Documentary filmmaker Leslie Iwerks has released "Disney Worldbuilders," a new project on Disney+ that examines the creation of Disney theme park attractions [1].
The film highlights the intersection of cinematic history and physical engineering. By detailing how classic films inspire modern theme park experiences, the project connects the company's early animation roots to its current global entertainment infrastructure [2].
Iwerks is the granddaughter of Ub Iwerks, a pioneer who worked alongside Walt Disney to develop the company's early animation techniques [1]. In a recent interview on the Newsmakers Impact YouTube channel, she said how her family's history informed her approach to the documentary [1].
The series focuses on the creative process behind attractions that bring fictional worlds into reality. It features insights into how new talent at the company continues to carry forward the creative legacy established by the studio's founders [2].
Released in 2026 [1], the documentary serves as both a historical record and a promotional look at the company's design philosophy. Iwerks used the project to explore the specific mechanisms that allow a story to transition from a screen to a three-dimensional environment [3].
Throughout the production, Iwerks focused on the artisans and engineers who build these spaces. The project emphasizes the continuity of craftsmanship, from the hand-drawn era of her grandfather to the digital and mechanical precision of today's parks [2].
“The project connects the company's early animation roots to its current global entertainment infrastructure.”
The release of 'Disney Worldbuilders' reflects a broader corporate strategy to leverage nostalgia and family legacy to humanize the technical scale of Disney's theme park operations. By centering the narrative on a descendant of a company pioneer, Disney bridges the gap between its mid-century artistic origins and its current status as a tech-driven experience provider.
