PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 9/26/16 (45th Anniversary, Stitch Closing, Tomorrowland Rocks, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Our latest photo report takes us to the Magic Kingdom to see the latest goings on. The 45th anniversary is looming, with several attractions in the park being refurbished, or in some cases preparing to close for a while. Oh, and there’s refillable popcorn still…

The Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary Merchandise

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On Thursday, stores around the Magic Kingdom began carrying 45th Anniversary merchandise ahead of the October 1st celebration coming up this weekend. We have a full guide available to the dozens of new items in a separate post, but there is also a video walkthrough of the entire line available:

Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse Refurbishment Extended

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Since it is probably the most extensive refurbishment in the history of the attraction, the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse will not be open for its 45th birthday on October 1st. The new date Disney is telling cast members is simply “late October”.

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment

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The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom rolls on, set to reopen November 19th, 2016.

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Who Wants Popcorn?

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A new Halloween popcorn bucket on sale around the resort.

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The refillable popcorn bucket promotion was indefinitely extended, buckets are now good for $1.50 refills for length of stay. This means that as long as you have a bucket and they continue this promotion, you can get a $1.50 refill of popcorn.

This and That

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After many months out of stock, the Magic Kingdom ornament is finally back!

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The repainting of the castle and installation of the holiday lights continues.

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Some tarps are still up at the Haunted Mansion.

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I’m happy to report that “it’s a small world” was doing much better this week, with many effects fixed, including the South American sun which has been broken for almost a year.

Color Return to Storybook Circus

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The Florida sun fades things fast, so it was sad to see the banners in Storybook Circus fading away so quickly. Disney has started to replace the banners again, making the area look fresh and vibrant.

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This larger banner hasn’t been replaced yet.

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There are still many left to go…

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Chip and Dale have moved to a new home in Storybook Circus during the day. The space is already set up for meet and greets for the Halloween Party.

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Cases

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D-Tech on Demand at the Tomorrowland Light and Power Co. has rolled out cases for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

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There was also one new design we spotted on our most recent visit.

Stitch’s Great Escape is going seasonal

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Announced last week, Stitch’s Great Escape is going seasonal, rumored to be replaced by a Wreck-It Ralph ride once it finally closes in 2017.

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There was absolutely no one waiting for the show when we went in.

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The place is kind of falling apart, a staple of seasonal attractions at the end of their lifespan. I recall Horizons at Epcot being mostly broken in my later experiences riding it after it had gone seasonal.

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A few people did show up before showtime.

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While I am happy to see Stitch on its way out, I am sad to see the remnants of Alien Encounter do the same.

Tomorrowland Rocks

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The rock painting at the entrance of Tomorrowland continues. The small rocks on the shoreline have been painted a normal grey rock color.

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The island in front of Tomorrowland has been turned to dirt. It should be interesting to see what they do here.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Tomorrowland Entrance at The Magic Kingdom Gets A Shiny New Look

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

For several weeks now, we have been updating you on the painting of the entrance to Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom. The rock-work in the front of the land is now about halfway done as the entire left side has already received the new shiny, metallic look.
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The other side has only been primed for the new paint scheme as of yet.

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We also have a short video of the area:

So, what do you think of this new look for Tomorrowland?

REVIEW: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Cheese Sauce Returns, New Sauces Added Along with Falafel Burger

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe at the Magic Kingdom serves more food to more guests everyday than any restaurant on the planet earth. That doesn’t mean it is good though…

While I have never been a fan of the food here, the daily performance by Sonny Eclipse, his amazing astro organ, and the Space Angels is typically what brings me into the place, even if I know I’m not going to have a particularly good counter service meal. Sometimes you just want chicken nuggets, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

My most recent trip to the establishment wasn’t prompted by a urge to see “the biggest little star in the galaxy,” but rather to see the return of cheese sauce to the restaurant after a few years, the addition of another new sauce, and a new vegetarian option.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Of course, one of the reasons many guests like Cosmic Ray’s is the toppings bar that is offered.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

A sriracha spicy aioli sauce was recently added to the toppings bar. More on that later.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

While the return of cheese sauce is a nice gesture, there just has to be a better way. In olden times (a few years back), hot cheese sauce was complimentary and offered at the toppings bar both here and at several other locations around the Walt Disney World Resort. It now is a pre-warmed container you can buy for $1.00.

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

While it is a generous portion, it is mostly flavorless and adds nothing to the french fries.

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

While this might be something good for nachos or pretzels, it just doesn’t work here. I would save your dollar and not even bother with this.

