Disney has announced Disney Worldbuilders, a new feature documentary coming to Disney+ in August. The film explores how Disney’s stories move from the screen into real-world theme park experiences. Director Leslie Iwerks sits down with Disney Legends, filmmakers, and company leaders to trace that creative process. The film debuts first at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim.
‘Disney Worldbuilders’ Documentary Explores Screen to Theme Parks
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Who is featured in Disney Worldbuilders and what the documentary covers
- When and where fans can see the film’s debut screening
- When the documentary arrives on Disney+
What Is Disney Worldbuilders About?
Director Leslie Iwerks, an Academy Award and Emmy nominee, interviews key figures who helped shape Disney’s most enduring stories. These storytellers reflect on their earliest inspirations and formative memories. They describe how those experiences shaped their creative journeys over the years.
Worldbuilders explores how Disney’s most beloved stories are translated from the screen into one-of-a-kind, real-world experiences that people never want to leave.
The documentary also looks ahead. It offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at new land and experiences currently taking shape across Disney. Featured voices include Bob Iger, former CEO and Senior Advisor of The Walt Disney Company and an incoming Disney Legend. Jennifer Lee, the Academy Award-winning writer and director of Frozen, also appears, along with Josh D’Amaro, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Additional storytellers featured in the film include:
- Dave Filoni, president and chief creative officer of Lucasfilm
- James Cameron, Academy Award-winning filmmaker and Disney Legend
- Jared Bush, chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Jon Favreau, filmmaker, executive producer, and Disney Legend
- Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer of Marvel
- Pete Docter, chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios
When Can I Watch Disney Worldbuilders?
Fans will get an early look at Disney Worldbuilders at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. It runs August 14th through 16th at the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Disney has scheduled the documentary’s panel for Sunday, August 16th from 10:15am to 12pm on the Premiere Stage. Filmmakers and special guests will discuss how Disney’s storytellers draw inspiration from the parks. The debut screening of the film follows.
Disney Worldbuilders streams on Disney+ sometime after its D23 debut in August. Disney has not yet confirmed an exact release date. The announcement follows the success of Disneyland Handcrafted, another Iwerks-directed documentary now streaming on Disney+.
Keep Reading
- Everything you need to know about the full 2026 D23 Expo schedule, including every panel across all three days and stages.
- Take a look at the show floor lineup Disney has revealed so far for this year’s event.
- Not sure which pass gets you in the door? Our step-by-step ticket buying guide walks through every ticket type.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!