Imagination Update

[OneLittleSpark]

The numbers seem a little new to me, but then again, I don't really talk to many of my friends in the financial center anymore... If anything, the upstairs will reopen for the 25th Anniversary (from what I have been lately informed). The budget is still being re-allocated for the entire pavilion, but the project is definitely happening. It isn't a question of "if," but a question of "when."



Again, numbers were never my strong point, but the projections in the tank, along with the intro to the ride (and the money used to help prepare the movement of Turtle Talk from the pod to the former theater) all cut into the budget that I refer to as the "Imagination Reserve." The new sets for Imagination, creation of a new 3-D film and the refurbishment of the upstairs will be the biggest consumers for the budget. I believe that marketing is included in the final allocated budget, along with the few changes required to match the refurbished pavilion outside... I've been told that a certain rotating statue base may be in use again soon... :animwink:

I was told almost exactly the same thing about a month ago , but didn't want to mention because I thought they were just messing with me ( I guess they still could be). For Ha-Ha's and giggles what I was also told is 2nd floor budget was approved and going to be happening very soon. Ride is slated for a rehab late next year with rework of some track. Exterior was also going to be getting new fountains,theming and entrance work. Unsure of the accuracy of this I guess that why it's under Rumors

 

[jedimaster1227]

As to the person who said a certain statue might be coming back. Someone mentioned on here the other day that where the base of the statue had been covered with a metal plate for years it was now only covered with some sort of plastic cap which makes it look like someones been looking at it.

Actually, I mentioned the statue the first time, and the second time. There is a very good reason why they have covered the base... Its just not time for me to say it yet...

I too would love to know what storyline will be presented. Will they bring back the Dream Finder's mobile too???? So curious what is in the works!
Does anyone remember what was upstairs? Even as a child, my family never went up there. We only went on the ride.

A new 3D movie?!?!?!?

While the storyline has only been vaguely shared with me, a re-introduction will be in order, along with a return of the dreamcatcher (in some form). And yes, a new 3-D movie is set to be included in the finalized budget, but it will most likely be phase three of the project, so don't expect the change just yet. Disney is still looking at its options on that front...

Nope, the plans I've heard involve Fig and DF getting the whole pavilion. So the Institute is basically getting wiped off the face of WDW. Can't say completely off the earth yet considering HISTA's at all the other resorts except for Hong Kong.

The Institute is dead for sure. The idea of the dynamic duo owning the entire pavilion is still being considered, but that requires a new correlation between the Magic Eye Theater's feature, the ride and the new Imageworks. No existing feature matches these requirements, so there is a chance that the Magic Eye Theater's newest film (or use- I will explain that idea later) might not be all Dreamfinder and Figment...

I was told almost exactly the same thing about a month ago , but didn't want to mention because I thought they were just messing with me ( I guess they still could be). For Ha-Ha's and giggles what I was also told is 2nd floor budget was approved and going to be happening very soon. Ride is slated for a rehab late next year with rework of some track. Exterior was also going to be getting new fountains,theming and entrance work. Unsure of the accuracy of this I guess that why it's under Rumors

Actually, the pavilion (except for HISTA) will close down together (though work on the upstairs will begin long before the rest of the pavilion's closure. HISTA will continue to bring guests to the area (though Figzilla is expected to be missing during this refurb), but the ride will recieve its overhaul and the upstairs will be readied for a re-opening ceremony. I have been told that the layout will almost definitely remain the same, unless they decide to include a certain scene in the budget that would take up more space that previously used by the former two versions of the ride (this scene is both extravagant and familiar to fans of the original [it has always been my favorite part of the plans for this redo], so pray that they secure the budget so that it may fit). The exterior will also recieve a nice touch up, to fix the fountains, and make some room for someone to "walk-around..."

 

[KevinPage]

Yep...:snore:
There was a concept...still is. There WAS a budget....likely will be again.

Honestly, it's way down on my priorities. Not a big Epcot guy...nor much of an Imagination fan. I'd honestly rather see that kind of money put to use elsewhere.

Since when did we care abour YOUR priorities?????? You are hear to fufill of geeky dreams and rumors, that's it.

So get working and get us the full scoop there buddy boy!!!!!!

:drevil: :drevil: :drevil: :drevil: :drevil: :drevil:

 

[disnyfan89]

Actually, I mentioned the statue the first time, and the second time. There is a very good reason why they have covered the base... Its just not time for me to say it yet...

What is this statue? Someone PLEASE tell me what it was!

 

[WDWFigment]

First, thank you, jedimaster 1227, for providing some details about what you have heard. Even if these are rumors, they are more than previous information given to outsiders, and you elaborated as best as could be expected.

