I loved this behind the scenes series with the creative geniuses who brought Disney parks to life.
It’s a must for any Disney fan or creator.
Trailer for “The Imagineering Story”
Watch “The Imagineering Story”
You can watch “The Imagineering Story” on Disney+ at https://www.disneyplus.com/series/the-imagineering-story/6ryoXv1e1rWW
Ratings:
- My Rating: 95/100
- IMDB Rating: 8.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 95/100 (Users); 100/100 (Critics)
Release Date: November 12, 2019
My Review of “The Imagineering Story”
“The Imagineering Story” is the enchanting doc of the engineers behind Disney.
Directed by Leslie Iwerks, this 2019 doc is a treasure trove for Disney fans. You’ll learn about the creation and evolution of Disney’s theme parks.
The series spans 65 years.
It kicks off with Walt Disney’s vision in the 1950s.
Iwerks brings you right into the heart of Disney’s magic. The doc is packed with fascinating details. The first episode sets the stage. Y
ou see Walt Disney dreaming up Disneyland. He wanted a place where families could have fun together. His dream became a reality in 1955. My favorite part of episode 1 was learning that the city of Burbank, CA, could have had the first Disneyland.
Walt first pitched it there, but Burbank rejected the proposal, fearing it would create a “carnival” atmosphere. I also loved discovering that Disneyland uses a “hub and spoke” model of design with a central hub connecting all the different lands.
The series is divided into six episodes. Each one is about 60 minutes long. They cover different eras of Disney parks. Episode two takes you to the 1960s and 1970s. Disney World in Florida is born. It opened in 1971. The scale is staggering.
The Imagineers are the stars here. These are the creative minds behind the parks. Legends like Bob Gurr, Marty Sklar, and Joe Rohde share their stories. Their passion is contagious. You’ll see how they turned ideas into reality.
They faced many challenges, such as the technical difficulties in building the Matterhorn Bobsleds. They were the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster!
A favorite part of episode 2 for me was the launch of Epcot. This educational and environmental marvel ended up being a showcase of Walt’s vision of the future with ideas such as robots and touchscreens.
Ray Bradbury is interviewed, adding depth to the episode. It was Walt’s final dream.
Episode 2 is also awesome because they launch Tokyo Disneyland within six months of Epcot, highlighting the rapid expansion and success overseas.
The doc doesn’t shy away from tough times. The 1990s were challenging. Disney faced competition from Universal Studios and financial troubles due to the initial failure of Euro Disneyland. The European venture had a rocky start, with low attendance and financial losses.
But the Imagineers kept pushing boundaries. They created new attractions like the Tower of Terror and Indiana Jones Adventure. These rides became instant classics.
The series also explores Disney’s global expansion. Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983. It was Disney’s first international park. Then came Disneyland Paris in 1992.
Disneyland Paris initially struggled, facing numerous budget overruns and low attendance, but it eventually found its footing and became a beloved destination.
Hong Kong Disneyland followed in 2005. Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016. Each park has its unique charm.
But they all carry Disney’s magical touch. The Imagineers adapted to different cultures. They created experiences that resonate globally.
“The Imagineering Story” covers the rise of Disney’s Animal Kingdom too. Joe Rohde played a pivotal role. He envisioned a park that celebrated nature and animals.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998. It’s a blend of adventure and conservation. The Tree of Life is its iconic centerpiece.
The doc is filled with rare footage and interviews. You’ll see behind-the-scenes moments. Animatronics come to life. Castles rise from the ground. Each episode is a testament to human creativity.
Leslie Iwerks’ direction is spot-on. She’s the granddaughter of Ub Iwerks. Ub co-created Mickey Mouse. Leslie’s connection to Disney history adds depth. Her storytelling is engaging. The pace is perfect. You never feel lost or overwhelmed.
The series doesn’t just celebrate successes. It acknowledges failures too. You’ll learn about abandoned projects like the legendary “Beastly Kingdom” that was never built. The project was shelved due to budget cuts, but its influence is seen in other attractions.
The doc shows the pressure Imagineers faced. Deadlines were tight. Budgets were strict. For example, the construction of Disneyland Paris faced numerous budget overruns and delays.
But the Imagineers never lost sight of the magic. Their dedication is inspiring. Episode 3 was fascinating with Michael Eisner and Frank Wells brought in to run Disney.
They vowed to honor the creative process. One of their first moves was to launch “Star Tours,” a futuristic set of rides based on Star Wars.
This was the first time Disney featured a ride based on someone else’s movie.
Another favorite part of Episode 3 was learning about Walt Disney’s 4 Levels of Detail, a fascinating insight into Disney’s meticulous approach to design.
The doc also delves into technological advancements. You’ll see how Disney embraced innovation.
From the first animatronics in the Enchanted Tiki Room to advanced robotics in the Pirates of the Caribbean. The parks continually evolve. Disney is always pushing the envelope.
Iwerks gives you an insider’s view. You feel like you’re part of the journey. The Imagineers’ passion is palpable. Their stories are heartfelt. You get to know the people behind the magic.
The soundtrack adds another layer. It’s nostalgic and uplifting. The music transports you. You feel the wonder of Disney.
I also learned in the doc how Disney got into the cruise ship industry, architecting two ships, each built in two halves that could float on their own and then be assembled together.
“The Imagineering Story” is perfect for Disney enthusiasts. But even if you’re not a die-hard fan, I think you creators and engineers out there will love it too.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc