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Disneyland Handcrafted

Play trailer 2:26 Poster for Disneyland Handcrafted 2026 1h 19m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Disneyland Handcrafted reveals the extraordinary artistry and grit it took hundreds of craftspeople to bring Walt Disney's impossible dream project of Disneyland to fruition -- from groundbreaking to Opening Day on July 17, 1955. The documentary captures both the legacy and nostalgia of the year leading up to the creation of the Disneyland Resort. Through newly unearthed materials from the Walt Disney Archives, Iwerks and her team uncovered long-forgotten 16mm film reels and audio recordings. The result is an unpolished, fly-on-the-wall perspective that captures what was truly happening behind the scenes, told through the firsthand accounts of the artists, craftsmen, and Imagineers who were there.
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Disneyland Handcrafted

Critics Reviews

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Sheri Linden New York Times 5h
Disneyland Handcrafted is instead an immersive bit of time travel, spun out of 16-millimeter footage from the months leading up to the park's opening day. Go to Full Review
Bill Brioux Brioux.tv 7h
We’ve seen glimpses of this footage before, on Disney shows and Iwerks’ earlier docs, but never to this extent. Go to Full Review
Jennifer Green Common Sense Media 9h
3/5
This calmly paced, behind-the-scenes documentary will engage older audiences and Disneyland fans (of which there are, of course, many). Go to Full Review
Dirk Libbey CinemaBlend 1d
4/5
Serious Disney fans will love to get this new perspective on such a well-known place. Everybody else will still appreciate watching the incredible undertaking that was Disneyland come together. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Joe P @Jperz 23h Disneyland Handcrafted is a beautiful tribute to Walt’s vision. The documentary celebrates his relentless drive to bring Disneyland to life while capturing the deep nostalgia so many of us feel for the park. The imagery is stunning, immersive and truly a joy to watch. From the early days when former orange groves were transformed into something entirely new to the "archaeological" details still visible in the park today, the film highlights how every element was intentionally imagined and crafted. Disneyland Handcrafted will fill your heart with joy, spark your imagination, and remind you why Walt’s dream continues to resonate today. See more kandis K. @wareagle73 1d I had no idea it was completed in just 1 year! And that’s just the start of what I learned from this documentary that heralds the feat of building Disneyland! The craftsman and builders are nostalgic heros of an amazing film. Definitely worth the watch… See more Alex S. @alexshepler 1d A beautifully crafted film. Leslie and the whole Disneyland team did such an incredible job showcasing this story of resilience and determination! A must watch for any Disney fan. See more Ed R @JustcallmeER 1d A magical documentary of the design and build of Disneyland with the real life photos of the 1950's! See more Kelsey N @LightsCameraMagic 1d Disneyland Handcrafted feels like a love letter—not just to Disneyland, but to the people whose hands, patience, and pride built the park we all know by heart. As a longtime Disney fan (and a total sucker for old-school Americana), this documentary hit in the best way. It slows things down and reminds you that Disneyland wasn’t just designed, it was made. What I loved most is how Disneyland Handcrafted reframes the park experience. The next time you walk through Disneyland, you’ll notice things you never clocked before. The hand-painted lettering, the texture of a prop, the wear that tells a story. It makes the park feel more human, more alive, and honestly even more magical. This isn’t a flashy behind-the-scenes exposé, it’s a thoughtful, heartfelt tribute. If you love Disneyland for its history, its details, this film feels like coming home. Highly recommend for Disney fans, creatives, and anyone who believes that craftsmanship still matters. 🎨✨ See more Claire E @eclairecake 1d This film is soooo impressive. Obviously the story of what Walt Disney and his team were able to accomplish in only 10 months is incredible, but what I found even more compelling was the making of this film. Leslie Iwerks and her team used only silent found footage. They digitally remastered it, mixed in sound, and edited the clips into a cohesive chronological storyline. Such impressive technical skill. See more Read all reviews
Disneyland Handcrafted

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Movie Info

Synopsis Disneyland Handcrafted reveals the extraordinary artistry and grit it took hundreds of craftspeople to bring Walt Disney's impossible dream project of Disneyland to fruition -- from groundbreaking to Opening Day on July 17, 1955. The documentary captures both the legacy and nostalgia of the year leading up to the creation of the Disneyland Resort. Through newly unearthed materials from the Walt Disney Archives, Iwerks and her team uncovered long-forgotten 16mm film reels and audio recordings. The result is an unpolished, fly-on-the-wall perspective that captures what was truly happening behind the scenes, told through the firsthand accounts of the artists, craftsmen, and Imagineers who were there.
Director
Leslie Iwerks
Distributor
Disney+
Production Co
Leslie Iwerks Productions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 22, 2026
Runtime
1h 19m
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