I love ya too, aimster. So does the Dreamfinder.
Rotel - - this comes from a post I made a couple days ago:
Boy, are you in for a story.
The Imagination Institute wasn't always comprised of a 7 minute ride and a bunch of McDonalds computer screens. Oh, no. This area was once home to the Journey into Imagination, one of Epcot's signature attractions that had more special effects than any other in Disney history at its opening. It followed a (CHARMING and DELIGHTFUL) Figment and his creator, the humble, but knowledgable, Dreamfinder through the realms of creativity. Giant artforms, pop-up books, scenes of science, and theatre were constructed by Imagineers with extreme attention to detail and meaning.
The entire area used to be full with bright colors - bright blue, light purple, and murals. The staircase was completely open, in the center of a giant loading base. Up the stairs was the IMAGE WORKS. Not only did this area offer a delightful view of Epcot, but it also housed one of the most creative areas in all of Walt Disney World. Guests could star in their own film with the Dreamfinder, paint giant photos of Figment and the Dreamfinder through the air, conduct an orchestra, and much more. This was an area that could be found no where else - a place kids and parents could enjoy at the same time.
Because of cost-cutting measures, Dreamfinder, the Image Works, and the ride were all butchered. The ride was cut in half - from a 13 minute ride to just over a 7 minute ride - and the Image Works was set to live in the dust. Dreamfinder never returned, and Figment, too, was lost and replaced by Dr. Nigel Channing. It didn't work.
Disney got more complaints than ANY OTHER ATTRACTION IN DISNEY HISTORY (combined, I've heard), totalling a million solely from Kodak. Disney HAD to bring Figment back. But the new attraction still doesn't cut it. Figment is now just a Bugs Bunny in purple skin, and the attraction is half black space, old areas covered up by black curtains. Attendance is saddening, but merchandise, of course, is plentiful (as it was even when Figment was removed from the pavilion. Ugh!)
You haven't lived until you've seen the original Journey into Imagination! You can see photographs and videos at this website -
www.figmentsimagination.com and
www.friendsoffigment.org - both of which are under rehab. If it weren't for the Friends of Figment, Figment may have never been brought back to the pavilion! Could you imagine - Disney trying to pull of a pavilion about Imagination with a bad budget, a butchering of classic, well-loved characters, and bad storytelling? It just doesn't work.
The pavilion will no longer be the same until the heart is brought back through the Dreamfinder, the childish delight through Figment, and the care through a brand new attraction that enlightens the senses TRULY, creating worthy memories for all who dare to enter into that pavilion whose theme stands for the very essence of the Walt Disney Company. . .
