‘Disneyland Handcrafted’ Documentary Takes You Back to Opening Day
Get ready to witness history like never before!
Photo: Disney
The Disneyland Handcrafted documentary premieres January 22 on Disney+ and Disney YouTube, taking viewers on an intimate journey through the rapid construction of The Happiest Place on Earth in 1955. Let’s get into it!
‘Disneyland Handcrafted’
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, this groundbreaking film compiled nearly 50 hours of raw, never-before-seen archival footage showcasing the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of building Walt Disney’s impossible dream.
The unscripted, fly-on-the-wall perspective reveals what was actually happening during those frantic months leading up to opening day – and trust us, it was intense!
Photo: Disney
Disneyland Handcrafted recently premiered at an exclusive event on The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, where Disney Legends like Josh Gad, Bob Gurr, and Martha Blanding walked the blue carpet alongside Disney stars including Susan Egan (godmother of the Disney Destiny!) and Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano).
Photo: Disney
The energy was electric as guests celebrated this cinematic achievement.
Photo: Disney
What makes this documentary so special? Leslie Iwerks described the filmmaking process as an “archaeological dig,” meticulously uncovering and organizing silent footage that required an entirely new soundtrack of period-appropriate sound effects.
The result is something Disney fans have never experienced before, even if they’ve visited Disneyland a million times.
Photo: Disney
During the premiere’s Q&A, Leslie reflected on Walt’s extraordinary vision and the adversity he overcame: “To think that this was just a dirt lot, and then now there’s 12 theme parks around the world, and this was the blueprint, this was the DNA, for all those places.”
Photo: Disney
The voice of Mickey Mouse, Bret Iwan, called the film “unbelievable,” noting how the unearthed footage made him feel like he was “living vicariously through the footage and feeling the sense of pride as it was getting created, and then the pressure… but also the relief and joy they must have experienced on opening day.”
Photo: Disney
Mark your calendars for January 22 and prepare for an emotional journey through Disney history!
Ready to Experience Disney Magic in Person?
After watching the Disneyland Handcrafted documentary, you’ll be inspired to visit the parks yourself!
Reach out to MickeyTravels to help you plan your perfect Disney vacation – whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, or Adventures by Disney. Their services are 100% FREE!
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