HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The world of tomorrow is a pretty wonderful place … at least that's the sentiment of the makers of Disney's new epic, "Tomorrowland."

At a press conference a day after the press's first look at "Tomorrowland," cast and crew were on hand to answer questions about the movie's core message.

"I grew up during the Cold War," said George Clooney, who plays Frank Walker, a grizzled, disillusioned inventor who sets things in motion in the film. "We always thought the world would end in a nuclear holocaust … but I never had that great disappointment in mankind. I thought things would always work out in the end. What I love about this film is that it reminds you that young people aren't born … cynical, or angry, or bigoted.  They have to be taught these things. I look at the world now, and I see really good signs. I feel as if the world is getting better." With his trademark grin, he added, "I'm a realist, but I'm also an optimist." [Disney's "Tomorrowland" in Pictures] 

Brad Bird, the director of the film (and previously of "Iron Giant," "Ratatouille" and "The Incredibles"), said he gets his optimism from a space-race perspective. "I remember the moon landings," he said. "I was in the air when they were going to step out onto the moon's surface. We were flying in from Denver, and I thought I was going to miss it!" Bird laughed at the memory. "When we landed, I ran to the nearest TV monitor. There must have been 400 people packed and watching and cheering as Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. That feeling has never left me."