10 June 2009

Tomorrowland light and power

The back stories of Walt Disney World are vast and seek to create a specific place in time and space. Tomorrowland is the “meeting place of the universe,” and comes complete with Hover-Burbs for easy living, The Tomorrowland Interplanetary Convention Center (currently home to the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, but preparing for the Space Collectibles Convention and Recreational Rocket Vehicle Show), the Tomorrowland Transit Authority for public transportation, and even a Chamber of Commerce.Like most Chambers, not every business in the area is affiliated with Tomorrowland’s Chamber. Chamber of Commerce exclusions include Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, the Convention Center, and the Galactic Federation Prisoner Teleport Center. One business that is a part of the Chamber, but, less well known to the visiting public is the Tomorrowland Light and Power.In a metropolis the size of Tomorrowland a proper power facility is crucial. Unlike the Hover-Burbs, which stretch out beyond the boundaries of the physical Tomorrowland and require the use of or imaginations, Tomorrowland Light and Power has been placed right under our noses. We see it as we race towards our Space Mountain rocket ships, and walk out its front doors as we discuss how incredible or recent journey through Space Mountain was. That’s right, the power company actually houses the Tomorrowland Video Arcade.The hints are scattered about the facility, such as the power transformers of the future perched along the side of the building, near the passing by Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Additionally, when Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration is not running, the large video screen offers various advertisements for Tomorrowland, including the Chamber of Commerce which contains the Light and Power logo. This same logo can be seen on the backside of the Video Arcade building, along the walkway to Mickey’s Toontown Fair, on the loading dock door.I have said it before, and I will say it again and again, it is these back stories that are given life through minor details which create the full breadth of a world. By taking the time to create these elements Disney has made it easier to except the realities presented to us. By taking the time to notice these features we, as guests, begin to complete the emersion in the time and place we are visiting.

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