A Glimpse Into Disneyland’s DNA
At Destination D23 2025, Disney fans celebrated the announcement of a new documentary: Disneyland Handcrafted. The film premieres this winter on Disney+ and Disney’s official YouTube channel. Directed by Academy Award® and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, it invites viewers to step back 70 years and witness the effort, passion, and imagination that built Disneyland.
Disneyland Handcrafted, a new documentary by Leslie Iwerks, debuts this winter on Disney+ and YouTube with rare footage of Disneyland’s construction.[/caption]
From Orange Groves to Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney’s original dream rose from the Anaheim orange groves in the early 1950s, and for the first time, audiences will get an unfiltered look at what it took to make the impossible happen. As Walt himself described, Disneyland was “the greatest gamble” of his life—and somehow, against all odds, it opened on July 17, 1955.
This new film captures that story with a modern lens, showing just how much craftsmanship and determination went into creating the park that has since inspired millions around the globe.
Rare Archival Footage
Disneyland Handcrafted promises never-before-seen archival footage pulled from the Walt Disney Film Archives. Fans will be treated to:
- Construction crews hard at work under tight deadlines.
- The creation of iconic lands and attractions from scratch.
- Early Imagineers and craftsmen pieced together the park detail by detail.
- Quirky moments and “fly-on-the-wall” views that bring humanity to the story.
The Iwerks Legacy
Filmmaker Leslie Iwerks knows Disney history better than most. She is the granddaughter of Ub Iwerks, who co-created Mickey Mouse, and the daughter of Don Iwerks, a Disney Legend in technical innovation. Leslie previously directed The Imagineering Story on Disney+, which became an instant fan favorite. With Disneyland Handcrafted, she’s once again blending family history with Disney magic.
More Than a Documentary
Combined with candid interviews and restored footage, it will feel like walking alongside the builders of Disneyland in 1954.
When and Where to Watch
The film is set to premiere this winter (2025-2026), though an exact date has not been announced. The first trailer debuted during Destination D23 2025, and fans can expect more previews in the months ahead. Whether you watch on Disney+ or catch it on YouTube, this will be a must-see for any Disney fan.
