Beloved EPCOT Ride’s Future Uncertain After Character Suspension

A 42-year-old EPCOT attraction faces an uncertain future as the character that thousands of Disney guests love and enjoy has been suspended indefinitely from the theme park until further notice.

Disney World Resort EPCOT Attraction in Danger?

As visitors flock to EPCOT, many come with high expectations of experiencing the beloved Journey Into Imagination With Figment attraction and meeting the mischievous purple dragon in person. However, guests are facing an unexpected surprise today as both the attraction and meet-and-greet have been temporarily closed. The downtime began earlier, leaving many park-goers puzzled as they found the entrance to the Journey Into Imagination With Figment attraction shuttered.

For those who decided to seek refuge indoors at the ImageWorks post-show area, hoping to catch a glimpse of Figment in the meet-and-greet area, disappointment awaited them as well. Both experiences have been put on hold, with maintenance crews visibly at work around the affected areas. Despite the closure, the specifics of the issue remain unclear.

Cast Members onsite could not provide a definitive timeline for when the attraction or the meet-and-greet might reopen. However, they did note that the Figment meet-and-greet information was in the process of being removed from the My Disney Experience app, signaling that the downtime could last longer than expected. While the situation is undoubtedly frustrating for guests, it’s essential to remember that these closures are likely temporary.

Is This the End of Figment? (Probably Not)

Historically, similar incidents at Disney parks have been resolved within hours or days, depending on the complexity of the issue. Although the exact cause of the disruption remains a mystery, there is no indication that this will lead to a long-term closure of either the attraction or the meet-and-greet space. For Disney enthusiasts, the closure of the Journey Into Imagination With Figment attraction is particularly significant.

Figment, a small, purple dragon with a big imagination, has been a staple of EPCOT since the 1980s and is beloved by children and adults. The attraction takes guests on a whimsical journey through the Imagination Institute, led by Figment, who encourages everyone to unleash their creativity. The experience is nostalgic for long-time Disney fans and a delightful introduction to the character for new visitors.

The meet-and-greet experience with Figment has also become a fan favorite. Located in the ImageWorks post-show area, guests can interact with the character up close, making it a must-do for many families. The closure of this experience, even temporarily, is bound to leave a gap in many visitors’ itineraries.

Adding to the concern, the Figment meet-and-greet is not the only character experience that has faced recent changes. Earlier this summer, Joy from Inside Out bid farewell to her EPCOT meet-and-greet as she transitioned to a new location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This shift left some fans wondering if other character experiences might be subject to change, and today’s closures are likely to fuel further speculation.

For those currently at EPCOT or planning a visit shortly, the unexpected downtime may necessitate some adjustments. Guests looking forward to experiencing Journey Into Imagination With Figment or meeting Figment in person might want to watch the My Disney Experience app for updates on when these experiences will be available again. In the meantime, EPCOT offers a wealth of other attractions and experiences to fill the gap.

From the futuristic thrills of Test Track to the global adventures in World Showcase, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy. For fans of Disney characters, EPCOT still hosts a variety of meet-and-greet opportunities with favorites like Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, ensuring that magical moments can still be had. While it’s understandable to be disappointed by the closures, especially for those who hold a special place in their hearts for Figment, it’s important to remember that such occurrences are part of the reality of theme park operations.

Maintenance is necessary to ensure that attractions remain safe and enjoyable for all guests. Disney’s commitment to providing a high-quality experience means that issues will likely be addressed swiftly and efficiently. For now, all eyes will be on EPCOT as guests and fans await news of the reopening of Journey Into Imagination With Figment and the Figment meet-and-greet. Whether it’s a matter of hours or days, the return of these experiences will undoubtedly be met with excitement and relief.