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.
Comments
In December of 2013, we went on "stitch's great escape" not realizing how utterly scared our 4y/o would be. Once we got off the attraction, you are exited through Micky's star trader store. As we entered the first CM we encountered saw immediately how upset our daughter was- she was even hyperventilating. The CM approached us, assessed the situation and immediately asked our daughter if she could help her with some very important disney business- she asked our daughter to help her find the hidden mickeys in the mural. Almost immediately my dd calmed down and took her "job" very seriously, and she began hunting for the mickeys and she found them all (with a little guided assistance from the kind CM) she gave her a paper "official" award and a pin. The award and pin said she was an official hidden Mickey finding expert. She was so psyched and a few CM's made a huge fuss over her that her terrifying experience was totally overshadowed by the awesomeness of the hidden Mickey award. As a mother I cried inside along with her on the ride, then I cried tears of relief and joy watching her interact with the CM. Will we do stitch's great escape again...no. But we will remember how proud she was of being an official hidden Mickey Finder. Not sure if it is a "real" thing- but it was to her.