Good morning how are you are you

Integral to the future of the city.  Information should not be made public

What We Know. This document serves as a place to gather notes, information, and details about Disney’s interactive alternate reality game called The Optimist.  The game began July 8, 2013 and will continue for 6 weeks, ending at the D23 Expo, August 9 - 11, 2013.

ney-launches-the-optimist-alternate-reality-game-spanning-social-media-disneyland-ending-at-the-2013-d23-expo/

I

Key Figures:

• Amelia

• Carlos Moreau

• Amelia’s mom, Tanya (Carlos’ daughter)

• Michael T

• Wallace

• Vivian

Week 1 (July 8 - July 14, 2013)

July 8

Game begins.  Introduced at optimist.disney.com as follows:

Walter Elias Disney was an optimist who believed in creating a living blueprint for the future. He and his Imagineers - those creative and skilled professional wizards who combine imagination and engineering - made fantasy into reality and built the magic of the Disney Theme Parks. But, what if that was just the beginning?

Amelia, a young filmmaker, has stumbled upon a revolutionary secret...and she needs your help. Collaborate with other curious individuals around the globe to solve a mystery that traverses the web, Disneyland® Park, and beyond before culminating at the D23 Expo.

A request for a reset Disney account ID password results in an email back from "the optimist team" at contact@disneytheoptimist.com  (Thanks, Jace!)

New Links:

storyorbit.com - Amelia’s blog. Home base for the game. Register and comment to interact.

@storyorbit - Amelia’s Twitter account.

Game announcement and introduction:

http://www.insidethemagic.net/2013/07/dis

This Google+ profile is NOT official and should be ignored.  

This is Amelia:

New Post (backdated July 3):

http://storyorbit.com/recent-post-title

Amelia introduces herself and her late grandfather Carlos who apparently sold a short story to Disney called “Orbit’s Story.”

New Post (backdated July 7):

http://storyorbit.com/youre-cordially-invited

There is a connection between Carlos, WED Enterprises, the ‘64-65 World’s Fair, Progressland, and it’s a small world.  “J” invited Carlos to contact the Special Projects Team.

Who is “J” / “G”?  Speculation includes Imagineer John Hench.

The documentary Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair may be relevant due to its subject matter. T                            here are several of this video on Youtube, including here.

July 9

New Posts:

http://storyorbit.com/more-of-64

http://storyorbit.com/michael-whos-michael

Amelia shares photos from the World’s Fair from Carlos’ files, trying to figure out his connection.  She is working on a documentary.

Two yellow notes read:

• SPECIAL PROJECT PHOTOS

• Follow up with Lott about special work on iasw (607) 218-5820

“iasw” = it’s a small world

Calling the phone number reveals a full voice mail box for Lott Family Construction, pointing to their web site at LottFamilyConstruction.com 

The Lott Family Construction web site introduces the family (http://lottfamilyconstruction.com/meet-the-family) including Michael Lott, the owner.

The Contact Us page (http://lottfamilyconstruction.com/contact-us) reveals an e-mail address:

office@lottfamilyconstruction.com

Various e-mails to this address have been replied to, with the following from Michael T Lott:

I remember one night we were working on some last minute tweaks to 'small world' when we heard this gosh-darn awful racket coming from this back room, and I didn't know there even was a back room! It was this big hum, like the biggest engine you ever heard of. Everything was on a need-to-know, and I felt lucky to be in the know to know there was a need-to-know!

-

I know a lot of people, but his name is not ringing a bell. Can you be more specific?

-

Oh, yeah. I think he was a writer or some such. I think we chatted at the Fair a bit… but that’s all I really remember.

-

I’m glad you asked. Working with Mr. Disney was an incredible exf secret tours and top, top secret stuff. Stuff they wouldn’t even let the public see. Just a few select folks. They were building stuff I know wasn’t finished on the blueprints. And there were tons of change orders in the final days. But as hard as it was, the World’s Fair was perience. He liked to say, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible,” but never talked about how hard it was. We worked a lot of long hours trying to get the World’s Fair projects done on time. There was lots of going on. Lots oan incredible experience. I was just glad when it opened.

-

I can’t talk much about it. I signed my name on the dotted line fifty years ago that said I wouldn’t divulge any information. And, by gum, I’m a man of my word. All I can tell you is there was lots going on behind the scenes. Stuff I never thought was possible.

