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Disney World Fans Demand Change to Beloved Attraction

Disney Attractions
Credit: Bioreconstruct on Twitter (X)

One of the most treasured attractions at Walt Disney World Resort has quickly become one of the hottest topics of controversy among the Disney community.

EPCOT, the iconic theme park known for its celebration of innovation and culture, has undergone significant transformations in recent years. Divided into four distinct neighborhoods – World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase – the Disney World park offers visitors a diverse array of experiences. Among the latest additions is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which burst onto the scene in 2022, captivating audiences with its thrilling adventures through space and time. Complementing the new attraction is Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, a breathtaking walk-through attraction that debuted last year.

A night-time view of Disney World's iconic spaceship earth attraction, illuminated against the dark sky as visitors stroll by.

Credit: ITM

Now, as fans look towards the future of EPCOT, their eyes have seemingly shifted to one specific location: The Imagination! Pavilion.

While the latest buzz surrounding the pavilion includes a construction permit filed for maintenance purposes, some fans are hopeful that it could signal broader updates to the ride experience. Despite assurances that the permit is likely for routine upkeep rather than a significant overhaul, voices within the Disney community are clamoring for more substantial improvements.

One disillusioned guest expressed their disappointment, remarking, “This ride is pretty terrible. Rode it last week for the first time in about 5 years because there was no wait. We walked right on and I still don’t even think it was worth that amount of time. I know Figment is very popular, and people don’t want anything to ever change because of nostalgia, but man they could do something better with that space and for that character.”

Figment at his new meet and greet in EPCOT

Credit: Disney

Indeed, nostalgia intertwines deeply with the history of “Journey Into Imagination.” Originally debuting with Figment and the whimsical Dreamfinder guiding guests through imaginative realms, the ride underwent several transformations over the years. One fan succinctly summarized the ride’s evolution, stating, “The ride had 3 incarnations. The original with Figment, the second version that removed Figment, and the current third version, which is the second version with Figment added into it.”

Speculation even extends to the possibility of an update coinciding with the release of a rumored Figment movie. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the ride got an update nearer to when the Figment movie releases,” remarked another fan.

Figment as a statue at Disney World

Credit: Edited by Inside the Magic

Further critiques delve into the thematic shifts and character portrayals throughout the ride’s iterations. A vocal enthusiast dissected the three incarnations, painting a vivid picture of disappointment and missed opportunities:

“So yeah, they take away Dreamfinder and his whimsical but positive relationship with Figment, then stuff him back as a quasi-Stitch character confounding Dr. Channing on and off. Between those missteps and the gutting of the old ImageWorks, the Imagination! pavilion has suffered ever since.”

The exterior of Journey Into Imagination With Figment.

Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

The sentiment among fans seems clear: while Journey Into Imagination with Figment holds a special place in many hearts, its current state leaves much to be desired. Calls for a return to the Disney park ride’s former glory, or perhaps an entirely new vision that honors its legacy while embracing innovation, echo throughout online forums and social media platforms.

As Disney World continues to evolve and adapt to changing tastes and technologies, the fate of Journey Into Imagination with Figment remains uncertain. Will the whispers of discontent spark meaningful change, or will the ride’s essence remain frozen in time, a relic of nostalgia for some and a source of frustration for others? Only time will tell as fans eagerly await news from the House of Mouse.

What do you think Disney World should do with the Figment attraction? 

This post Disney World Fans Demand Change to Beloved Attraction appeared first on Inside the Magic.

About Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy.

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