I have had January 2026 circled on the calendar since Destination D23, when Disney first announced Disneyland Handcrafted. Now, that moment is almost here.
This new documentary film arrives at a perfect time, as Disneyland celebrates its 70th anniversary and fans look back at how it all began. Rather than retelling the story through modern interviews, Disneyland Handcrafted places viewers inside the year leading up to the park’s 1955 opening.
What is Disneyland Handcrafted
Disneyland Handcrafted is a feature documentary directed by Oscar and Emmy nominee Leslie Iwerks. The film is built almost entirely from rare archival footage, captured on-site in Anaheim as Disneyland rose from an empty dirt lot to a fully realized park.
Instead of traditional talking heads, the documentary uses original audio, transcripts, and newly constructed sound design to let the footage tell the story. As a result, viewers experience the pressure, urgency, and creativity of the teams racing toward opening day in July 1955.
A Fly-on-the-Wall Look at Disneyland’s Creation
The film follows the rapid construction of Disneyland through the eyes of the artists, craftsmen, engineers, and Imagineers who made it possible. Every scene emphasizes how experimental the project truly was.
At the time, nothing like Disneyland existed. Walt Disney asked his team to build something the world had never seen, on a timeline many believed was impossible. That tension runs through the entire documentary and gives the film its emotional weight.
Leslie Iwerks and a Personal Disney Legacy
For Leslie Iwerks, this project is deeply personal. As the granddaughter of Disney Legend Ub Iwerks and the daughter of Don Iwerks, she grew up surrounded by Disney storytelling, innovation, and history.
That perspective shapes the film. Disneyland Handcrafted does not just document construction. It captures the DNA of Disneyland and the vision that would eventually influence every Disney park around the globe.
Restoring Silent Footage Into a Living Story
Much of the archival footage used in the documentary was originally silent. To bring it to life, the filmmakers worked with Skywalker Sound to create a full soundscape from scratch.
Every hammer strike, engine noise, and ambient sound was carefully crafted. This approach allows modern audiences to feel present during Disneyland’s construction rather than simply watching history unfold.
Premiere Events and Early Screenings
Ahead of its digital release, Disneyland Handcrafted premiered on January 8, 2026 at the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. The blue carpet event brought together Disney Legends, filmmakers, and D23 Members to celebrate the film.
For fans in Southern California, the documentary will also have a limited theatrical run at AMC Burbank Town Center 8 from January 14 through January 20, 2026.
When and Where to Watch Disneyland Handcrafted
Disneyland Handcrafted premieres on January 22, 2026. On launch day, the film will be available to stream on Disney+ and on the official Disney YouTube channel.
This dual release makes the documentary accessible whether you are watching at home, on vacation, or on the go.
A Rare Look at Disneyland’s Construction
This special offers an incredible look at never-before-seen footage from Disneyland’s construction. Viewers get to see the park as it was truly built, piece by piece, under intense pressure and tight deadlines.
Rather than revisiting familiar stories, Disneyland Handcrafted lets the original footage lead. It captures the raw effort, uncertainty, and creativity behind the scenes, giving Disney Parks fans a deeper appreciation for how the magic was made.
Disneyland Handcrafted begins streaming January 22, 2026 on Disney+ and (75) Disney – YouTube