Since this is the most Kiddie attraction at the most Non-Kiddie park, they need to be extra careful when or if they are making changes.

Yes, the original ride was fantastic, but not all guest thought it was worth a whirl through since it didn't exactly match the guest intrest of the median guest. The park skews much older and much more mature. With 2 new Kiddie rides (Nemo/Mexico) and a larger Kiddie show (Crush), there may not be anywhere near enough interest in pulling in another Kiddie attraction.

On the other hand, if they add another 2-3 Kiddie attractions, Epcot may rival MK for attendance. How many families skip Epcot all together right now? My friend at work hasn't gone in the last 4 trips to central FL. But his family has gone to Universal, IOA, and Sea World.

They walk a very fine line with this referb. There are as many pluses as minuses. Do they kill the Adult skew for the park by making it more family attractive?

On to what seems to be the model for Disney attraction lately, they need to boost the re-rideability factor. This is something that I first noticed at DL for the Indy ride. There are several starts -- middles -- and finishes. Each ride gives you a little something more. Same thing goes for TZTOT, MILF (still funny), TTWC, and now TSMM. It's the same reason Star Tours can have walk-ons. Why not throw together another film? When they first opened ST at DL, they made it sound like there were several destinations you could be on a trip to. The ride turned out to be always the same. After dozens of trips -- I haven't been in the the last 9 WDW vacations.

So they need to find something that will make people want to ride more than once in their trip and have the numbers for the attraction that backup the reason for re-ferb. If it's going to be a simple change of scenes like the last few updates -- why do it in the first place.

I remember the Imagination Pavilion being an hour of childhood bliss. Not just a ride through, but an actual event that took 2 hrs of your Epcot day to experience. This can be the most time consuming Pavilion again. But it can't be throw away like it is now or it just wouldn't be worth the effort. This space needs to be something that screams "CAN'T MISS".

Second, while I understand your point, JimboJones, I think you are underestimating one thing, the ages of the children who fell in love with Figment 10-15 years ago. By the time the next incarnation of JII opens, those same children will be adults, and I'm sure a great many still have love for the original attraction. I know this isn't phenomenon confined to Disney fanboys; when I speak with friends who go only occasionally to WDW, they seem disappointed that one of their favorite attractions has come to what it currently is. I think a JII attraction that embodies the spirit of the original will not only appeal to children, but will appeal to the older crowd once enamored with the attraction. Add to that the fact that JII isn't just a children's attraction, but one for the kid-at-heart (so it appeals to those adults who may have never seen the original) with ImageWorks being utilized, so I don't think Disney needs to worry about too many attractions for kids with redoing JII. It isn't like The Seas with Nemo, this attraction actually has substance (making it fit the EPCOT Center ideology), so it should be fine.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

My Favorite part of the ride was always the beginning part I'll call it the carousel with dreamfinder and the dreamcatcher!! Just looked at http://www.geoffreynease.com/ video wow... boy that brings back memories! I forgot how much stuff was in that ride.The themed music throughout was great to. :ROFLOL: :ROFLOL:

 

[Magicot]

On the subject of Figment merchandise, I noticed that they do have plenty of Figment plush, however, all of them are naked Figments. I have yet to find one in recent years that has his classic yellow and red shirt on. And the weird thing about JIIwF is that all the AAs have the shirt but much of the animated Figments do not. :shrug:

 

[Xadllas]

Okay...i hope this does'nt start a riot on here of anything but....

Disney should just totally recreate/restore the ORIGINAL attraction as it was. It's the ONLY way they will ever be able to meet all of those goals mentioned above.

:king:


Okay i said it.....

One problem. Imagineers never repeat themselves. Plus thats not really creative when you just rebuild an attraction. I loved the original but I think Figment and Dreamfinder deserve a new Journey into Imagination without the Imagination institute.

 

[Enigma]

well I certainly hope they leave some budget left over to tear down the wand and retool Epcot's enterance!

Maybe WDI has been watching Martin's Ultimate Tribute videos and has realized how cool Epcot Center used to be and is hoping to restore some of that luster.

 

[CBOMB]

Okay...i hope this does'nt start a riot on here of anything but....

Disney should just totally recreate/restore the ORIGINAL attraction as it was. It's the ONLY way they will ever be able to meet all of those goals mentioned above.

:king:


Okay i said it.....

I have to respectfully disagree. Imagineering is earning a reputation for make-overs that some people don't like. I don't think they want to be identified as the group with no original ideas, that can only come up with the same old ride concept. I think they need to come up with something that will knock the socks off of the fans of that pavilion, and the new riders. They need to reestablish their identities as Imagineers.

Or it needs to be closed.

Why close it when they can just list it as a special events pavilion. Sounds familar doesn't it.

