The magic of Walt Disney’s original dream comes to life in Disneyland Handcrafted, a beautifully crafted feature documentary from filmmaker Leslie Iwerks that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the bold and uncertain year that gave birth to The Happiest Place on Earth. Built from rare archival footage and original audio recordings, the documentary pulls back the curtain on the incredible amount of risk, debt, and determination that went into creating Disneyland.
It is not just a story about building a theme park — it is a story about believing in something so strongly that you are willing to risk everything to make it real.
As someone who lived in California for 15 years just minutes from Disneyland—visiting the park weekly—and now lives in Florida near Walt Disney World, I consider myself both a lifelong Disney fan and a Disney history enthusiast. Even with that background, Disneyland Handcrafted taught me things I had never known about the creation of Disneyland. The documentary does an excellent job showing just how uncertain the future was during those early days, and how many people doubted Walt’s vision.
Leslie Iwerks brilliantly sets the stakes of what was on the line — massive financial debt, long workdays, and countless creative obstacles — while also showcasing how every inch of Disneyland truly was handcrafted with love, artistry, and imagination. Walt Disney wasn’t just building a park; he was building a place where families could experience joy together in a way the world had never seen before.
The most powerful aspect of the film is how deeply inspiring it is. Viewers will walk away reminded that Walt Disney was told repeatedly that his dream was impossible and unrealistic — yet he kept going. That message resonates loudly today: dream big, take risks, and don’t let anyone tell you that your idea is too crazy.
Despite the many setbacks and challenges, Disneyland has gone on to welcome over 900 million guests since opening day, proving that one man’s bold dream changed the world of entertainment forever.
Disneyland Handcrafted begins streaming on Disney+ and Disney’s official YouTube channel on January 22 and is a must-watch for Disney fans, history lovers, and anyone who believes in the power of dreaming big.
Review by Steve Sievers Bionic Buzz®