Get ready for a journey back in time to the very beginnings of Disneyland! A special screening of the upcoming documentary 'Disneyland Handcrafted' has revealed some fascinating insights.
The documentary, set to premiere on January 22, 2026, on Disney+ and YouTube, offers an exclusive glimpse into the construction and opening day of the original Disneyland. A select few were treated to a preview screening at Disney Springs on January 13, including two cast members from the park's opening year. Disney kept the identities of these cast members under wraps, but the term 'opening year' suggests a broader timeframe than just the opening day.
One intriguing detail is the resemblance of one cast member to Tom Nabbe, a Walt Disney Legend. While it's unconfirmed if Tom was present, his potential involvement adds an exciting layer to the story. The documentary also shines a spotlight on Admiral Joe Fowler, a notable figure in Disney history, after whom a boat at Walt Disney World is named.
The premiere event took place last week at the Walt Disney Studios, and the documentary will have a limited run at AMC Burbank Town Center 8 from January 14 to 20, 2026. You can purchase tickets now to secure your spot!
'Disneyland Handcrafted' promises to transport viewers back to the rapid construction phase of the park, leading up to its grand opening in July 1955. As highlighted in a recent history of Disney Parks castles, Sleeping Beauty Castle was an impressive feat, constructed in just seven months.
The film's director, Leslie Iwerks, has meticulously searched through over 100 hours of raw material, including unused 16mm film reels from 'Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color.' Iwerks and her team produced high-resolution scans of every reel, ensuring a crisp and clear viewing experience. The finished product features first-hand accounts from the real artists and Imagineers who were on-site in 1955, providing a unique perspective on this historic moment.
Iwerks, an experienced documentary filmmaker, has previously produced and directed several acclaimed documentaries, including 'The Pixar Story,' 'The Imagineering Story,' and 'The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story.'
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