‘Disneyland Handcrafted’ Review – The Making Of Disneyland Is A Story Of A Dream, Grit And A Little Magic

Take it from the man himself, Mr. Walt Disney, “the park means a lot to me. In that, it’s something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing. A thing I can keep building, as long as I can get some money to build with it.”  Disney, speaking of his prized creation Disneyland, takes us behind the scenes with the original creators and developers as it is built. Thanks to archival footage, director Leslie Iwerks takes us behind the scenes from idea to construction to the grand opening in Disneyland Handcrafted. Heartfelt and even magical, this documentary is pure Disney wonder, as if we are unearthing a time capsule from the creation of the happiest place on earth.

To my eyes, and in my world, Disneyland has always existed. It seems funny to recall a time when the happiest place on earth was only a dream. Walt Disney, the original imagineer, sought to create a first-of-its-kind family amusement park. A place of charm and wonder that would improve upon the carnival experience of amusement parks of that time. Disneyland was more than a passion project; it was Disney’s biggest gamble. And as is usually the case, though type of gambles where all seems impossible, the payoff is worth the risk. 

Disneyland Handcrafted is just that. Rather than plugging the film with talking heads or creating a retrospective on the park, the film uses archival footage. We are watching the creation of Disneyland in real time. In addition, the use of original audio recordings gives authenticity that cannot be replicated with people talking about the project in the context of history. 

We return to construction, beginning in 1954, and travel to the opening the following year. Again, rather than having people explain the construction and development, as is often the case with these types of documentaries, we see the work firsthand. The expert craftsmanship and beautiful artistry are all there. Seeing it in color gives us a vibrancy reminiscent of the sunny days of Anaheim circa 1955. 

 I applaud the intricate detailing that went into the creation of Disneyland. There is not a half-hearted effort, or a sense of things being held together by scotch-tape, chewing gum, and a few prayers. Despite the year-long effort, the park’s record-time opening is miraculous. Disney spared no expense, but then again, can you put a price on imagination?  

There is an amusing anecdote that underscores the breakneck pace of the project, and it centers on drinking fountains versus restrooms. By opening day, a conundrum hit Disney and company. They would not be able to have the drinking fountains and bathrooms completed in time, leaving it an either-or situation. To wit, Disney’s response was simple. Bathrooms were essential. Clearly, inspired or perhaps motivated by the dirty conditions of amusement parks and carnivals, Disney wanted his park to spick and span. 

The film is a marvelous treat, but beyond learning the history of the park’s development and creation, what is even more impressive here is the behind-the-scenes footage. There is nothing grainy or out of synch. I get the feeling of watching newsreels in the comfort of my home, as though it were 1955. The detail and the presentation of it all live up to the film’s title. This is all a handcrafted event, and the result, much like the park, is worthwhile.  

Disneyland Handcrafted is more than a story about the park or Walt Disney’s creative genius. The film is a piece of living history and speaks with gusto about the need for film preservation. The fact that I can watch archival footage of Disneyland’s creation, complete with Disney’s own TV promos, is magical. And as a film buff, this effort earns my highest praise and leaves me smiling like someone entering Disneyland for the first time. 

Disneyland Handcrafted is currently available to stream on Disney+ or for free on YouTube.