In 1998, Imagineers closed down the original Journey into Imagination pavilion to give it a face lift. During the rehab, they removed both of the ride’s central figures – Dreamfinder and Figment – and replaced them with Dr. Nigel Channing, Eric Idle’s character from the now-departed Honey! In Journey Into Imagination With Figment, Figment finds himself at odds with the Institute's restrictive views on imagination and makes mischief there.
Introduced the world to a lot of new technology when it opened almost thirty years ago, but it’s also responsible for creating one of the most iconic theme park characters, beloved by Disney fans: Dreamfinder.With his top hat, beard and loveable sidekick Figment, Dreamfinder encouraged children of all ages to use their imagination in the original attraction.According to Dave Smith in his Ask Dave column, “Dreamfinder and Figment originated as Professor Marvel and his green dragon friend at the proposed, but never built, Discovery Bay expansion of. When Kodak signed on to be the sponsor of Journey into Imagination at Epcot, the characters were re-imagined. Professor Marvel became the Dreamfinder, and his green dragon became Figment, who adopted royal purple pigment.”The kind, wise spirit of imagination, Dreamfinder always knew it only took one little spark to kick everyone’s imagination into high gear.Follow for the latest on Epcot’s 30th anniversary. Shardlight. To join the discussion on Twitter, use the hashtag #Epcot30.Check out these posts for more looks back at the history of Epcot:. The original Journey into Imagination was my favorite Disney attraction since I first saw Figment & the Dreamfinder back when I was just 6-years-old during my first visit to Walt Disney World back in 1984. I didn’t get to make another visit until 1997 and seeing it again was an extremely magical moment where this then 19-year-old felt like a little kid again. The current version is nice but it simply cannot replace the original in the hearts & minds of Epcot visitors who had the great fortune to know the original.
I so wish that the original attraction, with the Dreamfinder included, could return. Figment is my favorite but he isn’t the quite the same without the Dreamfinder. Recent cameo appearances of Dreamfinder have gotten my hopes up from time to time and it would be awesome if he were to reside again in Epcot beyond our collective memories! Brock on September 17, 2012 at 6:52 am. This ride was one of the most wonderful attractions the Imagineers ever came up with. Not only in terms of communicating the importance of imagination (the arts, science, technology, etc), but emphasizing on the fact that imagination is a beautiful wonderful thing we all have. Thank you so much for posting this!!
The original incarnation was undoubtedly the best. I’m not old enough to have remembered the original, but I’ve been obsessed with researching it for the past couple of years, trying to imagine what it was like. If I could just experience it in personOh boy, it would be a dream come true. Also I’d love to get my hands on some Dreamfinder and Figment merch = Emma on September 15, 2012 at 12:41 am.
Figment and the Dreamfinder are at the center my most vivid Disney memories as a child growing up in Florida. The most iconic childhood Disney picture is that of The Dreamfinder and Figment playing with my brother and I.
The Dreamfinder and Figment will alway be partners in my mind and although I love the the nod to Dean Finder in the current version, I miss the original that evoked childhood joy in friendship, fun, imagination and science! Thank you for dedicating a post to the Dreamfinder, I can’t wait to be part of the 30th Anniversary! Rebecka on September 14, 2012 at 7:25 pm. Thank you SO much for posting this! The Imagination pavillion (in its former glory) housed my very favorite things in all of WDW as a little girl and teen. I still enjoy the latest ride version (esp.
The “Dean Finder” door& the grand finale!) and so do my kids, but I was just showing my 11yo the stairs and elevator this past summer and telling her about how incredible the whole pavillion used to be. I would do anything to see it again or an updated 21stC version well, as long as it still has that rainbow tube& meet n’greet!) Calling all IMAGINEars!!! This is YOUR place to shine! Show us what you can do with this gem! Katherine on September 14, 2012 at 1:42 pm. Journey Into Imagination left the biggest imprint in my heart as a little girl.
I was completely enamored with the entire attraction, from the beautiful Dream Catcher (wow, are we moving at the same speed?) to the grand finale with Figment lifting weights and climbing a snowy mountain.Although I wince when I walk by the pavilion now in its current state, I always smile (with tears in my eyes) remembering just how wonderful the original attraction truly was.Thanks for dedicating a post to Dream Finder! Erica on September 13, 2012 at 2:46 pm.