When emailed about the redacted words in the letter, Lott replied:

I don't know how you heard about that. But best let it go. That’s all I'm going to say about that.

All e-mails end with this signature:

Yours truly,

Michael T. Lott

--

Lott Family Construction, LLC

1309 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY^[a][b] 10605

(607) 218-5820

--

This e-mail and the information it contains may be confidential and privileged and is intended solely for the use of the named addressee. If you have received this message in error please inform the sender immediately, delete all copies, do not disclose the contents to any other person or take any action based on them. If you're a client and need to access your files online, type our website, a slash, then your project code to view your documents.

The last line reveals a project code is needed to access something on the Lott web site.

Michael T Lott may be connected (or just a tongue in cheek reference) to M. T. Lott which was one of the front companies used to purchase land for the Florida project.

When asked about the history of his company in terms of realty/selling land especially if they had any property in Florida at the time of the Florida project, Michael T Lott said he didn’t know anything about that.

More on the Connection with MT Lott: 

As for the question about the founding date, well, I'll try to keep it short. Can't always do that, but I'll certainly try. Lott Family Construction wasn't always Lott Family Construction. Back in Pappy's day, it was Lott Family Real Estate. When I took over fifty years ago, I was more interested in building houses than selling them. So, I changed the name and got to building. I keep that star up in the corner to honor the work my Pappy did.

New Post:

http://storyorbit.com/a-memento-memo

A memo from Walt Disney Productions to Carlos notes their interest in “Orbit’s Story” to possible become a movie, TV series, and/or theme park attraction.  And the letter furthers Carlos’ involvement with the Special Projects Team.

Is this a tie-in to Disney’s upcoming “Tomorrowland” movie?

The name of the piece is Orbit’s Story-- possessive Orbit- like orbit is a name of something or someone.

This letter predates the others by 12 years. Mentioning Disney’s first interest in Carlos Moreau. Carlos had worked with Disney for a long time prior to the World Fair and was probably a trusted team member. He was part of the Special Projects Team.

July 10

Amelia asked on Twitter “Need a name for my documentary about Grandpa He was a sci-fi writer, a futurist and always had a smile for everyone he met. Suggestions?”

Amelia posted a napkin from the Tam O’Shanter restaurant from Carlos’ files. It’s a restaurant that Walt Disney used to frequent.

Along with the napkin, Amelia posted “I’ve really been wondering how much mom knew about all this stuff. She doesn’t talk about it now, but I bet grandpa was awesome to have as a dad.” So we can conclude that Carlos is Amelia’s mom’s father and Amelia’s last name is most likely not Moreau.

-

The napkin has a phone number: 213-438-9463 and a message:

Follow up on “Signal Flag”

meet W. at ‘The Snug’^[c]

The Snug is the bar at the Tam O’Shanter.  Is “W” Walt Disney? or Wallace?

The phone number is answered with the “WED prototype vocal mail system for the World’s Fair Special Projects Team.”  Access code on first day: 0710 on Second day it had been changed to 0711. I assume it will continue to change in that fashion^[d].

The message reveals the following

(Someone recorded it: )http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ClsEWAmVYc:

Minutes for the Special Projects Team meeting for April 19, 1964

Old business:

April 13 - Change order for Lott family construction regarding access to Small World secure work area is approved

April 14 - Final Signal Flag installation test successful, ready for private demonstrations at World’s Fair

April 18 - Final adjustments to accommodate advancements to Lincoln - 2 week delay

New business:

Need to arrange transportation to Flushing Meadows for Carlos to discuss work for “tomorrow”

Walt’s office to set up meeting with Hughes at temporary office in Queens

Patent applications to be put on hold:

Auto Apparatus (Mission to Mars)

Signal Flag (possible submarine voyage patent)

Mark Zero Project (Monorail prototype?)

.

Future meeting minutes will be under a secret conference code.

Does “Hughes” refer to Howard Hughes or to his company?

The web site disneycartography.com was discovered, perhaps too early. This website was found from poking around and finding out that it is hosted on the same web server as Storyorbit. As of 07/11/13 it has not been referenced officially on the Storyorbit site. It is run by someone named Wallace who has a passion for making Disney-related maps and for the World’s Fair.

His web site shows five pieces of artwork (currently sold out) - four attractions.

