EPCOT Overhaul: Imagination Pavilion to Be Redone at Disney Park
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The Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT, located at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will undergo a major renovation. The news of this project was announced at D23 in Anaheim, California, close to Disneyland. While the pavilion's design remains a mystery, it has been confirmed that the beloved dragon Figment, who represents imagination, will be featured in the revamped attraction.
The pavilion opened with EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982, with only "Magic Journeys," a 3D film in the adjacent Magic Eye Theater, as an attraction. The main attraction, Journey Into Imagination, featuring Dreamfinder and Figment, didn't launch until March 5, 1983, created by renowned Imagineer Tony Baxter. This pioneering ride boasted a complex dark ride system, numerous audio-animatronic figures, engaging show scenes, memorable music, and a theme song by the Sherman Brothers.
The pavilion gained popularity in the late 1990s with the introduction of "Captain EO" and the closure of the interactive exhibit, ImageWorks, which featured the famous rainbow tunnel. However, this version of the attraction was met with criticism due to its shortened duration, eliminated show elements, and absence of Figment and Dreamfinder.
The failure of this new version prompted former Disney CEO Michael Eisner to demand a fix, resulting in a hurried re-launch in 2002 called Journey Into Imagination with Figment. This version returned Figment to the attraction, left Dreamfinder behind, and offered a more acceptable experience. Despite this, the popularity of Figment has only grown since the less appealing version was introduced.
Figment has become a prominent character and mascot for EPCOT, appearing on numerous merchandise items, often as the ambassador for EPCOT's seasonal food festivals and selling an excessive number of plush toys. At one point, a feature centered around Figment, led by Seth Rogen's Point Grey Productions, was in development. Currently, Figment remains highly cherished.
The fate of the Imagination Pavilion is uncertain, but it is hoped that future improvements will be made to the Magic Eye Theater, which has been displaying old Pixar shorts and the main Imagination attraction for years.
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