Full Breakdown
Disney Worldbuilders Documentary Shows How Film Stories Become Immersive Parks
8/21/2026, 12:24:17 PM
Release of “Disney Worldbuilders”
In August 2026 Disney+ debuted the feature-length documentary “Disney Worldbuilders,” directed by Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks. The film follows Disney creators as they recount how beloved movies are transformed into physical attractions and preview several forthcoming park projects.
Background & Context
Disney has long leveraged its film catalog to design theme-park experiences, a practice highlighted at the D23 fan convention where new park announcements are traditionally made. The documentary builds on earlier behind-the-scenes films such as *The Imagineering Story* and continues Disney’s strategy of showcasing the creative pipeline from screen to land.
Key Figures & Groups
- Leslie Iwerks — filmmaker and director of the documentary.
- Josh D’Amaro — chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company.
- Pete Docter — chief creative officer, Pixar.
- Jennifer Lee — director, Walt Disney Animation Studios.
- Kevin Feige — president, Marvel Studios.
- Jon Favreau — filmmaker and executive producer featured in the film.
- Bob Iger — senior advisor and former CEO.
Upcoming Park Projects Highlighted
- Avengers Campus expansion at Disney California Adventure, slated to open in 2028, adding two new Marvel attractions.
- New Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi announced in 2025 with Miral, described as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
- Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring Disney’s first suspended coaster, is under construction.
- Second Avatar-inspired land at Disney California Adventure is in progress, with no opening date set.
- Additional lands such as a *Zootopia* area in Shanghai, a *Moana* walkthrough at EPCOT, and an *Encanto* attraction at Animal Kingdom are referenced.
Official Statements & Responses
Kevin Feige highlighted the magnitude of the Avengers Campus project, while Leslie Iwerks explained that the film aims to reveal the iterative creative process that moves ideas from screenplay to physical world.
Why It Matters
The documentary underscores Disney’s model of extending intellectual property into high-margin experiential venues, reinforcing brand loyalty and generating new revenue streams worldwide. The Abu Dhabi park signals a strategic shift toward region-specific theming, expanding Disney’s footprint beyond the traditional “Fantasyland/Tomorrowland/Adventureland” layout. By documenting the behind-the-scenes work, Disney also cultivates a new generation of storytellers among its fan base.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It just keeps going and going, because a place that you can actually walk into, something that you can experience and share with those closest to you, is incredibly special. That idea is what makes Disney so unique,” — Josh D’Amaro, chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company
- “More than anything else, every theme park attraction that exists exists because a great storyteller told a great story. It's that simple,” — Bob Iger, senior advisor and former chief executive officer
- “I think this is much bigger than most people are anticipating,” — Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios
What’s Next
- The expanded Avengers Campus is expected to welcome guests in 2028.
- Development of the Abu Dhabi park continues, with construction phases to be announced by Disney and Miral.
- Disney plans additional documentary releases that will further explore the nexus of film storytelling and immersive experiences.