Notes/speculation from these images:

In the Tam poster: There is an interesting little signature or mark to the right of John Hench. This symbol also appears in Lincolns “Brain” on the lincoln poster.

The little guy wearing the kilt in the painting is the same as the little guy in the Small World Poster

As I said below the middle blueprint is a pretty close match to the concepts for EPCOT.

The Lincoln Poster: There is a “Double Helix” circling Lincolns portrait. Also the Cog is the hub and spoke design of Disneyland and the concepts of EPCOT  Someone else also suggested that the gear could represent the carousel of progress, with the model city above it when you exited up the ramp- represented by the chips in lincolns head-- if the design lines up with the worlds fair points on a map

Primeval World Poster: You can see the Double Helix again

IASW Poster: The little guy in the Kilt from the TAM poster is standing on a hill holding a radio or cell phone.

Michael Lott wrote in his email:

“I remember one night we were working on some last minute tweaks to 'small world' when we heard this gosh-darn awful racket coming from this back room”

And Wallace describes his Small world piece:

“I've always been inspired by the message of peace and unity behind “it’s a small world.”

Both describe the “Back room” and ‘message behind’ small world.

COP Poster: The poster in the background is stylized similar to the Blueprint in the TAM poster which shows EPCOT. The pattern on the woman's dress is the concept layout for EPCOT. The wallpaper is a little Atom symbol and infinity symbol. (I would love to know what music sheet she is holding, I would be willing to bet it is “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”) The building below the "Three Bells Start Our Revolution" is sending out a radio signal. (Maybe a "Signal Flag"? I also assume the Three Bells line refers to a Revolution beyond the rotation of the COP?)

TC could be TC Howard? Designer and engineer of geodesic dome- could also be the Howard in the shorthand notes? (ariel)

The TC or TU symbol is located on

 Lincolns Micro Chip      Cre

st inside Club 33

 Behind John Hench’s Shoulder

The table top at the Tam The Disneyland Record

“Imagineers at the Tam” featuring Walt Disney, John Hench, Mary Blair, and Bob Gurr.

Faces confirmed by Wallace on Twitter as of 3:15 pm on 07/11/13:

Ricky said “@DCartography @katimackie Looks like John Hench, Mary Blair, and Bob Gurr. Please tell me you'll offer your prints at the #D23Expo.”

And Wallace responded “You got it, @InsideTheMagic.  I'm a great admirer of the Disney Legends and the work they've done.”

The blueprint artwork in Wallace’s Tam drawing closely matches early EPCOT concepts. (Thanks, Matt!)

Wallace was asked “I love your 'Imagineers at the TAM' poster, What does it say under the little guy in the kilt?  @DCartography”

He responded “Thanks @LostDeltaPhoto!  Sorry, I don't have a print of that piece anymore to examine. You'd probably have to track down the original.”

The original can be found at The Tam O’Shanter, in The Snug sitting area. Kalani reports that the writing under the little guy in the kilt is “Typical Scottish Highland dress costume”.

Wallace will be at the D23 Expo and has scheduled a live chat:

6:30 p.m. PST

August 5th, 2013.

(Perhaps his artwork will be available at the Expo?)

Wallace is also on Twitter.

July 11

Some people are posting on storyorbit.com and on Twitter that they got the following attachment emailed to them from Lott Construction.

Amelia responded to the document on Twitter by saying, "0_0 ???" "That's my surprised face. Doesn’t it look like me?"  Not clear what that means.

Brightened you can see the words “the city” then “florida project” then “the city”^[e][f] then “operation signal flag” “auto apparatus” then “mark 0 project”

Here is that WED letter with the assumed words added in:

Players Kalani and Amber went to Walt’s table at the Tam O’Shanter tonight, posting the following:

On one corner there’s a picture (carving) of a t-rex (looks like when you go back in time on the Disneyland train) with the text “1/22 Primeval World Meeting 01BC”

On the same side of the table in the other corner there’s the text “Contact Carlos about ‘Tomorrow’” and “5/16/64 = 0L1N” with the T/U symbol previously discussed.

If you try to type 01BC on a telephone, you get 0122. Likewise, if you press 0L1N on a phone, you get 0516. So those codes match the dates. But these codes don’t work on the vocal mail system phone number or on the Lott site.

Kalani has shared photos of his visit to the Tam including table carvings with special messages:

Looks like the EPCOT concept.

