Disneyland, known as the happiest place on earth, has welcomed more than 900 million visitors since its opening. But in the new documentary Disneyland HandmadeViewers get a rare look back into the park’s early years through never-before-seen footage and stories that reveal just how much work it took to make Walt’s dream come true, and how close it came to fruition.
We were invited to participate in an advanced media screening Disneyland Handmade Presented by Disney, we can assure you that whether you’re a Disney nerd like us or someone who just loves a good story about creativity, persistence, and the courage to turn your dreams into reality, this movie is a must-see.
The screening also includes a special Q&A with film director and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, who shares insights into the documentary and her personal connection to the story. Iwerks comes from a family steeped in Disney history, being the daughter of Don Iwerks and granddaughter of Ub Iwerks—two film pioneers, Disney legends, and Academy Award winners. Ubu was also the co-creator of Mickey Mouse, and his legacy can be seen throughout the Disney brand. Indeed, we can’t think of anyone better to commemorate the story behind it all.
This movie brought tears to our eyes and here’s why.
Thanks to Disney for inviting us to dine at the AMC® Disney Springs 24 Theater and watch the movie in advance for free.
Disneyland check-in in progress
Sleeping Beauty Castle under construction
Walt Disney gives a speech, as seen in the new movie “Handmade Disneyland”
Built in just one year
Yes, you read that right! Disneyland was built in just one year, and in this film you’ll see firsthand the trials and tribulations behind the park’s rapid construction leading up to its July 1955 opening.
At the time, Disneyland was unlike anything that had ever existed before. This is more than just an amusement park. It’s a theme park designed to bring stories to life, inspire emotions and build memories. Walt Disney was trying something completely new while racing against time.
At the heart of the film is the deep humanity and clear touch that went into the construction of Disneyland despite limited budgets and schedules. From statues and murals to facades and even the walkways beneath your feet, the level of artistry in the park is endless. It was an unprecedented detail, and many thought it was too financially risky, but it was Walt’s dream and he insisted on making it happen, even at the expense of his own livelihood.
It’s not easy. The project is behind schedule, costs are rising, nearly everyone is skeptical, and the pressure is mounting as opening day approaches. Still, watching Walt throughout is particularly compelling because even in the midst of the chaos, he remains calm and collected.
“This is probably the most dangerous decision Walt Disney has ever made,” Iwerks shared during a post-film Q&A. Disneyland faced enormous difficulties, with budget overruns, less than 10 percent of its construction plan completed, and the task of transforming a massive amount of dirt into the Happiest Place on Earth in just one year. But through one man’s vision and the tireless efforts of craftsmen, artists and builders, the dream became a reality.
70 years later, it’s clear that it was all worth it.
Rare footage of Disney Parks handmade
Before Disneyland Opening
one of the most striking parts Disneyland Handmade It’s the lens itself.
Iwerks dug into nearly 50 hours of original archival material from the early days of Disneyland, uncovering actual footage that had been hidden for years in the Walt Disney Film Archives. Included is footage of the park being built from the ground up, as well as rare footage of the artists, craftsmen and Walt Disney Imagineers who worked with Walt on-site in Anaheim in 1955.
Iwerks and her team of professionals worked to restore this rare material, creating high-resolution clips of once-forgotten moments from the early days of Disneyland. One of the most striking facts is that much of the original footage was completely silent. Skywalker Sound recreates authentic sound design from the ground up to make the moments on screen feel immersive and lifelike, as if you were there when it happened.
Leslie Iwerks and her father Don Iwerks
The Iwerks Family Legacy
After watching the film, we also had the opportunity to hear from director and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks during a special Q&A session.
You may recognize Iwerks from her project work, such as Pixar Story, The Imagineering Storyand Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary.,etc.
Iwerks reflects on her family legacy and the emotional impact telling this story had on her. She shared that although her grandfather died when she was just one year old, she has always felt connected to him. She said that through her own work at Disney and her father’s career there, his presence was with her growing up, especially now when she walks the streets of Disneyland.
“When I came to Disney and worked with everyone, it was in my blood and my DNA and it felt like a family. I feel so honored. I’m so excited to be the one who continues to tell and find these stories that you all love to see.”
When and where can I watch Disney Parks Handmade?
You can watch Disneyland Handcrafted on Disney+ and Disney YouTube starting January 22, 2026!
Whether you like Disney history, theme park stories, or just a great origin story, this is a movie worth adding to your watch list!
Disney Parks Handmade Debuts January 22, 2026
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