Tomorrowland is Magic Kingdom’s futuristic community of tomorrow. This bustling metropolis is heavily populated by intergalactic beings, but thankfully most seem to be of the friendly and whimsical variety. The real charm of Tomorrowland is in the details. Check out these fun little finds that add to the space-age flair in this area.
1. The Tomorrowland Kugel Ball
Tomorrowland Kugel Ball
Most Tomorrowland visitors have noticed the giant black kugel ball near Merchant of Venus. What they probably don’t know is exactly what it is or how it works. A kugel ball is a large granite ball that’s supported by a thin layer of water. The granite must be a perfect sphere, placed on a base that has the exact same curvature as the ball. With this perfect configuration, the magic of physics takes over and makes it possible for even a child to get a ball that weighs several tons to start moving.
The kugel ball in Tomorrowland reportedly weighs about 6 tons, or over 13,227 pounds. If you’re having trouble putting that into perspective, African elephants weight between 8,800 and 15,400 pounds. So you can tell your kids when they’re able to move the kugel ball, that they’re pushing around as much weight as an elephant.
2. The murals in Mickey’s Star Traders
Mickey's Star Trader Mural
If you’re a fan of hidden Mickeys, you’ll love Mickey’s Star Traders. Turn your gaze upward to the murals that surround the top half of the room and you’ll find several opportunities to hunt Mickeys down. You’ll find Mickeys in the headlights of a train, satellite dishes, freeway loops, and several architectural elements of the futuristic buildings.
These murals also include another famous character – Stitch! Look to the bottom corner beneath the train and you’ll see this blue furry friend racing alongside.
3. Sonny Eclipse and the Astro Organ
Sonny Eclipse
If you don’t dine in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, you may miss out on the famous intergalactic performer, Sonny Eclipse. This audio-animatronic character performs an extensive set that lasts approximately 30 minutes before looping back to the beginning. This gives you the opportunity to see a lengthy show filled with unique highlights while you eat, rather than a short looping piece which could get annoying (think Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield at Universal Studios Florida.)
Pay close attention to the music and conversation from Sonny and you’ll catch lots of clever quips. This celebrity hails from Yew Nork on the planet Zork. His vocals are backed up by the charming but invisible Space Angels. If you have a chance to visit Tokyo Disneyland, you can say hello to Sonny’s cousin, Officer Zzzzyxxx at Star Tours.
4. The Metrophone
Tomorrowland Metrophone
Pay phones may be out of vogue in most locations, but the technology is still going strong in Tomorrowland, where visitors can use the Metrophone to make intergalactic phone calls. This futuristic phone booth is widely underutilized. It sits outside the Lunching Pad, beneath the load area for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority.
Step inside and pick up the phone for toll free calls anywhere in the galaxy. Pressing different buttons on the keypad will connect you to various messages, filled with quirky quips. Drop in and make a few calls to join in the fun.
5. The Progress City model on the TTA
TTA in Tomorrowland
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover (TTA) is the perfect way to get your bearings in Tomorrowland. The elevated peoplemover takes you around the area, offering an inside look at all the highlights, including Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. One of the coolest sights on the TTA, however, is the model of Progress City. This doesn’t depict Epcot the theme park, but rather shows Walt’s concept for EPCOT as it was originally imagined, back when the letters really stood for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.”
The model is on your left in the first tunnel you pass through. It was originally designed as the centerpiece for Walt’s Florida Project, which would become Walt Disney World.
6. The kiosk claw
The Claw
Some of the best details in Disney’s theming are easily overlooked. This gift kiosk is located between the TTA entrance and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Though you’re likely to look down at the goodies lining the shelves, you’ll get a delightful surprise if you step back and look up, instead. Not only is the top of the kiosk lined with little green aliens, it even features “The Claw” (OOoooo) reaching down to select its next victim.
7. The Zurg photo spot
Zurg Photo Shoot
If you’re looking for a great photo op, don’t miss the cage containing Emporer Zurg at the exit to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. The bars on this cage are adequate for keeping Zurg in, but they’re wide enough for a human to slip right through and strike a pose. This is a wildly popular spot for fun photos, but can go unseen if you don’t ride the attraction. The photo spot is still accessible for non-riders by entering through the gift shop.
8. Ample word plays
Tomorrowland Signage
Disney’s Imagineers love playing with words. Slow down and take the time to really read things like signage and posters and you’ll find all kinds of fun little extras around all the parks. In Tommorowland, the welcome hub as you enter is a great place for these fun features. You’ll see a sign for the “Sleepless Knights of the Milky Way,” “Galactic Association of Retired Aliens,” and “The Loyal Order of Little Green Beings.”
Another great play on words is the name of the gift shop, “Merchant of Venus.” If that sounds vaguely familiar but you can’t quite place it, it’s a play on the title of a Shakespeare play, “The Merchant of Venice.”
These are far from the only fun features of Tomorrowland. Keep your eyes open in this city of the future and you’re sure to find little treats from the Imagineers hidden everywhere.
