I will cut right to the chase. Disney Junior’s new series, Miles from Tomorrowland, is my favorite Disney Junior series of all time. (I will admit that Disney Junior has only been around since 2011). From the show’s energetic theme-song, to the fun nods to Disney history, to the engaging characters, Miles from Tomorrowland is a Disney Junior show that can be engaging to audiences of all ages.
The series follows the intergalactic adventures of the Callisto family which includes mom and ship captain, Phoebe; mechanical engineer dad, Leo; tech-savvy big sister, Loretta; and best friend robo-ostrich pet, Merc, and of course Miles. They work for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) exploring new galaxies in the spirit of Star Trek.
Each episode features two eleven-minute stories, which are more filled out than their running time might suggest. In each episode they have a mission, such as repairing a malfunctioning space beacon, or exploring a world where aliens eat anything with light. Of course on the way they learn important life lessons such as the need to follow instructions at times while improvising at others.
The educational component is present, but not heavy handed. The series inspires an interest in space and science while also teaching important soft skills. The show also forgoes the audience participation element sometimes present in preschool shows, which makes Miles more palatable for adults. Trust me, Miles doesn’t need audience participation to be engaging.
The family’s use of neat technology will hopefully inspire children to learn more about science while developing an interest in a bright future. Some examples of the technology featured in the show includes the Stellosphere which serves as the floating space station they call home, a wrist-worn communication device called a QuestCom, a fixing tool called the Quantumatic, and a 3-D printer called the Solidizer. Is it bad that I hope Consumer Products makes toys on all of these tools? I am sure my nephew would love them.
I was impressed with the animation. The depictions of space are stunningly beautiful. The series also features legitimate action sequences, which tend not to be present in preschool series, though the action is fun and never too tense. My nephew does not like moments of peril in his entertainment, and he had no problem with Miles from Tomorrowland.
Tomorrowland is a big theme for The Walt Disney Company in the near future with the big budget film starring George Clooney coming out the summer. Miles from Tomorrowland is a great way for kids of all ages to embrace the theme that there is a great big beautiful tomorrow, and its just a dream away. If we are lucky, the show will inspire the next generation of dreamers and doers so that Walt’s optimistic vision of the future will continue to come true.