Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
For many Disney World guests, the four magical theme parks are the heart of a Walt Disney World vacation. EPCOT stands out with its unique blend of innovation, world cultures, and imaginative experiences. The Imagination Pavilion in EPCOT is especially popular for showcasing the power of creativity through its beloved attraction, Journey Into Imagination with Figment. This family-friendly ride invites guests to tour the Imagination Institute’s sensory labs under the guidance of Dr. Nigel Channing, only to be joined by the mischievous Figment, EPCOT’s whimsical purple dragon.
Figment’s antics add plenty of laughs and surprises, showing us all that imagination shines brightest when it’s set free. Here are eight delightful details to discover on your next journey with Figment!
1. Spot the Hidden Mickey on the Whiteboard
As the tour begins, guests pass through the Sight Lab, filled with mind-bending posters and quirky props. Just before the room’s screen takes center stage, watch for a whiteboard covered in scribbles and equations. Hidden at the bottom is a classic Hidden Mickey, carefully drawn by one of the “scientists” working at the Imagination Institute. It’s a subtle nod to eagle-eyed Disney fans who know to look for it!
2. Clever Pipe Puns in the Smell Lab
In the Smell Lab, Figment invites guests to play a game by spinning symbols on a large series of pipes to win a mystery scent. The “prize” may be less than delightful, but there’s plenty of humor surrounding it! Guests who examine the pipes will notice amusing puns like “non-scents” and other cheeky wordplay woven into the labels, showing off Disney Imagineers’ creative touch even in the details.
Journey Into Imagination With Figment (Credit: Disney)
3. Disney’s Sneaker Tribute
As you continue through the attraction, you’ll pass a room filled with high-tech computer setups. Outside the door, a pair of glowing red sneakers lies on the floor under a “no tennis shoes allowed” sign. This setup is a fun tribute to the Disney classic The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, a film about a college student who gains superhuman knowledge due to a computer mishap. It’s a subtle Disney detail that movie buffs will love!
4. A Nod to Medfield College
Nearby, you’ll spot a red letterman jacket with a large “M” displayed proudly. This jacket pays homage to Medfield College, the fictional school where The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and other Disney live-action classics like The Absent-Minded Professor are set. It’s another way Disney Imagineers bring bits of Disney history into the heart of EPCOT.
5. The “Dean Finder” Office Door
As guests venture deeper into the Imagination Institute, they pass several office doors for various labs and personnel. One door, marked “Dean Finder,” serves as a nostalgic nod to the original version of this ride. In the original Journey Into Imagination, Dreamfinder was Figment’s partner in discovering creativity. Although he no longer appears in the updated ride, this reference keeps his legacy alive.
Credit: Disney Parks Blog
6. Figment’s Colorful Decor
When the tour starts to go a bit off track, Figment steps in to show off his unique “open house.” The final scenes take guests through Figment’s lively home, which is filled with his personal imaginative decor. Look around, and you’ll spot plenty of unique household items that Figment has customized to reflect his playful personality, creating a vivid and joyful end to the ride.
7. An Onion Ring Hidden Mickey
In Figment’s kitchen, where the little dragon is rummaging through his fridge, keep an eye out for all the Figment-themed kitchen accessories like his teapot and oven mitt. Look closely at the onion rings on the table—they’re arranged to form a perfect Hidden Mickey! Disney fans adore these subtle touches, and this one is sure to bring a smile as you spot it mid-tour.
8. The Dream Catcher Finale
In the finale, Dr. Channing finally admits that imagination is best when it’s set free. The scene reveals Figment embracing different forms of creativity, dancing through a whimsical world of music and art. Look closely at the sheet music displayed here—it’s titled with the attraction’s main song, “One Little Spark,” and shows a silhouette of the Dream Catcher, the flying machine Dreamfinder, and Figment originally used to explore the world of imagination.
Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Why Journey Into Imagination with Figment Captivates Disney Fans
EPCOT’s Journey Into Imagination with Figment is much more than just a ride—it’s a testament to Disney’s commitment to sparking wonder and celebrating creativity in all forms. Every room and scene tells a story that combines both visual delight and nostalgic nods to Disney’s past. For both first-timers and Disney regulars, these small details provide endless joy and a sense of discovery, making every ride through the Imagination Institute feel like a brand-new experience.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Figment or new to his world, next time you’re at EPCOT, make time for this imaginative journey. With Hidden Mickeys, nostalgic Easter eggs, and Figment’s infectious personality, this attraction is a classic Disney gem worth exploring time and time again.