Stegosaurus

Could this be TC instead of T/U? And a reference to “The City” as crossed out in the security memo?

Contact Carlos about “Tomorrow”

Call Lott

IASW FEB 14 is OB1G

5/16/64 = 0L1N (referenced on the Lincoln Poster)

1/22 Primeval World Meeting 01BC

Short hand notes?

Wallace’s artwork in the Tam

Close-up of Small World in poster

More here, with video:

http://www.insidethemagic.net/2013/07/the-optimist-game-gets-real-taking-players-to-tam-oshanter-one-of-walt-disneys-own-favorite-hangouts/

July 12

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/for-the-record

Amelia found old World’s Fair Disneyland records behind one of Carlos’ filing cabinets.  She registered their address on storyorbit.com by 7/13 at noon ET)

e says she’ll be mailing some of them out to people (who hav

The pictured record is Volume 1 of 2 of “Just a Dream Away” with the song “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” by the Sherman brothers.

On Twitter Amelia added a little bit about her grandmother: "@storyorbit: Grandma passed away when I was very young, @KittyTina. I remember she was hardworking and quiet. She also had a beautiful voice. :)"

July 13

New Posts:

http://storyorbit.com/yet-even-more-of-64

Amelia added a brochure from Carlos’ World’s Fair folder of a nuclear fusion demonstration:

The shorthand translation is as follows.

July 14

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/handwriting-sample

Amelia confirmed the shorthand solution.

July 15

New post

http://storyorbit.com/moms

Amelia has begun to talk to her mom about her grandfather Carlos. Her mom wasn’t interested in sharing anything.  But Amelia does now have a YouTube account that’s worth watching:

http://www.youtube.com/user/storyorbit^[g]

July 16

Disney has announced the Walt Disney Studios’ presentation at the D23 Expo will feature “Tomorrowland.”  If The Optimist is connected to that film (which it likely is), we may see the conclusion of the game during that presentation on August 10.

New Post:

http://storyorbit.com/my-grandfather-the-screenwriter

Carlos was apparently a screenwriter as well.  Amelia shared two pages from his script “What Tomorrow Hides.”  The events in the script closely mirror what little we know of the Special Projects team’s work.  There is likely more truth than fiction in those words.  And hidden messages, indicated by the final lines “The mapmaker has one more clue, doesn’t he? The message’s somewhere in there, isn’t it?”  There are many corrections to the script along with an x’ed out line.  There must be a hidden message in there, waiting to be decoded.

Interesting use of “mapmaker” as well.  Does this script tie in to Wallace and disneycartography.com?

July 17

New post:

Amelia shared some memorabilia and knick-knacks from Carlos:

The World’s Fair and It’s a Small World connections are obvious, but nothing much was revealed beyond that.

July 18

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/another-script-from-c-moreau

Amelia posted a script for VIP alternate audio tour for Its a Small World at the World’s Fair.

The idea sounds more like Spaceship Earth than It’s a Small World.  Lots of technology.

Wallace updated his cartography website, adding a new image which looks like a map of Tomorrowland back in the 60's.

Autopia has a pink star with a pink rectangle on the car. Submarine Voyage has pink on the flag.

At Disneyland park, these markings were revealed to be patents that were filed in 1960's:

http://www.google.com/patents/US3241419 - decoded on submarine flags (auditing dispo frequency responsive lighlay)

http://g.icodex.org/patents/US2942516 - found on the gate of Tomorrowland monorail station (panoramic motion picture aka. circle vision)

http://g.icodex.org/patents/US2861806 - found on plaque of "Midget Autopia" (rocketship amusement apparatus, known for mission to mars)

The story is coming together with an emphasis on technology, panoramic motion pictures, and transportation...

July 20

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/whats-up-with-wallace

Amelia was wondering about Wallace’s artwork, solved above.

Amelia’s records were delivered to selected players.

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/about-those-recordsone $5.60 2013 stamp depicting Arlington Green Bridge, and seven 46-cent stamps with American flags (Justice, Equality, Liberty, Freedom, Equality Liberty Freedom)

• Record was wrapped in recycled wrapping paper, and sandwiched between two sheets of 12”x12” cardboard.
• Album envelope is aged to appear 50 years old with minor discoloration, record impression, and tears.
• Side one and two matching label text with variations: Disneyland, Walt Disney Presents, “JUST A DREAM AWAY”, Volume 1 of 2, ST-3929, SIDE I/II Disney Reveries from the 1964- 1965 WORLD’S FAIR.  Song: Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow/(Instrumental) (Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman), LONG 33 ⅓ play, RECORDED BY WALT DISNEY MUSIC CO.
• 1964 XIX Roman Numerals under Unisphere logo includes our mystery symbol
• ST-3929-A and ST-3929-B engraved on each side of record alongside record label.

