The Making of the Magic Kingdom

Key Takeaways:

• Walt Disney built Disneyland in just under one year, from 1954 to 1955, with a team of artists, engineers, landscapers, and manual laborers.
• The construction process was stressful and chaotic, with Disney investing his personal funds and livelihood into the project.
• The documentary "Disneyland Handcrafted" reveals shocking stories behind the park’s construction, including the transportation of full-grown trees for the Jungle Cruise ride and the decision to prioritize working bathrooms over water fountains on opening day.
• The park’s construction was not without its challenges, including a ballooning budget, a plumbing strike, and a gas leak under Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• Despite the obstacles, Disney’s vision and dedication paid off, and the park has welcomed over 900 million visitors since its opening.

Introduction to Disneyland Handcrafted
The documentary "Disneyland Handcrafted" provides a fascinating look at the construction of Disneyland, which was built in just under one year from 1954 to 1955. The film, directed by Leslie Iwerks, granddaughter of Mickey Mouse animator Ub Iwerks, features rare and never-before-seen footage, photos, and audio clips that reveal the stories behind the park’s creation. With a team of artists, engineers, landscapers, and manual laborers, Walt Disney brought his dream of a revolutionary theme park to life, despite the many challenges and obstacles that arose during the construction process.

The Construction Process
The construction of Disneyland began in 1954, with Disney acquiring a 160-acre plot of land in Anaheim, California, which was previously an orange grove. The team worked tirelessly to transform the land into a magical kingdom, with Disney himself investing his personal funds and livelihood into the project. The film shows footage of laborers building the park’s iconic landmarks, including Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Jungle Cruise ride. The construction process was not without its challenges, including a ballooning budget, which rose from an initial $4.5 million to $17 million by the time the park opened.

The Challenges of Construction
Despite the many challenges that arose during construction, Disney remained committed to his vision for the park. The film shows footage of the team working to overcome obstacles, including a plumbing strike that forced Disney to choose between installing drinking fountains or working bathrooms. Disney’s decision to prioritize working bathrooms was a practical one, as he famously said, "People can drink Coke and Pepsi, but they can’t pee in the street." The park’s construction was also hindered by a gas leak under Sleeping Beauty Castle, which was fixed just in time for the park’s opening.

The Opening of Disneyland
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland officially opened to the public, with a grand-scale opening ceremony that was broadcast live on television. The film shows footage of the rehearsals and preparations leading up to the opening, as well as the excitement and chaos of the big day. Disney’s dedication to the park, which he delivered at the opening ceremony, has become iconic: "To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future." The park’s opening was a huge success, and it has since welcomed over 900 million visitors from around the world.

The Legacy of Disneyland
The construction of Disneyland was a remarkable achievement, and the park’s legacy continues to inspire and entertain visitors to this day. The film "Disneyland Handcrafted" provides a unique glimpse into the park’s history, and the stories behind its creation. From the transportation of full-grown trees for the Jungle Cruise ride to the decision to prioritize working bathrooms over water fountains, the film reveals the many challenges and obstacles that Disney and his team overcame to bring the park to life. As the park continues to evolve and grow, its legacy as a place of magic and wonder remains unchanged, and its impact on popular culture and entertainment is undeniable.