Creating the Happiest Place on Earth
At Destination D23 2025, the Creating the Happiest Place on Earth panel celebrated Disneyland’s past and looked ahead to its future. Susan Egan, the original Broadway Belle and voice of Megara in Hercules, hosted the event. She welcomed a lineup of creative legends. Leslie Iwerks, Emmy- and Academy Award–nominated documentarian, revealed her latest project. Don Hahn, producer of Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King and co-author of The Happiest Place on Earth book, reflected on Disney’s storytelling legacy. Emo O’Brien, a historian who helps preserve Disney history, shared insights into the park’s cultural impact. Imagineer Chris Beatty, with projects across Walt Disney World and Disneyland, announced a long-awaited update to the Carousel of Progress.
A New Documentary from Leslie Iwerks
Leslie Iwerks, known for documentaries like The Imagineering Story, surprised fans with the announcement of a brand series, Disneyland Handcrafted. This project will dive deeper into Disneyland’s legacy and its influence around the world. Fans also enjoyed an exclusive first look, which included never-before-seen footage of the construction of Disneyland. The new documentary is set to arrive this winter on Disney+ and Disney on YouTube.
Don Hahn’s Perspective
Veteran Disney producer Don Hahn shared personal stories and reflections on Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland. He tied his comments to the book ” The Happiest Place on Earth, which he co-authored. Hahn stressed how creative risk-taking and innovation helped Disneyland remain timeless.
Carousel of Progress: 30 Years in the Making
Imagineer Chris Beatty closed the panel with an announcement that had been decades in the making. The Carousel of Progress attraction will finally receive a long-awaited update. After thirty years without major changes, the attraction will feature new storytelling elements and refreshed design details. These updates will carry forward Walt Disney’s optimistic vision of the future in a way that feels current and inspiring.
The update will also include a new opening scene featuring Walt Disney himself.
