It’s the version of Imagination I grew up on so I have a soft spot for it. That being said, it should not be the longest running version of the attraction and very close to becoming the longest running attraction at EPCOT.
Interesting thought... what is the longest running unchanged attraction at Epcot? Is it this iteration of Journey? When did Living with the Land lose the onboard cast member narrators?
September 2006.
I think The American Adventure has been largely unchanged, with the last major addition occurring in 1993 (if you don't count various updates to the Golden Dreams montage)
Hmm.. If it wasn't for the various updates to the Golden Dreams montage maybe that would be the one... Has the current iteration of Journey into Imagination with Figment had any changes at all though (temporary Christmas sweater doesn't count)? Crazy to think that really might be the one with the least current updates/changes.
Many changes!
Did Impressions de France have any significant updates from 1982 - 2020 when the Beauty and the Beast sing-a-long opened? I'm not sure if they ever did any recording or film updates.
I think its only change was being switched to digital. But who would know anymore since its so nice of them to hardly show it.
Actually, some green light effects (in the transition from sound to sight) and the door out of sound have been deactivated since 2002 along with the usual maintenance problems and old animatronics/ride vehicles/abused 1983 track.
Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like anyone company-wise wants to update it again, they know Figment sells merch but they don’t bother with the actual attraction.
I go back and forth on whether they should just close it or keep it going. It's pretty painful to see its current iteration, but worry if they close it altogether that makes it less likely it's going to get the refurb it needs, and would instead be bulldozed for whatever the latest flavor-of-the-day IP gets shoehorned in there.
As much as it probably shouldn't, I'd stress keeping the current ride running until WDO and WDI are willing to give figment the proper ride he deserves with Dreamfinder.
Nope.
And that’s the saddest part about all of this.. the fact they even ‘considered’ retheming it that way is absolutely ludicrous. Who on earth thought that a sterile tour through, essentially a warehouse, doing experiments on you via cheap carnival style illusions hosted by some actor that really only adults would appreciate from works that I’d argue aren’t the most family friendly, was “a huge improvement” over a whimsical, colorful ride a ride that showcased & promoted, perfectly, the very quality & realms of creativity/Imagination that Disney was founded upon & excelled in hosted by a lovable Santa-like professor & his exuberant purple dragon full of childlike innocence & curiosity (something nearly all come to Disney with.. hence why he connected with all of us on the Journey) & a catchy, distinctly Disney theme song. The thing that was selling the most merchandise in the park, making unforgettable meet n greet experiences, and an entire family pleaser in the park. You can’t get anymore short-sighted than that. The most idiotic decision made in Disney theme park history, by far.
