Disney’s Dark Secret: 2 Movies Sneakily Filmed, But Only 1 Was A Hit!

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As a passionate enthusiast, I can’t help but share my admiration for Walt Disney World, a global icon among vacation spots. Interestingly enough, it has played a hidden role in cinema history, serving as the backdrop for two clandestine film productions. Known as ‘guerrilla filmmaking’, this tactic has a rich and intricate past, often overshadowed by mainstream Hollywood productions.

In essence, guerrilla filmmaking involves shooting a movie without the usual permits or permissions, which is typically a costly affair due to the compensation required by locations lending their space for the production. However, with the rise of studio-backed films, this method has taken a backseat, giving way to more conventional productions.

Locations similar to Walt Disney World are typically off-limits for shooting, and corporations like Disney are generally reluctant to let others film on their theme park grounds. With the exception of Disney’s MGM Studios, which was specifically constructed for film production, very few movies or shows have been filmed at Disney World in Florida. Despite a few bold filmmakers attempting to shoot films within Disney World without Disney’s approval, only one such movie is really worth watching.

Escape From Tomorrow & The Florida Project Secretly Shot Inside Disney’s Parks

Two Very Different Movies Shot At Walt Disney World

Two significant films covertly filmed scenes at Walt Disney World, each presenting distinct moods and approaches. In 2013, the horror film “Escape from Tomorrow” was predominantly shot within Disney’s parks on both coasts. It follows an unemployed father who experiences bizarre hallucinations during his last day of vacation at Disney World. This intriguing movie generated quite a buzz when it debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, thanks in part to its unconventional filming techniques.

The following film to strive for this accomplishment was Sean Baker’s 2017 release, “The Florida Project,” a critically praised film that portrays the lives of a young mother and her daughter as they reside in different motels along US Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Florida, close to Walt Disney World. This movie by Baker is a realistic narrative that delves into genuine issues such as concealed homelessness, and it’s equally poignant and humorous. In “The Florida Project,” Baker only filmed one scene within Walt Disney World, yet it plays a significant role in the controversial ending of the film.

As a strong advocate, I can confidently say that the choice to film both Escape from Tomorrow and The Florida Project at Walt Disney World was more than just a logistical decision. These movies deliberately contrast the pristine image of Disney’s parks with the gritty realities portrayed in their stories. Escape from Tomorrow satirizes the parks’ overly friendly atmosphere, transforming them into a realm of nightmares, while The Florida Project presents the parks as an unattainable dream for its young protagonists who are simply trying to make ends meet. In my opinion, no other location could have effectively conveyed these themes as powerfully as Disney World did, and both films would have been significantly less impactful without their scenes set there.

The Florida Project Is A Better Movie Than Escape From Tomorrow

Despite Using Disney World Less, The Florida Project Is More Effective

Discussing and differentiating between “Escape from Tomorrow” and “The Florida Project” might not always be a balanced approach, given their contrasting objectives. The former is an affordable, tongue-in-cheek horror flick, while the latter is a poignant character drama featuring notable actors like Willem Dafoe. Despite these differences, it’s evident that “The Florida Project” is more successful in achieving its intended impact, regardless of other factors involved in their production. While budget constraints can explain some limitations, key elements of compelling storytelling are essentially cost-free.

Escape from Tomorrow showcases a remarkable act of guerrilla filmmaking, yet it lacks depth in both originality and intrigue once the surprise of Disney Parks’ on-screen appearance wears off. The horror concept, while initially shocking, becomes rather thin and fails to deliver any fulfilling conclusions. Moreover, the critique of Disney’s corporate greed and artificial joy seems superficial at best. Lastly, the film lacks aesthetic appeal, and the visual effects, instead of being frightening, often come off as awkward or even comical.

Instead of having a thick plot, The Florida Project stands out by focusing on intricate and captivating characters, creating a character-driven drama. It offers insights into Disney World, but goes beyond that, using every detail to strengthen its engrossing storyline. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the characters’ lives truthfully, making its unconventional ending all the more striking. It encourages discussion about Moonee’s experiences and enhances the narrative rather than limiting it due to technical limitations.

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2025-05-18 14:52