• 12.5” x 12.5” x 1” white carton addressed to Resident Optimist.  Although my address was entered correctly into Disney.com, it appears to have been purposefully distorted to look more amateur and authentic.
• Return address is 1800 Mineral Springs Ave #301, North Providence, RI 02904, a Mailboxes, Etc. storefront.
• Please handle with care/fragile label produced by the De Leone Company of Redmond, Oregon.  Product SCL 536 appears to be a standard label.
• Postage includes three 2008 $1 stamps depicting the statue of Wisdom at Rockefeller Center, NYC,

The record featured “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” by the Sherman brothers.  But it also has a double groove with two hidden narrative tracks.  Amelia shared both:

Side A

Side B

The narration on the first side synchronizes with the Carousel of Progress attraction at Walt Disney World, adding futuristic speak between the attraction’s dialogue.

As hinted in the CoP poster (three bleeps - three bells)

The second side appears to match the Disneyland railroad trip between Tomorrowland and Main Street.  Both have World’s Fair ties.

Or does it match to the Primeval World? As hinted on the Pw poster made by Wallace:

July 23

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/check-that-off-the-list

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/a-little-more-from-lott

Amelia acknowledged all the findings above.

July 24

Amelia has updated her storyorbit Youtube page with a new video starring her cat, Sofia.

At the beginning of the video an art piece is shown fairly prominently.

July 25

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/family-stories

Wallace of Disney Cartography tweeted: 

The photo depicts a location in New Orleans Square at Disneyland. It also says above the archway “7/26 8:15-8:20”.

The same art can be found in a new piece on Wallace’s site called “Walt’s Haunts”:

Clues are available to find at the Griffith Park Carousel (restored from three burned horses from Lincoln Park Carousel), the red barn at Carolwood, and Chili John’s.

Jeremiah went to Chili John’s and received a mystery note inside a can of chili beans to go:

Amelia posted “to do” list written by Carlos.  The note has a code: eticket59.

Adding that to the Lott Family Construction web site reveals blueprints to download featuring 1959 version Tomorrowland, but with notes indicating a variety of special projects, including Mark 0 and Signal Flag.

“Signal Flag” is defined as “a system & method for the construction of transit portals.”

“Mark 0” is defined as “a system & method for a virtual reality projection system that surrounds the viewer in a simulated environment via the activation of a small, hand-held (or worn) proximity immersion node (or P.I.N.)”

“Auto Apparatus” is definied as “a system & method for a device designed to train participants for supra-transit travel such as extra-orbital or para-phasic. Device is often hidden in large public structures.”

These notes are key to The Optimist.  They feature recurring themes and technologies, perhaps leading to whatever experience will conclude this mystery

.

• 14:01:00 is both 2:01 pm, and 1401 Flower Street, home of Imagineering.

• All universities are/were locations for Disney R&D labs

• 7/17/66 is Disneyland’s 11th birthday

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/above-and-beyond

July 26

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/the-way-to-walts-haunts

Amelia interviewed her mom again. What stood out from the video was both Amelia and the mother saying "Together we can make tomorrow better".

Also, another note from Chili John’s was found and shared:

Wallace’s clue led players to an adventure through New Orleans Square, first receiving timed entry tickets.

Small groups were led into Club 33 and Wallace called them.

Wallace said they are closer than they think to the future and to follow the path, directing them to nearby displays inside Club 33 featuring the initials of famous historical figures:

Nicolas Tesla

Thomas Edison

Samuel Clemens

Walter Elias Disney

HG Wells

August Eiffel

Jules Verne

Amelia Earhart

It seemed as though these historic figures mentioned are there because they innovated something or revolutionized history itself. Amelia, for instance, proved that women are capable of flying a plane and not just men alone. Edison invented the lightbulb and electricity. Samuel Clemens renovated how we read novels and words that were originally British. Jules Verne was the first to write adventure novels. HG Wells was the first to write science fiction novel, which we sometimes read today. Nicolas Tesla invented robots with the use of electricity. August Eiffel helped design the Eiffel Tower and influenced the industrial revolution. As for Walter E. Disney, he revolutionized animated motion picture^[h].

