Perhaps you eagerly awaited the release of Tomorrowland, like so many optimists, since the 2013 D23 Expo when Brad Bird and Damon Lindeloff revealed the mysterious 1952 box that teased the film. Two long years later, D23 again offered its members another glimpse into the world of the future at the world premiere of the movie. Billed as a chance to view the celebrities arrive for the movie screening along the special red - actually, make that blue - carpet, a handful of D23 members were allowed an even more special experience than what was promised.
With confirmation in hand, it was time to think about what unique things to bring to the carpet on the good chance some autograph collecting was a possibility. At this point, we’d like to introduce another DBFF, Jeff Baham (of DoomBuggies and Mousetalgia fame), to the blog [pause for fanfare]. Without a doubt, Jeff brought with him the most memorable piece of memorabilia to get signed - a can of chili. This was no ordinary can of chili, rather it’s the kind of chili made with a dash of hope.
"It's Optimist chili," Jeff explained. "In the months leading up to the 2013 D23 Expo, Disney started an 'Alternate Reality Game' revolving around the secret society found in the Tomorrowland movie. Part of the game involved taking participants throughout Los Angeles to some of Walt Disney's personal haunts. One of those places is a hole-in-the-wall chili joint called 'Chili John's,' and by going there (back in 2013) and saying a code word, you were handed a very special can of chili. Chili with the word 'optimism' right in the ingredients list." So while most of the people along the carpet brought photos and posters, Jeff showed up with his can of chili in hand.
Taking place smack dab in the middle of another big event being held in the Disneyland Resort’s immediate area (the Tinker Bell Half Marathon weekend), the stars ascended on the blue carpet in the very crowded and busy Downtown Disney shopping area, which contains the AMC Theatres that were hosting the premiere. While space to stand along the carpet was open to the public, a few lucky D23 members were provided access to a special and less crowded section along the carpet with great views of the stars and enough elbow room for everyone to see what was happening. D23 members were also surprised with all-access passes to the world premiere of the movie and its associated perks.
These perks included: a star-studded screening of the movie (as in a hobnobbing with the stars we had just seen on the blue carpet) and entrance into the private after party at Disneyland (in Tomorrowland, of course). With a flash of our special lanyards, we were directed behind the hedges that were blocking Tomorrowland from the general public. We gathered there with other guests, awaiting the arrival of the real VIPs of the night - George Clooney and Amal, who arrived effortlessly cool riding in the nose cone of the Monorail.
It’s always special to have breathing room at Disneyland, but to basically have a whole land to yourself is amazing. The only wait to get on Space Mountain was the length of time it took to walk through the queue - and an empty train is what awaited at the other end. Desserts of every flavor and shape were in plentiful supply; some even looked too fancy to eat. D23 has offered some great events in the past, but this was on a whole other level.
It was a magical night to be sure - made even moreso by the fact that Jeff did get his chili signed. Both by the director, Brad Bird, and Clooney himself, not to mention the ever optimistic Bob Gurr. Now as for the movie itself - if it's still playing near you, go see it before it's gone. There's no real way to describe this movie, not without major spoilers. However, if you're a dreamer, or even just optimistic - there's a good chance you'll love it.