Most Guests don't realize that the attraction is there, and Disney certainly doesn't hype it as much as any of the other attractions in Epcot...because Imagination doesn't deserve the attention right now!

I totally agree. I think the Imagineers should come up with a way to draw new guest into this pavilion.

I also saw about 8 Imagineers walking near France today but that doesn't mean an attraction is coming.

Oh, but you're so wrong. They are presently studying the concept of raising the price of the $23 Cheeseburger to $30 dollars during the FREE DDP. This way they can make hugh profits thus paying for the new c-ticket ride. After finishing your way over-priced Cheeseburger you will receive a handstamp. Remember this is also clever because it allows them to use handstamps that they no longer use, but already have. Disney loves to recycle, thus adding to their GREEN image that they so desperately want. This stamp allows you exclusive use of the new attraction "Hey, I've Just Been Had". Of course the name will be written in French to maintain the integrity of the pavilion. When you enter the queue you will be amazed at how they manage to perfectly duplicate an authentic French Kitchen designed to feed mostly American tourist. Approriate warning, and safety signs will be posted prior to entering the dark ride. Once you enter you will be placed in a cardboard box, and shoved down a 12 foot aluminum slide. At the bottom a friendly CM will yell to you in French "That's twice today you've been had".

 

[comics101]

What is this statue? Someone PLEASE tell me what it was!

Does anyone have a picture they could share of this statue, because I don't know what it is either.

 

[Vernonpush]

I have to respectfully disagree. Imagineering is earning a reputation for make-overs that some people don't like. I don't think they want to be identified as the group with no original ideas, that can only come up with the same old ride concept. I think they need to come up with something that will knock the socks off of the fans of that pavilion, and the new riders. They need to reestablish their identities as Imagineers.

Why close it when they can just list it as a special events pavilion. Sounds familar doesn't it.

I totally agree. I think the Imagineers should come up with a way to draw new guest into this pavilion.

Oh, but you're so wrong. They are presently studying the concept of raising the price of the $23 Cheeseburger to $30 dollars during the FREE DDP. This way they can make hugh profits thus paying for the new c-ticket ride. After finishing your way over-priced Cheeseburger you will receive a handstamp. Remember this is also clever because it allows them to use handstamps that they no longer use, but already have. Disney loves to recycle, thus adding to their GREEN image that they so desperately want. This stamp allows you exclusive use of the new attraction "Hey, I've Just Been Had". Of course the name will be written in French to maintain the integrity of the pavilion. When you enter the queue you will be amazed at how they manage to perfectly duplicate an authentic French Kitchen designed to feed mostly American tourist. Approriate warning, and safety signs will be posted prior to entering the dark ride. Once you enter you will be placed in a cardboard box, and shoved down a 12 foot aluminum slide. At the bottom a friendly CM will yell to you in French "That's twice today you've been had".

:ROFLOL: :ROFLOL: :ROFLOL:

 

[comics101]

Sorry for the double post, but for those "in-the-know" I was wondering if the statue could be a logo for the pavillion, and for the 25th aniversary, if they would be redoing the logos for all the pavillions? Once again, sorry for the double post.

 

[jedimaster1227]

Sorry for the double post, but for those "in-the-know" I was wondering if the statue could be a logo for the pavillion, and for the 25th aniversary, if they would be redoing the logos for all the pavillions? Once again, sorry for the double post.

No, I can promise you that the statue won't be used for such celebratory purposes. It really isn't THAT big of a deal, but its future use will signify better things for the pavilion to come...

Martin, do you have a picture of the statue on hand by any chance?

 

[Enigma]

Are you guys talking about that statue of Figment that used to rotate outside the pavillion?

It would be cool if they brought it back but its so minor. I want a complete overhaul of the Imagination pavillion...the whole bottom floor should be used for the ride just like the old version. The Imagiworks should be brought back with old and new exhibits and HISTA needs to be replaced with a new 3D show or a new attraction for guests.

 

[marni1971]

Martin, do you have a picture of the statue on hand by any chance?

Are we talking about the topiary, or am I showing my age?

 

[jedimaster1227]

Are we talking about the topiary, or am I showing my age?

No, that is correct... Sorry that I referred to it as a statue, but it was a topiary. That is the base we are referring to though. Thank you for the picture! :wave:

 

[disnyfan89]

Are we talking about the topiary, or am I showing my age?

Thank-you so MUCH! :wave:

 

[Figment4Ever]

any idea what the timing on this refurb would be? i seem to always just miss reopenings!

 

[disnyfan89]

any idea what the timing on this refurb would be? i seem to always just miss reopenings!

There are no current plans (or should I say dates) confirmed! It could be today it could be ten years.