Peek beyond the magic of Disney Parks with Behind the Attraction, the Disney+ original series from executive producers Dwayne Johnson and Brian Volk-Weiss. Blending interviews, archive footage, and behind-the-scenes access, this series unveils the stories behind some of the most iconic Disney attractions around the world.
We had the opportunity to attend a D23-hosted virtual press conference, which featured highlights from the series and offered exclusive insight into its creation.
A Deeper Look at Disney Parks Attractions
Behind the Attraction explores the origins, development, and evolution of fan-favorite rides. The first season debuted on July 21, 2021, with five of the ten total episodes released on day one. These include:
- Jungle Cruise – From Harper Goff’s design to Dwayne Johnson’s favorite jokes.
- Haunted Mansion – A perfect mix of spooky and silly, from Disneyland to Mystic Manor.
- Star Tours – How it launched the path to Galaxy’s Edge.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – The transformation into Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Space Mountain – From concept to global legacy, plus the TRON connection.
Inspired by Walt Disney’s Immersive Vision
While Walt once said, “It all started with a mouse,” many would argue it truly started with Walt’s own dream of immersive storytelling. Behind the Attraction celebrates that vision by revealing how Main Street, U.S.A., the original “immersive land,” inspired decades of Imagineering innovation.
D23’s Jeffrey Epstein describes the series as ” giving viewers an exclusive peek behind the curtain” of Disney’s most beloved destinations and technologies.
Series Creators and What’s to Come
Directed by Brian Volk-Weiss, creator of The Toys That Made Us, the series is executive produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz, and Kevin Hill (Seven Bucks Productions). Each episode delves into the creative, technical, and emotional processes behind attractions we thought we already knew.
The remaining episodes include:
“Castles”
Explore how Disney castles—from Sleeping Beauty Castle to Cinderella Castle. Each became a global icon and central to every Disney park’s identity.
“Disneyland Hotel”
Discover how Walt Disney’s partnership with Jack Wrather brought the Disneyland Hotel to life, paving the way for future Disney resorts.
“It’s a Small World”
Born at the 1964 World’s Fair, this timeless ride delivered a message of global unity and set the stage for future flume and Audio-Animatronic attractions.
“Trains, Trams, and Monorails”
Explore Walt’s fascination with transportation, from steam trains to skyliners. And how it shaped Disney Parks’ unique mobility systems.
“Hall of Presidents”
Trace the history of Audio-Animatronics from Abraham Lincoln to the present day. And learn how Walt’s childhood admiration for Lincoln changed theme park storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Behind the Attraction isn’t just a documentary—it’s a celebration of Imagineering ingenuity. Through interviews, never-before-seen concept art, and historical context, each episode showcases what makes Disney Parks truly special.
And yes, this series is far beyond the behind-the-scenes specials of the ‘90s. It’s authentic, emotional, and packed with storytelling details fans crave. Whether you’re new to Disney+ or a longtime park-goer, this series is a must-watch.
