The idea for Tomorrowland is based on Walt Disney's original plan for a City of the Future (the original concept for EPCOT, Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow). It would have been a centrally located city dedicated to showcasing new technology developed at a nearby industrial park. There also would have been a circular outer suburb accessible via monorail for employees and even a dedicated airport.
Brad Bird was sought out as the first choice for the director's job of Star Wars: Episode VII - Das Erwachen der Macht (2015). Bird respectfully declined the offer in order to do this film. Bird stated, "It's rare to do a film of size that's original, so those opportunities can't be missed either." Bird went on to say, he is a huge Star Wars fan though and he looks forward to seeing the film like everyone else.
Tomorrowland, as first conceived by Walt Disney back in the 1950s and 1960s, was to showcase what the future would hold for the world. It was and still is Disney's top draw in the theme parks.
The traditional "shot on location" message near the end credits includes Tomorrowland among its locations.
The store that Casey visits named Blast From The Past has the same name as the one Marty McFly visits in Zurück in die Zukunft II (1989).