`

Wallace noted there are still clues to be found around the theme park.

Overlaying the crest onto the Disneyland map with the castle facing upward points each of the historical figure initials and symbols toward related attractions.  The Eiffel Tower points to It’s a Small World, Tesla toward Space Mountain, etc.  These attractions could be locations of future clues, looking for these symbols and/or initials^[i][j].

In Griffith Park, a clue was on the leather strap on the carousel.

.

Decoded, it reads “Society members, we each play a role in building Tomorrow. Remember our goal to forge a brighter path for the future to keep and the world going round.”

Full video/photo recap of this day’s events:

http://www.insidethemagic.net/2013/07/the-optimist-brings-fans-to-disneylands-club-33-walts-haunts-with-special-delivery-connected-to-tomorrowland-movie/

Wallace will be at the D23 Expo at booth 539.

https://cdn.d23.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Collectors_Forum.pdf

July 27

More messages from Chili John’s:

July 28

Walt’s Carolwood barn is open from 11-3 for The Optimist.  Taking a flash photo inside a combine reveals a clue:

fa

Appearing are “New Orleans Square” and a sign for the Telegraph:

Next step is to listen to and decode the morse code message at the New Orleans Square telegraph at Disneyland.  That telegraph message normally decodes to Walt’s opening speech for Disneyland, but it is likely different for The Optimist.

The telegraph clip: https://soundcloud.com/insidethemagic/new-orleans-square-telegraph

(Originally recorded by Jeff Heimbuch: https://soundcloud.com/jeff-heimbuch/new-orleans-station-telegraph)

The telegraph in New Orleans Square message was decoded as follows:

d23

.-- . .-.. -.-. --- -- . / ... --- -.-. .. . - -.-- / -- . -- -... . .-. ... / --- ..-. / .---- ----. -.... -.... / .- -. -.. / --- ..- .-. / -. . .-- / .. -. -.. ..- -.-. – . . / .-. -.. -...

“Welcome society members of 1966 and our new inductee RDB.”

9  He was also mentioned on the previous shorthand note.

July 30

On the blog, Roland^[k][l][m][n] noticed the symbols on the plate were suppose to be pointed at where the clue was last found; meaning the SLC was suppose to be pointing to Tomorrowland Monorail Station.

August 1

The last of Walt’s Haunts on Wallace’s artwork leads to the bench at the entrance of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln with an arrival time of 8:10-8:15am.

Timed tickets were handed out, like last week:

The small crowd gathered in the Mr. Lincoln theater:

Wallace appeared in person in the theater It was a first.  He talked about Walt’s history, the bench, and inspiration by historical figures named at Club 33.

He then talked a bit about Edison Square, an area of Main Street USA that was never built at Disneyland.

Edison Square was supposed to house an attraction called Harnessing the Lightning, detailing the development of electricity.  The revolving theater concept eventually became the Carousel of Progress.

Groups were then led to Walt’s Apartment.  No photo or video was allowed inside.

Inside, groups were led into Walt’s office with emphasis on the Edison phonograph.  One phonograph cylinder had the Eiffel Tower on it and read “Songs of Paris.”  It was said that there are 26 similar cylinders throughout the park.

Meanwhile Wallace posted new “Edison Square” artwork to his web site:

It references the wheelhouse of the Mark Twain riverboat, a picture of a PeopleMover track corner, and the phonograph in Walt’s Apartment, dated August 1.

Upon further investigation on the canister. There was not only a lead with the icon of the Eiffel Tower, like the one found on the plate previously, but there is both a patent on the bottom side of the can and a number that goes by 9639^[o](?).

The PeopleMover track shows a large circle, diamond, and circle pattern.

On the blog, some people speculated that the symbols are possibly found by the lamppost at New Orleans Square

The date of Amelia Earhart’s completion of her transatlantic flight is on the Mark Twain certificate along with Saturday 12:00pm:

The D23 Expo Guidebook has been released revealing a full page ad for Wallace’s booth:

The clues “secret”, “message”, and “borders” suggest to use the pictures circling the page to reveal the special code.  Taking the first letter from each represented attraction, the result is “PASSWORD IS PROGRESS”.  So go find Wallace at the Expo and tell him “Progress” for a surprise.

