I attended an all paid press trip to facilitate the review of Tomorrowland. All opinions shared, and my excitement on #Tomorrowland is 100% my own.
Are you a Disney fan? Ever wonder what was going through Mr. Disney’s head when he was creating Disney classics like, well, Mickey Mouse? What triggered Sleeping Beauty, or Fantasia? What about the parks? If you have been reading me for a while, you know those are the questions that keep me up at night. As a Floridian, there is no denying Magic Kingdom is a frequent family affair, and every trip we embark on, is as magical as the first trip.
I have to admit my nerdy side always goes for science and history. So visiting the Disney Archives as part of our press junket and Getting a Glimpse of Tomorrowland at Disney Archives gave me permanent goose bumps. Can you say holy grail? That was exactly how I felt before, during and after my visit! Let’s take some stock for a minute. We are talking about Mr. Walt Disney and the legacy of a constant innovator. The man who for 60 years keeps giving us the most magical place on earth! Not only that, if you have read any of his biographies or seen some of the historical footage on him, he is full of optimism and wonder for the future via science and more importantly, technology. #TomorrowlandEvent
What is the Disney Archives? Great question, I am happy to share. Within the Walt Disney company, the division trusted to preserve the bequest of Walt Disney and key imagineers is called the Disney Archives.
It is here where with museum like care that items such as costumes, first drafts, personal effects from Mr. Disney’s desk and the like are preserved to ensure the information that comprises Disney’s history is remembered and understood. “What is there was a place, a secret place where nothing is impossible, wanna go?” That’s a quote from Frank Walker in the Tomorrowland movie and that is just how I keep feeling about Disney Archives!!!
Coming face to face with precious elements of company’s heritage was outstanding to further understand the story line and vision behind the New Disney Movie Tomorrowland. This is because after the visit we could clearly connect the Disney Archives elements presence in the movie.
We did get up close and personal with amazing moments that marked Disney history like the first tickets sold the very first day Disneyland opened along with a unique press parking pass and invite.
Not only is the Disney Archives collecting and preserving items, it also constantly curates and rotates exhibitions.
There were many different items from the 1964 World Fair that we got to admire. Take for example, a replica of one of the dolls from the It’s a Small World Showcase.
I was in awe of the early innovation that was shared like the animation multiplane camera that was invented for Snow White picture. Not only is the Disney Archives collecting and preserving items, it also constantly curates and rotates exhibitions. There is just so much to marvel at!
My favorite pieces of the exhibition at the Disney Archives glass showcase were the rings Jack Sparrow wore in the film Pirates of the Caribbean, a piece of the foundations of the original Disney buildings, and an initial model of Captain Hook for the movie Peter Pan.
As unique as the visit was, we also had had a moment to bask in all the glory of Oscar. Yes, this particular Oscar was awarded to the Walt Disney Company for the movie “White Wilderness” 1958 – for best documentary feature! We all had the pleasure of accepting the Oscar from the Academy, posing with Oscar and realizing how heavy the golden statuette really is.
Some of the inspiration from Tomorrowland stems out of a box that was found in one of the Disney buildings and labeled 1952. Inside this box there were several interesting items such as the blueprints for rides Disney built for the 1964 World Fair, like It’s a Small World, plus a concept for the Tomorrowland section of the Disney Parks, among other things.
Photo credit: Candy Olivares – Candypolooza.com
This box thankfully turned into the Pandora box of wonder for inquisitive and curious creative minds of Brad Bird and Damon Lindelof. Based on the premise that the futuristic city of Tomorrowland could actually exist pays homage to Walt Disney’s vision for both Tomorrowland at Disneyland Resort and Epcot at Walt Disney World. Eventually their creation leads to the world itself in the future shaping the unique and fantastic world of Disney’s new film Tormorrowland. The final result is riveting, mystery adventure called “Tomorrowland,” starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.
Keep in mind that section of the parks called Tomorrowland constantly highlights and features developing technologies with ideas to make the world a better place for all.
Everything just seamlessly mixes together incredibly well. Simply amazing! There is no doubt that you can start playing investigate reporter and can start connecting the dots from the Tomorrowland exhibit visit and the Disney archives very easily.
At the end of the day, the promise of discovering a world where everything is possible is beyond magical. As the movie trailer’s ask, . From the two interviews we have shared so far with George Clooney and Britt Robertson, the Tomorrowland exhibit at the Disney Parks, and now the Disney Archives visit, we see a common ground on how we can all shape tomorrow. As we keep hearing, that “The future is yours and the future is yours to decide what it will be.” (George Clooney at exclusive #TomorrowlandEvent). The future is not something we should just accept. It doesn’t reflect any clearer than listening to our gracious guide sharing out so many details and innovations at Disney from early on.
Get inspired by watching the PG family movie Tomorrowland which will be in theaters everywhere on May 22. I sure will be in line ready to feed the imagination of my entire family, and challenging them to keep their optimism while they find ways to contribute to that Tomorrow we all dream off. “You wanted to see Tomorrowland? Here it comes!” Frank Walker (George Clooney)
Dreamers and Visionaries full of hope and optimism for a better Tomorrow, rejoice and unite. There is no time like today to create a fantastic Tomorrow!
Like TOMORROWLAND on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTomorrowland
Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyPictures
Visit the official TOMORROWLAND website: www.Disney.com/Tomorrowland
TOMORROWLAND opens in theaters everywhere on May 22nd!
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Wow you really took me there with you! What a great description. Thanks for linking this to the movie.
That is so cool. I had no idea this even existed 🙂
Looks like an amazing visit. I cannot wait to see this movie, looks great!
We have our pin and are headed to the theater this weekend to see it! Cannot wait!
I love all the history! Wow, that must have been amazing to see in person. I would love to make this trip, it looks perfect! I can’t wait to see the movie too!
I really would like to see those archives!! The more I hear about the movie the more I want to go see it–even if it is solo!!
Seeing the Small World replica doll up close is pretty cool. I always enjoy that ride when I visit!
My daughter really want’s to go see this movie. Looks like a great movie. On my to do list.
This must have been such an amazing experience. There is so much Disney history at this location.
Oh, what a faNtastic event! I can’t wait for this movie!!!
wow, what a great experience! I can’t wait to see the movie tomorrow.
The archives look amazing! I would love to be able to look through the history of Disney.