The Heist That Shook Disney’s Inner Circle

Read Time:5 Minute, 23 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Stolen Kingdom
–

Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 14m
Director(s): Joshua Bailey
Where To Watch: showing at the 2025 Florida Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: There’s something undeniably captivating about uncovering the secrets of a place designed to be flawless. STOLEN KINGDOM thrives on that sense of curiosity, revealing the hidden world of urban explorers, underground collectors, and the gray areas where nostalgia and crime intersect. Director Joshua Bailey delivers a documentary that feels like an expose on Disney and a surreal experience, pulling audiences into a world where passion for a theme park turns into an obsession with trespassing and stolen artifacts. It’s an unfiltered look at a community that operates in the shadows of a corporate giant, raising questions about ownership, ethics, and just how far some fans are willing to go for a piece of history.

The documentary hinges on the bizarre and almost cinematic disappearance of Buzzy, an animatronic from the long-defunct Cranium Command attraction at Epcot. The heist, valued at nearly half a million dollars, exposed a thriving black market for Disney memorabilia, where stolen relics are exchanged like rare treasures. What starts as an investigation into a missing animatronic quickly unravels into a broader examination of those who push the boundaries of legality in pursuit of nostalgia. Some see themselves as preservationists, documenting forgotten corners of the parks, while others are opportunists looking for a payday. The contrast makes for a fascinating and occasionally unsettling narrative.

Bailey’s documentary thrives on its ability to let subjects tell their own stories, giving the film an organic sense of conflict and perspective. STOLEN KINGDOM doesn’t present a singular moral stance but offers multiple viewpoints, leaving audiences to form their own conclusions. On one end, there’s Hoot Gibson, an urban explorer who believes in documenting the parks without stealing. On the other, there’s Patrick Spikes, a former Disney employee who exploited his insider access to profit from stolen items. Their opposing motivations drive the film's central tension, highlighting how fandom can morph into something far more complicated than simple admiration.

Stylistically, the film leans into its underground nature, incorporating camcorder footage, vlogs, and behind-the-scenes clips that give it an authentic, DIY feel. The editing maintains a strong sense of momentum, keeping the energy at a peak while allowing key moments to breathe. By immersing itself in the world of its subjects, STOLEN KINGDOM captures the excitement of sneaking around and the rush of uncovering hidden pieces of the park’s history.

Beyond the adventure, the film examines Disney’s obsessive fanbase and its complex relationship with nostalgia, capitalism, and ownership. The underground market for stolen memorabilia raises thought-provoking questions: Why do people pay exorbitant prices for objects taken from a corporation that mass-produces its history? Is it about possessing a piece of something rare, or is it tied to a deeper emotional connection? Through interviews with journalists, historians, and collectors, the documentary paints a broader picture of the ethical dilemmas.

Where STOLEN KINGDOM truly excels is in its character study. Gibson’s reflections on his ban from Disney properties add emotional weight, offering a more introspective look at the cost of these so-called adventures. Meanwhile, Spikes’ perspective is fascinating. His confidence (bordering on arrogance) in discussing his actions makes for compelling viewing, even as his downfall plays out in a way that feels inevitable. The film doesn’t excuse or glorify his behavior but gives enough context for audiences to judge themselves.

A recurring theme throughout the documentary is the idea of historical preservation versus corporate control. Disney has long been known for erasing or modifying parts of its history, but urban explorers see themselves as unofficial archivists, ensuring that forgotten attractions are remembered in perpetuity. This sparks an interesting debate—should history be controlled solely by the corporation that created it, or do fans have a right to document and preserve it on their terms? STOLEN KINGDOM doesn’t force an answer but presents both sides in a way that lingers in the audience's minds.

The film contrasts the parks' polished, carefully curated public-facing areas with hidden, decaying sections that most visitors never see. These behind-the-scenes glimpses make the documentary more immersive, reinforcing that Disney, like any other institution, has hidden layers that aren’t meant for public view.

By the time STOLEN KINGDOM concludes, it has pulled back the curtain on a world that few outside the Disney fanbase have ever considered. It’s an unpredictable, engaging, and, at times, bizarre look at the collision of fandom, crime, and nostalgia. Whether you admire the explorers’ dedication or see them as rule-breakers looking for trouble, the documentary leaves plenty to think about. One thing is certain—after watching this, you’ll never look at the parks the same way again.

P.S. While I condemn theft (in most cases,) the cop's handling of Patrick Spikes' case raises concerns. During an interrogation regarding the stolen memorabilia, Spikes attempted to leave with his phone, leads to a physical altercation brought on by the deputies. Considering Disney's vast resources, such aggressive measures over property crimes seem disproportionate.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of WHITE LAKE PRODUCTIONS, BRIGHT SUN FILMS]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.