And the original Imageworks was alot of fun judging by older guests compared to the cheap and "babish" version that currently exists today.
The difference between the past incarnation of the Image Works upstairs and the later version placed downstairs are like night and day.
I would say the most striking difference was one engaged you in truly creative ways, and the other was a mere borderline novelty.
When you as a Guest are fully engaged in a experience, it holds your attention and entertains you on a deeper level then just being a frivolous exercise.
Another major difference between the two experiences -
The activities in the original Image Works did that in clever ways with engaging presentations using cutting edge technology at the time.
Guests were introduced to completely new concepts of play that up to that time had not been experienced by most.
Examples would be 'The Magic Palette' ( early computer graphics artwork activity) and 'Stepping Tones' (sensor enabled lighted 'spots' on the floor that produced music tones ) among many others.
Even some not-so-new-tech was presented, but in a setting and within a context that perfectly suited the particular activity.
'Dreamfinder's School of Drama' ( simple green screen / chroma key video production used in a entertaining format with present Guests) is an example.
Even the often talked about 'Pin Tables' could fall under this classification.
In all cases, the tech was neat...but it was the setting, theming, and overall presentation of the entire area that delighted and engaged Guests.
The later incarnation may have had tech involved in its presentations, but it lacked real engagement and a non-existing themed setting.
You can have the coolest tech in the world, but it means nothing if the Guest is not engaged in the experience on a deeper level.
Modern Disney has been having trouble understanding that it seems in several instances.
The quality differences were very obvious as well.
The Original Image Works was a major component of the Pavilion back in the day.
A LOT of thought and effort went into those activities and a conscious effort was made to really create a place were people could get...well, CREATIVE!
The later incarnation downstairs was a complete afterthought and not really of importance.
The primarily computer imagery gimmicks were being passed off as 'activities' and were shallow in depth and lacking in any real excitement.
At that point in time, most Guests could do similar activities at home on their own computer or later still, their own smart phone.
There was absolutely no 'imagination' used to create this area.
It had been reduced to a few simple diversions on the way out the exit...past the Kodak photo printing counter and tiny merchandise shop.
The differences in attitude between the two presentations is so painfully obvious, but you would only really be aware of it if you happened to experience the Original all those years ago.
The more recent Image Works incarnation is nothing more then a placeholder for something hopefully better to come.
-
This is hilarious!
