someone who grew up around Disney. The documentary chooses to focus on the creators and craftspeople who built Walt Disney’s dream. It offers an inside view of the inner workings of a theme park opening, one of the most famous at that. The videos of ordinary people with amazing talent creating the places we have all seen in person or on TV make you appreciate Disneyland more. It shines a spotlight on those who don’t always get accolades for all they do. The artistry that went into creating an experience, mostly by hand, is astounding. Many shots included in Disneyland Handcrafted show artisans using various tools to carve shapes into buildings by hand, not plopping up mass-produced parts. Layers of paint are placed on constructed buildings. The documentary shows landscapes being created that will help to tell a story both in rides or among the various lands of the park. The included footage also shows the obstacles of building a river and the boat that will carry visitors to their next destination. Stress levels are high with the looming deadline. You become engrossed in the videos and find yourself rooting for all involved to find the money, place the materials, solve the problem, and finish the park on time. As viewers, we become invested in Disneyland’s completion, just as the director wanted.
After seeing this, walking down Main Street, riding on the steamship, and gazing at the castle will never be the same. As visitors, we should look upon all of these magical touches and think of all the people who worked so diligently to create this space that we often rush past and oftentimes don’t give a second thought to.
The documentary is a must-see for Disney fans. It is also a must-watch for anyone wanting to feel the magic of a time gone by and what can be accomplished when people work together to accomplish a goal. Disney Handcrafted will open your eyes to the tiny details that make us love an immersive experience and how one man’s dream came to life with the help of many talented individuals.
Rating: A
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Disneyland Handcrafted
Oscar and Emmy nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks returns with an all-new Disney documentary giving viewers an up-close look at the dedication, effort, and passion that was required to realize a dream that would go on to inspire millions around the world.