Recap, video, and summary of the week’s events:

http://www.insidethemagic.net/2013/08/the-optimist-continues-disney-historical-adventure-inside-walts-disneyland-apartment-carolwood-railroad-barn/

August 2

Wallace has changed the date of his live chat.

Just before the Expo, I’ll be holding a live chat to talk art, D23 Expo, memories of the World’s Fair, visions of the future, and, well, anything you want to talk about! I’ll be tweeting out a link the day of the chat so you can ask questions ahead of time. I may even have a surprise for you.

The live chat will be at:

6:30 p.m. PST

August 5th, 2013.

New Post:

http://storyorbit.com/mapping-it-all-out

Amelia recapped the week’s exciting events to Walt’s Haunts as we enter the final week of The Optimist.

Wallace sent a postcard out to select players (reportedly a couple hundred^[p]).

Disneycartography.com/es reveals a game set in an animated version of Edison Square.

The clues from Wallace’s Edison Square artwork and found in Disneyland are used to solve the puzzles in this online game.

The date of Amelia Earhart’s transatlantic flight completion found on the Mark Twain certificate is the solution to this, resulting in a “Soarin’ with Amelia Earhart” ride to appear.

The next game uses the symbols spotted atop the PeopleMover track to solve.

That reveals H.G Wells - The Time Machine.

The other game requires players to “Look beyond the lamp” as Wallace’s artwork says to create a picture.

Those who visited Walt’s apartment were supposed to look beyond Walt’s famous lamp in the window to notice a phonograph cylinder from Paris.  The solution is the Eiffel Tower.

Resulting in the Eiffel Tower of Wonder appearing.

Once all three games are completed, a second statue appears in the center of the animated Edison Square.

It’s Nikola Tesla alongside Edison with a few sparks between them.

Clicking on the plaque beneath the new statue shows the +U logo found throughout The Optimist.

Here the symbol is in red and black, making it two distinct symbols.  But zooming ^[q]in on the previous image reveals it is not TU but +U.

The town also scenes also change, adding names of Society Members and others.

Now no clues or missions remain as players await Wallace’s live chat Monday night, followed by the D23 Expo.

August 4

Wallace indicated his live chat will take place on Twitter:

Remember, having a live chat on Monday at 6:30 PST. Will be taking questions via twitter. Talk to you soon. Use the hashtag #wallacechat

It was also noticed that the +U symbol also appeared on the “1952” briefcase first used a few months ago to tease the “Tomorrowland” movie before it had an announced title.

August 6

Wallace held a live video chat on his web site answering questions submitted via Twitter.

Video of the live chat can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LJrilA1G4A

Behind Wallace were various Disney Vinylmation figures as well as the Walt Disney Treasures Tomorrowland: Disney in Space and Beyond DVD.

In answering questions, he repeatedly emphasized that he (along with the “society”) are interested in building “a better tomorrow,” something Wallace has said before.  He noted that Walt Disney wasn’t the only visionary in history and hypothesized what it would be like if other visionaries (like Wells, Earhart, Edison, Tesla, etc.) had worked together - what they could have accomplished.

When asked about the 1964 World's Fair, he mentioned there was a “secret mission of tomorrow,” in which a “showcase for the impossible” featured “ideas decades ahead of their time” but that the “world wasn't ready for these marvels” which were only shown to a “special group.”  Wallace is part of that group.

He remained vague about most topics, including the meaning of the +U symbol.

He could not confirm nor deny theories from the Lott blueprints.

He also said his older artwork would not be available at the D23 Expo or afterward, but that he is working on a ne.w piece that will be at his booth  (Telling him the word “PROGRESS” as noted earlier will likely reveal this new art.)

Wallace confirmed the last step of The Optimist will be AT the D23 Expo.

He emphasized that this is not Wallace’s story but that of Carlos and Amelia.

Finally, he welcomed a special guest to add a bit of flare to the conversation.

It was legendary Imagineer Bob Gurr, who discussed the development of Autopia and Midget Autopia for Walt Disney, noting that Midget Autopia cars were bronzed later, one located at Disneyland and another in Marceline, MO.  He also began talking about a secret society that Walt Disney was part of -- but his “connection was lost.”  After that, Wallace abruptly ended the chat.

