The Disney’s in the Details: Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom

Today we are exploring the details of Tomorrowland! I will say in advance that I find this to be the most disappointing land in Magic Kingdom for theming. (Now seems like a good time to remind everyone that my opinions are just that and not endorsed by Touring Plans! :)) It seems like it’s stuck somewhere between Pixar and a future from ten years ago, but despite that there are still some little details to share, so let’s get started with this very cool sign that marks the entrance to the land when entering from the hub!

As you cross this bridge you will also notice some random but fun futuristic facades.

Once you cross the bridge and enter the land if you look to your right you will see the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, which hosts a nightly dessert party during the fireworks.

Just beside this sign are a couple neat posters that are worth stopping to see. I’ve tried photographing them at different times of day, and it seems like there is always a reflection that comes from one direction or another, so you’ll have to forgive the glare! (Click to see a larger image)

Moving away from the restaurant and back towards the main walkway into Tomorrowland, you’ll see another sign telling you you’re in Tomorrowland. It is interesting how some lands have no signage at all, but others are just covered in it!

Just past this sign you will see one of the most disliked attractions in the whole of Walt Disney World: Stitch’s Great Escape! Now I have to go on record that I don’t hate this attraction. I really don’t! But I did enjoy Alien Encounter a lot more and think this space could be used for something better. If you aren’t bothered by the dark, claustrophobic, or afraid of really awful smells, you should give this one a chance. It seldom has a line!

Across the street from this attraction is Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, which is a lot of fun!

Moving on past the Laugh Floor, the next thing you will see on your right is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin! Although the queue and ride are packed full of details, the signs out front are pretty typical.

However, moving on past the ride and toward the PeopleMover you will see a little shopping kiosk. The topper on this little shopping stop is out of this world! 😀

Moving along this direction you will see the two attractions that load in the center of Tomorrowland: Astro Orbiter and PeopleMover. While I love both of these rides, the signs are not so great. The PeopleMover does have another sign not pictured here. I chose to exclude it as it doesn’t look very impressive during the day but is a beauty at night. You’ll see that as a theme in Tomorrowland: the entire land is more impressive after the sun goes down.

Also in this area is the stage where Tomorrowland dance parties are held. (Or Limited Time Magic, depending on the week you visit.) I really wish they would to something with this space during the day since it is so much wasted space. But I’m sure many will remember years ago when this was launched it was for a daytime show, Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration. It was one of the shortest lived attractions ever as folks just couldn’t stand out in the sun!

Here is the sign for the nightly show:

Of course, back in this area is another classic: Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress! While this is an attraction that doesn’t normally get a long line, it is certainly worth a visit!

Continuing the circle around Tomorrowland we come to Space Mountain! I love the look and feel of this classic thrill ride!

Just to the left of this ride is the Video Arcade that now houses the ride exit. This is a great idea! As a roller coaster chicken I really like having an air conditioned space in which to wait. The gift shop and arcade are also a fun way to pass the time!

One of the few very interesting details in Tomorrowland is the series of metal palm trees in front of this area. They add so much to the land – I wish they would sell miniatures of these awesome trees! I would love to bring one home!

One last little detail in this area is the restroom sign. It has a nice futuristic feel to it and shows how different these signs are in the different lands.

Continuing past Space Mountain you will see Cool Ship. This is a great little refreshment stop and one of my favorites spots to stop for ice water. Though you really can’t tell from the photo, this is a beverage cart with no seating available, but it is a nice place to grab a drink on a hot day.

The next themed spot you will pass is a DVC booth…

Now, technically if we kept walking this way we would get the the Tomorrowland Speedway, but I’m not including it here because it doesn’t look at all like it belongs in Tomorrowland! However, there are several shops along the way that do fit right in!

 

 

One final detail of the land shows that it is looking a little outdated. Check out this sign for stroller parking:

Now, I know I have been hard on Tomorrowland, so I’m going to break one of my rules and post an old night time shots of this land. Much like Las Vegas, while Tomorrowland can look a little tired during the day, it really shines at night! More than any other land it completely transforms after dark.

I hope you’ve enjoyed looking around Tomorrowland with me. What do you think of Tomorrowland? Are there details that I’ve missed?

And with that we conclude our epic journey around all the lands of Magic Kingdom and the little details that make them so special! Even with the hundreds of photos, I can still think of so much I missed! I hope this series has encouraged you to stop and look at the little things in the parks. What would you like to see next? Please let us know in the comments below, and – as always – thanks for reading!