Series synopsis
The Imagineering Story is an American documentary television series that premiered on Disney+ on November 12, 2019. It ended on December 13, 2019. It was created by Leslie Iwerks. It stars Angela Bassett, Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney.
Explore the past, present and future of Walt Disney Imagineering with noted filmmaker Leslie Iwerks. Ms. Iwerks comes from a family with deep Disney history — her grandfather was an early Disney animator and her father is a former Imagineer — and her previous work includes profiles of Pixar Animation Studios and visual effects house Industrial Light & Magic.
Premise
Explore the past, present and future of Walt Disney Imagineering with noted filmmaker Leslie Iwerks. Ms. Iwerks comes from a family with deep Disney history — her grandfather was an early Disney animator and her father is a former Imagineer — and her previous work includes profiles of Pixar Animation Studios and visual effects house Industrial Light & Magic.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Angela Bassett as Narrator (voice)
- Walt Disney as Self (archival footage)
- Roy O. Disney as Self (archival footage)
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 6 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | November 12, 2019 | December 13, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Happiest Place on Earth Walt Disney gathers a group of artists and engineers for the purpose of building a dream into reality. These ‘Imagineers’ formulate a set of design principles that transport people from their everyday lives to lands of imagination. Never has there been a place with themed environments, faithful to a story. Walt Disney vows, unlike a film that gets finished, Disneyland will never be completed. |
November 12, 2019 |
| 2 |
What Would Walt Do? Without Walt’s guidance, the development of Florida’s Walt Disney World is a risky endeavor, but Roy O. Disney fulfills his brother’s wish. A second generation of designers carry out the last of Walt’s ideas - EPCOT, where the Imagineers achieve a higher purpose beyond entertainment. Simultaneously, the first international park opens in Japan. No future plans threaten the survival of the company. |
November 15, 2019 |
| 3 |
The Midas Touch Michael Eisner and Frank Wells save Imagineering and encourage widespread growth. They make Disney cool and relevant with teenagers. Every design project the Imagineers touch turns to gold. The crown jewel, Euro Disneyland, goes over budget and encounters resistance. Poor press coverage and cultural missteps cause low attendance. Humbled, management shies away from future Magic Kingdoms. |
November 22, 2019 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Disney+ |
|---|---|
| First aired | November 12, 2019 |
| Last aired | December 13, 2019 |
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Friday |