2019
Tomorrowland 2022 Part 1
Summer 2019
A Historical Overview
A land in need of constant change - Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom has fell into a sort of limbo between two concepts, and in need of a third transformation.
Tomorrowland 1975 introduced a 70s 'Jetsons' style view of the future with the curved edges and bright design. Attractions included in this expansion were Space Mountain and the WEDWay Peoplemover among others.
Once this version began to get a little dated, New Tomorrowland began in 1994, with a more mechanical view of the future, and promoting it as 'the future that never was is finally here'. One of the most infamous attractions included in this refurbishment was the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter.
And to most Disneyland fans' chagrin, the refurbishment of 1998, tried to give Tomorrowland a theme that could remain timeless (ie a historical view of the future) well...let's just say there are remnants still remaining and some images that can't get out of your head
So as you can see - Tomorrowland is a tough cookie when it comes to upkeep due to the continuous novelty of the future. As generations change so do their views of the future. However, with Disney's obsession with IP cohesiveness and inclusion within the parks, there might be a way to instill harmony between IP overload and Tomorrowland inconsistencies.
And that would be -- keeping Walt in mind.
It's safe to say that after 20+ years of New Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom, several of the attractions are outdated or poorly placed. Stitch's Great Escape is now seasonal, and rumored to be getting an update, Monster's Inc Laugh Floor (yes the attraction with the peculiar acronym which I will not use) doesn't really fit the theme of 'Tomorrowland' - rather as something that would fit with a Monster's Inc Land (more on that later)
The Carousel of Progress is in serious need of refurbishment, especially considering the 'future' scene talks about car phones. Space Mountain (while I do like the classic version of the attraction) is in need of a new track and updated effects. Buzz Lightyear, with Toy Story Land opening in Disney's Hollywood Studios, and a more popular Toy Story Midway Mania attraction of a similar design, might be up for a redo as well.
And that's not even to mention the confirmed addition of the Tron Power Run Coaster from Shanghai Disneyland as well as the rumored Tron retheme of the Tomorrowland Speedway that will be still in operation.
All in all - Tomorrowland could be up for a big change for the 50th Anniversary, yet the changes will be done in phases. As early as 2017, some of those changes have been apparent such as the repainting of the rocks out in front of the entrance from a brownish orange to more of a Tronish blue, in anticipation for those attractions.
In Part 1 - will will discuss another small, but critical aspect of our Tomorrowland 2022 Project - and that is the removal and replacement of Stitch's Great Escape with...
Now you might be saying...space have you lost your mind? Based on the book by William Joyce, A Day With Wilbur Robinson,
Meet the Robinsons was over 10 years ago, got mixed-positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, and didn't make a lot at the box office. If this project is being based around realism - how can this be a part of it?
Well -- I'm glad you asked because I'll explain it.
From the
D23 Website celebrating the film's 10th anniversary in March 2017
We love the movie for its forward-thinking adventures of the young inventor Lewis in the amazing world of the future! While Louis is marveling at the wonders of the future—or as the citizens of the future call it, “Todayland,”—everyone reminds him of one important thing: “Keep moving forward.”
At least one can say it's not forgotten.
Half a decade ago, years after the film had premiered, fans were calling for a Meet the Robinsons attraction given its ties to Walt Disney and its message for the future.
https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/meet-the-robinsons-should-go-in-tomorrowland.843148/
There even seems to be an imagineering concept art for Meet the Robinsons replacing the Tomorroowland Speedway.
Attraction concepts for the film obviously fell through, but with such a connection to Tomorrowland, even something that isn't as familiar could still be a great attraction. Popularity of the IP can only go so far. Song of the South is relatively unheard of outside of the Disney fan community, and Stitch is known everywhere, yet those attractions are universally received differently.
And speak of Stitch - that is where our Meet the Robinsons attraction will go!
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Robinson Industries
Keep Moving Forward
Stitch's Great Escape has become a seasonal attraction - but in the Summer 2019 - all of that will change. Furthermore, with Innovetions in Epcot going by the wayside, at least in the concept rendering for the reimagined Future World, there will be no place for any sort of technology showcase. And that's where Meet the Robinsons comes in!
Cornelius Robinson, (aka the older version of the main character in the film, Lewis), has opened up his Robinson Industries located in 'today-land' to the public - and inside is a showcase of the world's newest inventions from gravity boots to memory scanners.
In order for this technology showcase attraction to work - the entirety of Stitch's Great Escape will be gutted and removed. The attraction has seen 4 overlays in almost 50 years, and none seem to hold up for more than a decade. Nevertheless, with a completely open floorplan, and tons of space for interactivity, this will be a guest capacity eater while you either wait for your Fastpass for Space Mountain and/or Tron, or just want to play around with some cool exhibits.
*Exhibit detailed descriptions still to come*
Lastly, with the gutted theaters and pre-show opening up for the Robinson Industries showcase, in the back right corner of the new pavilion will be a show called 'Keep Moving Forward' dedicated to memories and the film's mantra. This small 7 minute show area will run continuously on a loop throughout the day, with benches provided for guests sit, and in a short time, illustrate how Lewis, the young boy from the film, met his future self and learned that your future is based on you making the right choices.
It ends with the finale song, Little Wonders, with the reveal of Walt Disney's quote of 'keep moving forward' as a slogan for what we all should hold true as we progress through our lives in into our own 'Tomorrowland'
Overall, Meet the Robinsons may not be the most remembered Disney film, but to me it certainly has one of the most powerful messages for kids and really anyone as they move forward in their lives. Plus, it's connection with the 'Tomorrowland' concept is strong enough, and the replacement of Stitch innocuous enough, that it might have a lasting place in the land.
In Part 2, (after the Tomorrowland Renovation announcement at D23 2019) we will dive into all the details and illustrations of Tomorrowland 2022 to show what our grand plans have to offer.
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed!
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