It makes sense that they would do this. I think too many people kept sneaking up there unnoticed (and leaving too, maybe), and or got off easy when confronted, so Disney finally had to do something to put a stop to it because while yes it is abandoned, it is off limits and guests are really not permitted to go there. Back to one of my original questions, I wonder if, before it was boarded up and after being abandoned, there were guests who got upstairs that were curious as to what was at the landing of the down escalator and either didn't do it or went at least part way down. Similarly I wonder if in that same time frame (after image works closed and before the escalators were boarded up), there were ever cast members that wondered what was at the top of the down escalator, tried to go up there, and or successfully made it up there. We may never know. For now though, let's hope for the best for the upper floor. Maybe one day Disney will have enough money and possibly put a dream finder character greeting up there (then again, that might require the removal of the DVC lounge) or maybe put something else of sorts up there like lets say maybe a motion simulator where you could build your own coaster. This now brings me to my next question: if Disney had the money and time, which do you think they would do first? Try to put Journey into Imagination back into its original configuration given that they could fix the troublesome ride sections and other issues or would they try to fix up or re-do the upstairs image works given that they would be able to solve most if not all of the problems that plagued it originally (no escape route for wheelchairs, etc.)?
Bender123, that escalator you mentioned near the exit to the shop is the up escalator I think. either way, both are caged and boarded up with (at least for the one near the shop exit) a black curtain near the top to hide the board. Honestly, I find it weird that there's a black curtain there when all it is is just the back of a board, but I guess it makes sense as it isn't too pretty, so the curtain helps to provide a nicer look and may allow others use their imagination for what is behind it. Maybe young kids could think it's figment sleeping, or something else. Or at least that explanation is my idea. But alas, I ramble.
