Tomorrowland, the latest Disney film to hit the big screen comes out today, May 22! I had the opportunity to see the movie a few days ago at a media preview and I’m excited to share my thoughts plus I created a perler bead pattern so you can make your own Tomorrowland pin. Don’t worry, no spoilers from me!

If you haven’t heard anything about Tomorrowland, here is a brief synopsis: Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (George Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

I really enjoyed the movie and found it highly entertaining. The film is rated PG but trust me, it’s not just a kids movie. There is adventure, danger, excitement, and some really positive messages woven through the story. There were even a few startling moments too. I jump easily, so I always seem to notice those! The film is rated PG, which does mean parental guidance suggested. There were some intense scenes that involved hand to hand combat between humans and humanoid robots, so no blood. Before taking your younger children, I would watch the trailer below and show it to your kids. If the kids are fine with the trailer, then they should be fine with the whole movie. The trailer is a good representation of the most intense parts of the film. As far as language goes, I heard the word “hell” as in “What the hell is going on?” about 3-4 times. My kids are 7 and 9 years old. I would feel comfortable taking both of them to the film, but I would show them the trailer first to make sure they felt comfortable.

I think my kids are really going to like the movie. They are at the perfect age where they still enjoy animated films, but they are really starting to like live action films too. I am loving it! I loved that Tomorrowland is packed with some of my favorite stars like George Clooney, Hugh Laurie(House), Tim McGraw, Britt Robertson(loved her in Life Unexpected and Dan in Real Life). My favorite parts of the film were the positive themes woven into the story, like being hopeful for the future, never giving up, and encouraging kids to have ideas and dreams.

As you can see in the trailer, a pin transports Casey to Tomorrowland. The pin plays a pretty big part throughout the movie and I thought it would be fun to create my own with Perler beads. Tomorrowland is a land full of imagination and cool inventions and I really think it could spark some fun imaginative play in your kids.

The pin on the posters is slightly different than the one in the movie. I used the pin in the movie as my inspiration. The design is simplified a bit to work within the constraints of Perler beads.

I used a square peg board to make the pattern, since that seems to be the most popular shape. If you have never done Perler Beads before, they are really quite simple.

Tomorrowland Pin

For this craft you will need:

Supplies:

Square Perler Peg Board
46 Yellow or gold Perler Beads
36 Orange Perler Beads
38 Blue Perler Beads
Parchment or Ironing Paper
Tomorrowland Perler Template

Lay the beads on the pegboard following the pattern. (Get the pattern HERE)
Adults only: Preheat a dry iron to medium heat. Place the piece of parchment paper over the design and gently iron the beads for about 10 seconds, constantly moving the iron. As the beads heat up you will be able to see them sticking to the parchment.
Remove the design from the board. The design will stick to the parchment, if the beads have been melted enough. Turn the design to the back and fold the parchment paper up to cover the back of the design. Iron the back side of the design until the beads are completely fused together. You will be able to see through the parchment paper. You want them fused together securely but not flat as a pancake. I think this design looks the best with the holes melted closed, or almost all the way closed. It makes the shape stand out more.
Allow the plastic to cool completely and then remove the parchment paper.
Transport yourself to Tomorrowland with your new pin.

Perler beads are really so simple and fun. I also really enjoy a craft that isn’t “girly.” My 9 year old boy doesn’t feel weird about doing Perler beads at all.

Now you have your weekend plans set. Head to the movies and see Tomorrowland, then come home and craft your very own Tomorrowland pin!

Disclaimer: I attended a complimentary media preview of Tomorrowland. All thoughts and opinions are my own.