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Abigail Disney looks at America’s dysfunctional and unequal economy and asks why the American Dream has worked for the wealthy, yet is a nightmare for people born with less. Using her family’s story, Disney explores how this systemic injustice took hold and imagines a way toward a more equitable future.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “Have you ever wondered if the cast members and staff at the “happiest place on Earth” are actually happy themselves? Well, The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales is … eye-opening, and shocking, and exposes the wealth inequality among employees at Disneyland and other companies in the United States.” See her full review and interview with the filmmakers below.

The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Have you ever wondered if the cast members and staff at the “happiest place on Earth” are actually happy themselves? Well, The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales is the documentary you need to watch! It’s eye-opening, and shocking, and exposes the wealth inequality among employees at Disneyland and other companies in the United States.

The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales follows philanthropist and co-director, Dr. Abigail Disney, the great-niece of Walt Disney and the granddaughter of Roy O. Disney, as she embarks on a journey to bring awareness to pay gaps between the rich and poor workers at companies such as Disney. The story starts in 2018 when Dr. Disney is contacted by Disneyland employees for help because they are struggling to afford food, housing, and even cover medical expenses.

This documentary uses videos of protests, court proceedings, cast member interviews, and experiences to tell the stories of how employees that help create the magic at Disneyland don’t have fair and equal pay and how that needs to change. My favorite part of this documentary is seeing how all the workers featured were willing to share their stories, rally, protest, and even host food drives for workers to help make a difference. While most would be scared to make a film like this, I love the bravery it took for Dr. Disney to speak up and make these issues public, especially since the fight is against the company that bears her name and family legacy. It’s a documentary that is sure to stun its audience.

The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales highlights how companies must have fair and equal pay for all employees. It’s not right for people to work hard to make CEOs and others rich at a company and still have to be on food stamps and homeless. While there isn’t anything for parents to look out for, I wouldn’t recommend showing it to young viewers to avoid ruining the magic of Disney for them.

While the topics covered in The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales are very serious, somehow Dr. Disney and co-director Kathleen Hughes courageously deliver this bold film in a very easy-to-understand and entertaining format. I give it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This inspiring documentary will debut first in Orlando, Florida, starting on September 16, 2022. It will be available in additional markets and video-on-demand on September 23.

Trailer: