“One little spark of inspiration, is at the heart of all creation…”
Located in Epcot’s Future World, the Imagination pavilion is highlighted by two glass pyramids, leap-frog style fountains and a reverse waterfall. Guests are transported into a world of creativity and imagination.
Imagination with Figment:
Opening on June 1, 2002 and featuring Figment and Dr. Nigel Channing, the ride invites guests to the Imagination Institute’s open house where s(he) can explore his/her senses. The ride pays homage to many classic Disney movies, including Merlin Jones, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, and Flubber.
(youtube video from Intercot)
A Journey to the Past – Fun Facts
- The original ride, Journey into Imagination, was active from 1983-1998 –a year after the pavilion opened.
- It was a 14-minute ride on an omnimover hosted by Figment and the well-missed Dreamfinder.
- Guests entered the Dreamport and explored four areas of imagination: artistic/painting, nightmare/book, show-biz/acting, and science.
- The song, “One Little Spark,” was featured in the original ride as well, but with different lyrics.
(video from Screamscape)
- The next renovation, Journey into Your Imagination (Oct. 1999-Oct. 2001), lacked both Figment and the Dreamfinder, but introduced Dr. Nigel Channing –portrayed by Monty Python veteran, Eric Idle.
- A community of fans, Friends of Figment, rallied in support of the beloved, yet absent character.
- Disney took notice, refurbished the ride, and reintroduced Figment in Imagination with Figment.
- In addition to the ride, a Figment meet-and-greet was established, but later discontinued.
- In tribute to the absent Dreamfinder, Disney placed a ‘Dean Finder’ nameplate on a door at the beginning of the renovated ride.
Image Works – The “What Ifs” Labs
Presented in 1999 after the closing of the original Image Works, Kodak’s “What Ifs” Labs features a less hands-on, more camera kiosk version of exploration. Some components of Image Works were kept, including a 2002 reintroduction of Electronic Philharmonic and a 2008 revamp of Stepping Tones, complete with brighter, instrument-themed pads.
The Abandoned Floor
- The upper floor of the Imagination pavilion used to be home to the original Image Works attraction.
- Image Works provided guests with a hands-on imagination exploration experience featuring innovations in sound, lighting, and colors. Stations included: Figment’s Coloring Book, Magic Palettes, Light Writers, Sensor Maze, Pin Screens, Stepping Tones, Bubble Music, Giant Kaleidoscopes, Image Warp, Dreamfinder’s School of Drama, Making Faces, Lumia, and Electronic Philharmonic.
- Upon closing in 1998, the entire upper floor of the pavilion was abandoned and much of the original fixtures still remain today.
- Today the Upper Floor is used as a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge area.
The Magic Eye Theater
Guests of the Magic Eye Theater are currently entertained by the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival —an 18-minute, 4D experience featuring Disney/Pixar short films Get a Horse, Feast, and Piper.
Remember the old song Making Memories
(Disney Studio Chorus on youtube)
Historical Facts
- Opening in 1982, The Magic Eye Theater was the original main attraction and featured the show, Magic Journeys –a 3-D film featuring songs written by the Sherman Brothers.
- In 1987, Magic Journeys was replaced with Captain EO, a 3-D space-fantasy, musical film created by George Lucas and starring Michael Jackson.
- Magic Journeys was reopened in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland Theater where it played until December 1993.
- In 1995, Captain EO was replaced by Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, starring Rick Moranis and Eric Idle.
- After Michael Jackson’s death in June of 2009, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience was closed and Captain EO reopened as the Magic Eye Theater’s featured film from July 2, 2010-December 2015.
What is your favorite part of the Imagination Pavilion? Do you have any favorite memories of Dreamfinder and Figment? Please comment and share.
Sources: Extinct Disney, LostEpcot, Disney Wikia
Image Sources: Inside The Magic, Epcot Legacy, Disney
