Mousetalgia Episode 253: Bird’s ‘Tomorrowland’ and ‘The Optimist’

“The Optimist” takes center stage in this third episode in Mousetalgia’s coverage of the D23 Expo. As part of the promotional machine behind Brad Bird’s upcoming film “Tomorrowland,” “The Optimist,” an alternate reality game, has captured the imaginations of many forward-looking futurists. Participating in the finale of its initial phase at the D23 Expo, Jeff and Kristen report on meeting many of the characters inhabiting this alternate reality as they solve puzzles and chase clues, working together with like-minded souls in their pursuit of a proposed fictional utopian society with which WED was intricately involved. Disney also unveiled its “Tomorrowland” pavilion at D23, burying fans in piles of clues and historical documents, all of which add pieces to the “Tomorrowland” puzzle. We also take a look back at WED’s real history during the ’64-’65 World’s Fair, and try to find some context for Walt Disney’s intriguing concept of a glittering “City of Tomorrow.” Also, Dick Van Dyke has a car-tastrophe! Plus, some clarification about Marc Davis and Tinker Bell from Mindy Johnson, filming at DCA, Planes – and more!