One of the most talked about Disney documentaries in years is headed for an international audience. Stolen Kingdom, the film about Walt Disney World’s underground exploration community and the disappearance of a beloved EPCOT Audio-Animatronic, is heading to MIPCOM, the major international television market held each fall in Cannes, France, where studios and distributors buy shows and films for audiences around the world.
What Is Stolen Kingdom About?
Directed by Joshua Bailey, Stolen Kingdom dives into a side of Disney fandom most guests never see: a community of urban explorers who snuck into closed attractions, abandoned areas and backstage spaces at Walt Disney World.
The film covers explorers who documented the final days of EPCOT’s Horizons, along with visits to some of Disney’s most famous abandoned places, including River Country and Discovery Island.
At the heart of the story is a mystery: what happened to Buzzy?
The Mystery of Buzzy
Longtime EPCOT fans will remember Buzzy from Cranium Command, the attraction inside the Wonders of Life pavilion, where the little Audio-Animatronic pilot navigated the brain of a 12 year old boy. After Wonders of Life closed, Buzzy was reportedly stolen in 2018, and the documentary follows the trail of mischief, scandal and theft that led to his disappearance.
The film features interviews with members of the Disney exploration community, including Patrick Spikes, along with Disney writers and historians like Leonard Kinsey and a friend of mine Seth Kubersky.
A Festival Favorite With Strong Reviews
Stolen Kingdom premiered at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in February 2025 and went on to play festivals including Slamdance and the Florida Film Festival, where it was the opening night film.
An updated version was released in U.S. theaters by Antenna Releasing on May 21, 2026, followed by a digital release in June. That version includes a tribute to Disney YouTuber Adam the Woo, who passed away in December 2025, and ends with a dedication to him.
Critics have been impressed. The film holds a strong score on Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics consensus calls it “a brisk, entertaining dive into the bizarre dark side of Disney fandom.”
Why MIPCOM Matters
MIPCOM is where international broadcasters and streaming services find new content for their audiences. Heading there means Stolen Kingdom could soon reach Disney fans far beyond the United States, on networks and streaming platforms around the world.
Should You Watch It?
If you love Disney history, abandoned attractions or a good true crime story, Stolen Kingdom is worth a look. Just know going in that it’s an unofficial look at the parks, and it shows people breaking park rules and the law, so it’s not a Disney approved story.
Have you seen Stolen Kingdom? And do you remember Buzzy from Cranium Command? Let us know in the comments!
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