Disney Just Brought Back the Original Journey Into Imagination Attraction in a New Way

Whether you are a seasoned Disney veteran or a newbie to the Walt Disney World Resort, you probably have some familiarity with Figment. This loveable purple dragon has his own attraction in EPCOT, and serves as a sort of unofficial mascot to the annual festivals that take place at this Disney Park. Oh, and he has quite the popular popcorn bucket that is available now during the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.

Figment first made his debut in the original Journey Into Imagination attraction that opened in 1983, one year following the opening of EPCOT. The attraction starred the purple dragon we know today alongside Dreamfinder with an iconic audio track that included the Sherman Brothers’ song, “One Little Spark.”

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The original version of the beloved EPCOT attraction sadly closed in 1998, and while Journey Into Imagination With Figment lives on today at the Disney Park, it is almost entirely unrecognizable from the original save for Figment himself and a couple of subtle Easter eggs.

Fans of the original ride have been begging for its return since it was removed 25 years ago, and while we have seen more of Figment popping up in merchandise (and even snacks, as he has his own culinary station at this year’s Festival of the Arts) Disney has shown no indication of bringing back the previous attraction, until now.

This year’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts features “Figments Inspiration Station,” which includes several authentic props from the original attraction alongside new Figment-inspired artwork. Theme park journalist Brooke Geiger McDonald shared photos and videos of the new area on Twitter:

Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey includes nods and restored pieces from the 1982 Journey Into Imagination — including an original Figment animatronic, recreated mural from the load area, projections from the ride, music, and restored pin tables from ImageWorks. #EPCOT pic.twitter.com/CNw8BhWtTQ

— Brooke Geiger McDonald (@BrookeGMcDonald) January 12, 2023

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Other Disney fans on social media have been quick to point out that one of major elements missing from the new Odyssey additions is the rainbow tunnel that was formerly installed upstairs in the Imaginaton pavilion (nearby where the Disney Vacation Club lounge is today.) And since even the Orlando International Airport recreated their own version of the tunnel, it seems only logical (or rather hopeful) that we see the tunnel back in EPCOT in the future, too.

For now, we recommend stopping by the Odyssey pavilion during this year’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. There you can mobile order your Figment popcorn bucket and check out the projections and audio from this extinct EPCOT attraction along with the original ImageWorks pin table.

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We will continue to monitor new developments related to one of our favorite EPCOT characters, and will report back with additional updates as we have them here on Disney Tips.