BOB called it Marceline, KS, rather than MO, and it seemed rather intentional!

NOTE: Pointed out by @TheJourneyKey on Twitter, the old remnants of the midget Autopia reside on the Walt Disney Municipal Park on ‘S Kansas Ave’! This is to be believed the intention of Bob Gurr,

While thinking about Marceline, MO, @TheJourneyKey on Twitter pointed out that there’s a big X near downtown Marceline that matches almost perfectly with the +U logo:

It could be flipped around:

Aerial view of the Midget Autopia located on ‘S Kansas Avenue.

New post:

http://storyorbit.com/hitting-the-right-note

Amelia has shared more photos from Carlos, with a special note.

The note reads:

Recruitment message for final stage^[r]

• (Consider venue)^[s]

Visions of the City

History of +U

Welcome, Inform, Inspire^[t]

Building a future for tomorrow^[u]

• (Tanya)^[v]

Amelia notes Tanya is her mom.

Wallace Tweeted:

This was posted on Twitter 2 days ago by Wallace. Could this be a big clue to an announcement to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Disney’s involvement in the World’s Fair? - Adam (Disneybrit)

The D23 Expo

Is Plus Ultra the real name for The Society +U?  That “U” matches the +U logo.

The Rest

The Optimist has concluded.  The adventure played out at the 2013 D23 Expo and Disneyland, culminating in a grand finale at the Main Street Cinema and an appearance by Amelia’s mom in the park.  Wallace was also on hand at the Expo, discussing the events with players and handing out artwork to those who completed the journey.

Rather than repeating the full report here, click the following link to recap everything that transpired over the concluding events:

http://

www.insidethemagic.net/2013/08/the-optimist-concludes-with-wild-adventure-at-2013-d23-expo-disneyland-as-disney-ramps-up-tomorrowland-promotion/

That link includes descriptions, photos, and a 24-minute video detailing the entire finale adventure.

We didn’t get answers to all our questions, but we all joined the society.  And as Wallace says, “The journey is over - for now.”  We’ll be back if/when The Optimist returns.

THE END?

...

NO!

September 5

The Optimist resumes.  After three weeks of silence, Amelia tweeted tonight:

Excited to show you what I've been working on. Feeling confident I can debut it next week. #fingerscrossed #forTheOptimists #missyou!!!

She is also using the hashtag #TheOptimists quite often, responding to her followers.

September 14th

Update on Amelia’s documentary:

September 16

New Post: http://storyorbit.com/tomorrow

Amelia has concluded her journey with The Optimist, completing her documentary about Carlos and all of us assisting her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjE_VxyGa1E

This may be the end for Amelia but isn’t likely to be the conclusion of the adventure.

March 13:

It starts again. www.stopplusultra.com

A Facebook page has been started to connect all the Optimists since it seems unlikely we’ll hear from Wallace or Amelia again: https://www.facebook.com/societyofoptimists

May 22:

Stop Plus Ultra’s protest in front of the convention center and access to the site reveal and conclude with a question - what comes next?  no one knows.

Unanswered Questions & Investigations:

• What is the Special Project?

• What was the “gosh-darn awful racket” and “big hum” Michael Lott referred to?^[w]

• What is Bob Gurr’s “Gorilla Project”? (Or Project Gorilla)^[x]

* What's http://disneycartography.com?^[y]

• Who is Kalem Tonn (email: kalem.tonn@lottfamilyconstruction.com)?

• What is the connection between Werner, Bradbury, Howard (and Disney)?

• What is the Mark 0 Project and Operation: Signal Flag? PARTIALLY SOLVED / DEFINED ABOVE

Notes that have been answered elsewhere or may not be relevant:

• Amelia has revealed on Twitter that Carlos’ last name is Moreau.

It seems there is/was a Mitchell S. Lott as well. Imagineer and Disney Legend Bob Gurr has been named as part of this with his “Gorilla Project” that Ford Motor Company wasn’t too happy about. The letter below was posted to Amelia’s blog by someone named Howard.

Speculation is that the poster “Howard”  posted this as a fake

Howard went on to say:

It’s from the special collection at The Henry Ford Museum. It had a disney connection, so I snapped a photo back in 2007. Clearly Bob was developing the Ford Motor Company didn’t want public. It sounds like Lott’s Father? was a vendor for both WED and Ford