Sriracha Spicy Aioli

Sriracha Spicy Aioli

Sriracha Spicy Aioli

While the loss of the cheese sauce so long ago was devastating to some, the addition of this complimentary sriracha aioli is a pleasant addition. Again, as said in every review, I enjoy spicy, and as the name states, this is spicy. That being said, it is still flavorful and not overly spicy to the point where many guests will not enjoy it. This sauce goes really well with the fries.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Recently added to the menu is a vegetarian option: a falafel burger. $11.99 is a little pricey for a meatless burger, but it is a specialty offering that is likely not made in-house and is ordered in low quantities, so it is nice that it is even offered.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

It isn’t the prettiest thing, but it is pretty decent. If a bun the quality of D-Luxe Burger was offered, I think this would be a really solid addition, but the horrid bun currently offered at Cosmic Ray’s really holds this back.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

The burger itself is a little dry, but that is why the Tzatziki sauce is offered.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Again, it isn’t terrible and it’s still a viable option for any vegetarian who is being made to dine at Cosmic Ray’s, but on the other hand, the Falafel dish at Skipper Canteen is a little heavier and a little cheaper at that.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 8/19/16 (Tomorrowland Repaint, More Rocks, Wilderness Lodge Cabins, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 2, 2016

In our latest photo report, we travel to the Magic Kingdom and the surrounding resort area to see the latest progress on the Tomorrowland repainting, the continuing rock installation at WDW beaches, and the Disney Vacation Club cabin additions at Wildenress Lodge.

Cinderella Castle Crane Returns

Cinderella Castle Crane

Cinderella Castle Crane

The crane is back at Cinderella Castle for the installation of the Dreamlights for the holiday season (yes, it is still August).

Cinderella Castle Crane

Cinderella Castle Crane

Cinderella Castle Crane

Cinderella Castle Crane

Tomorrowland Repainting

Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting

Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting

The repainting of the Tomorrowland entrance is now visible on the front side, as a grey/silver soat has been started at the bottom of the rocks by the water.

Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting

Tomorrowland Entrance Repainting

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed until November for what we expect to be the installation of the new finale scene, similar to that found at Disneyland Park.

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

This and That

Alligator and Snake warning sign in the Magic Kingdom

Alligator and Snake warning sign in the Magic Kingdom

Spotted this sign by Big Thunder Mountain, in the designated smoking section.

Sofia the First ear hat

Sofia the First ear hat

There is now a Sofia the First ear hat on sale in the parks.

Sofia the First ear hat

Sofia the First ear hat

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

More Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise featuring the Fab 5 continues to be released.

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

New Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise

The line is geared towards children, so there are plastic placemats available.

Magic Kingdom Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

When “Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!” is cancelled for inclement weather, it also get the Magic Kingdom rainy Day Character Cavalcade treatment. This replacement offering drives up and down Main Street in this case, at least giving guests a look at their favorite characters. It also has a really catch soundtrack, which you can hear below in an older recording of the parade we have:

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Rainy Day Character Cavalcade

Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

In traveling to Trail’s End at Fort Wildnerness, we decided to take a boat, which provided some spectacular views.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This is one of my favorite pictures I’ve ever taken at Walt Disney World…

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

What are all these bags backstage at the Contemporary? ROCKS. HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF ROCKS.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

These rocks will soon line the shoreline behind the resort, similar to the beaches at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian.

Wilderness Lodge DVC/Fort Wilderness

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Work continues on the Disney Vacation Club cabin additions at Wilderness Lodge.

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Many of the cabins are going vertical now.

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

The shoreline at Fort Wilderness received the rock treatment as well.

Wilderness Lodge DVC

Wilderness Lodge DVC

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Trail’s End moonshine

We end on alcohol once again, this time with some of the fantastic moonshine drinks available at Trail’s End and Crockett’s Tavern.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 9/1/16 (Tomorrowland Rock Painting, Carousel of Progress, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 2, 2016

2 major refurbishments roll on, Tomorrowland continues to get a new look, and some new merchandise is discovered in our latest photo report visiting the Magic Kingdom:

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Welcome to the Magic Kingdom!

New Merchandise

Limited Release Han Solo MagicBand

Limited Release Han Solo MagicBand

I really love this new limited release Han Solo and Chewbacca MagicBand.

Limited Release Han Solo MagicBand

Limited Release Han Solo MagicBand

The Millennium Falcon on the opposite side is a nice touch.

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The Mr. Toad taxi art is now on a pin in full color.

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A new “cute” Star Wars character pin set was recently released.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment

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The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad rolls on through November.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Crane-mas

Cinderella Castle crane

Cinderella Castle crane

The installation of the holiday lights on Cinderella Castle continues.

Tomorrowland Rock Repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

The painting of the rocks at the entrance of Tomorrowland continues.

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

One rock has already gone a very bright blue color…

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

Tomorrowland rocks repainting

“it’s a small world” Refurbishment

"it's a small world" Refurbishment

“it’s a small world” Refurbishment

“it’s a small world” is currently closed for a short refurbishment.

More changes at Carousel of Progress

Monitor covers added at the Carousel of Progress

Monitor covers added at the Carousel of Progress

The monitors hanging at the Carousel of Progress finally have a cabinet around them.

New “Tomorrowland” Featurette Called “Vision of Tomorrow” Features Walt’s Greatest Dream

WDWNT on May 5, 2015

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Learn about Walt Disney’s vision for the future in this “Tomorrowland” featurette starring George Clooney, producer/writer Damon Lindelof, and director Brad Bird!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnboqKkvI9U]

From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s “Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure 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.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson.

“Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Bernard Bellew, Jeff Jensen and Brigham Taylor serving as executive producers. “Tomorrowland” opens in U.S. theaters on May 22, 2015.

BREAKING: Tomorrowland Movie Premiere To Be Held at Downtown Disney Anaheim

WDWNT on May 5, 2015

The mystery adventure film Tomorrowland, starring Academy Award winner George Clooney, will premiere at an invitation-only, celebrity studded event at the Disneyland Resort on May 9th. The film will have its inaugural screening at The Downtown Disney District rather than in the section of Disneyland with which it shares a name.

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In the film, a former boy-genius (Clooney) and a gifted teenager (Britt Robertson) set out on a dangerous mission to unearth the secrets of “Tomorrowland,” an enigmatic location caught between time and space. Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, Tomorrowland promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

Tomorrowland is expected to be screened at the AMC Downtown Disney theaters, with areas dedicated to a “red carpet” arrival area (presumably running in front of the ESPN Zone).

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In 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2011 Disneyland Park played host to each of the four Pirates of the Caribbean films.  At those events the films were shown on a large temporary screen poised on the edge of Tom Sawyer Island. In 2013 Disney California Adventure introduced The Lone Ranger.

If things work as they did at the earlier events, limited space may be available along the “red carpet” to view the film’s stars and celebrity guests as they arrive. Park hours could be adjusted and Downtown Disney District parking severely limited on the day of the event. Watch for details from WDW News Today for details as they become available.

Disney Releases 4 New Character Posters For “Tomorrowland”

WDWNT on May 5, 2015

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Disney has just released four new character posters for the upcoming moive, “Tomorrowland.”

Each posters highlights a main character from the movie:

  • Britt Robertson – Casey Newton
  • George Clooney – Frank Walker
  • Raffey Cassidy – Athena
  • Thomas Robinson – Young Frank Walker

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From Disney comes two-time Oscar winner Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “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.

“Tomorrowland” opens in U.S. theaters on May 22, 2015.

VIDEO: New Trailer And IMAX Sneak Peek Information For Disney’s “Tomorrowland”

WDWNT on May 5, 2015

Disney has just released a brand new trailer for “Tomorrowland.:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzukD8pS_s]

Additionally, a special presentation of the film, featuring more than six minutes of footage to be introduced by director Brad Bird, will screen exclusively in IMAX® theatres domestically and in select international markets beginning May 1. The extended first look of Tomorrowland will screen directly prior to Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron and will play for the duration of that film’s run in IMAX.

Official IMAX Movie Poster for “Tomorrowland”

Screen Shot 2015-04-20 at 5.51.50 PM

From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “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.

“Tomorrowland” opens in U.S. theaters on May 22, 2015.

More Details, Opening Dates, and Annual Pass Previews Announced for 12 Minute Sneak Peek of Disney’s “Tomorrowland”

WDWNT on April 13, 2015

disney-tomorrowland-movie-2015-logo

Walt Disney Studios announced today an unprecedented collaboration between the Studio, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort to offer park guests a 12-minute sneak peek of Disney’s upcoming thrilling, mystery-adventure film, “Tomorrowland,” opening in U.S. theaters on May 22. Guests will also enjoy an impressive exhibit that features the making of the movie with props, concept artwork and photos from the filming of the movie plus exclusive images from the Disney Archives. The sneak peek and exhibit will open April 17 in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park and on April 18 in Future World at Epcot and will be available to the public for a limited time. There will be an annual passholder preview at Walt Disney World on April 17th, but no details have been provided on that offering yet.

The must-see event marks the first time that a sneak peek has been offered at Epcot in Walt Disney World and the first time Walt Disney Studios has teamed up with both parks to showcase an upcoming Disney film with footage and an in-depth look at the making of the film. Sure to spark the imagination and curiosity of all, the special exhibit details the process of bringing director Brad Bird’s vision to life and will show how filmmakers created the world of Tomorrowland, along with archival images of iconic Disneyland attractions featured in the movie.

In the movie, 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 Resort where ever-evolving technologies are showcased along with ideas to make the world a better place for all.

Commenting on the exclusive “Tomorrowland” sneak peek event, Brad Bird, the film’s two-time Oscar® winning director, says, “We are excited that park guests will be the first to get an extended look at ‘Tomorrowland’ in the part of Disneyland that inspired the film. Tomorrowland is the one section of the park that Walt Disney himself designed to be tied inexorably to constant change. After all, the future is always in motion, continually shifting as humankind’s choices of the present remake the world ahead of us. ‘Tomorrowland’ is a state of mind. My hope is that the exhibit will convey some of the magic that went into bringing this land… and this movie, to life.”

“Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney, tells the story of former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, who are bound by a shared destiny and 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.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson.

“Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Bernard Bellew, Jeff Jensen and Brigham Taylor serving as executive producers.