Journey Into Imagination refurb.

[ChrisFL]

If Marvel is entering the park with Guardians of the Galaxy, I don't see why they couldn't invest in Imagination too. With their comic book adaptation and all. Seems like a good solution to the sponsorless void that pavilion has become.

I agree, but that's the odd part. Some parts of the Disney company are keen to promote extinct attractions and memories...or bring back the characters like the comic book, where the actual attractions part of the company (Whether it's WDI or someone else) doesn't seem to care at all about that.

Would Disney ever officially bring back an old attraction from the dead and re-make it? That's the question. As far as I can recall, the only something has happened even remotely like this is with the submarine voyage being reimagined as a nemo ride in DL.

Edit: I guess 20K Leagues in DisneySea could qualify as well, though the ride systems are completely different, the theme is exactly the same.

 

[brb1006]

Figment and Dreamfinder have those high-selling comics that are the only ride thus far in that Marvel Disney Kingdoms line to expand beyond a single mini. Plus Disney has this whole thing about making rides into movies. Expanding original park IPs into film and television is something they should consider besides just remaking their animation catalog into live-action.

I would pay good money for a "Journey Into Imagination" animated Disney film which could mark the first Disney film in the Disney Animated Canon to be based on a Disney attraction. Sure Disney made other films based on popular Disney attractions but most were Live-Action films and some got mixed reviews besides the Pirates franchise. In fact if a JIM movie ever gotten made this could give the duo more exposure to the publish besides the comics. This might restore interest for a new version in the future.

 

[brb1006]

Said like a true fan and I know there are others.

This needs to become a reality!

 

[Goofyernmost]

Oh, they have plenty of support in Imagineering.

Don't forget being an Imagineer is just doing a paid job and doing what you're told to.

And if they are creative, why would they want a 30 year old idea to just be freshened up? Do something new and creative.

 

[FigmentJedi]

And if they are creative, why would they want a 30 year old idea to just be freshened up? Do something new and creative.

If they are creative, why keep making stuff based on movies? Or putting new stuff into old rides that doesn't mesh with the overall tone well?

 

[jensenrick]

If they are creative, why keep making stuff based on movies? Or putting new stuff into old rides that doesn't mesh with the overall tone well?

IF being the operative word.

 

[Captain Neo]

Let me rephrase it then.

At the moment there is discussion to put IO in the pavilion eventually. Maybe. Unless another / better plan comes along in the meantime.

Doesn't IO make way more sense in the Wonders of Life Pavillion? I'm pretty sure the movie was heavily influenced by Cranium Command in the first place.

 

[Goofyernmost]

If they are creative, why keep making stuff based on movies? Or putting new stuff into old rides that doesn't mesh with the overall tone well?

Because just like everyone else that works for a company for a living they do what they are told. However, creative people don't just work on their own ideas. Movies, life happenings are the "spark" of creativity. Redoing something that has already been done does not and if they consider themselves artists then they aren't going to be falling all over themselves to make a carbon copy. Besides, they are not interested in other peoples creations from 30 years ago, they are trying to make their own mark. Copy and paste, is not going to do that.

 

[FigmentJedi]

Because just like everyone else that works for a company for a living they do what they are told. However, creative people don't just work on their own ideas. Movies, life happenings are the "spark" of creativity. Redoing something that has already been done does not and if they consider themselves artists then they aren't going to be falling all over themselves to make a carbon copy. Besides, they are not interested in other peoples creations from 30 years ago, they are trying to make their own mark. Copy and paste, is not going to do that.

Or maybe many in Imagineering enjoy the characters and want to reintroduce them in a larger way. You gotta realize, while Sorcerer Mickey may be on the logo, Figment's pretty much Imagineering's mascot in-house. He's all over those Imagineering Way books, was the namesake for Imagineering's cafeteria for the longest time, and since those comics are an Imagineering/Marvel collab, was prioritized to go into print before a freaking Haunted Mansion book. What happened to Imagination in the late 90s was very much driven by sponsorship mandate: Kodak wanted Dreamfinder and Figment out of the ride and HISTA's setting looked like a viable way of redoing the pavilion. Problem was they vastly underestimated people's attachment to the character and even with the Damage Control that is the current version (which was made possible because Imagineering held onto all the Figments), it is still biting that pavilion in the rear to this day.

I'm not expecting an Imagination 4 to be a 1:1 copy of the original ride if it happens. Of course they're going to reinvent it for a new generation with new technology. But you're acting like park original characters do not matter and that if they're gone, they should stay buried. Park OCs matter and Imagineering does care about them. I mean, just look at this attempted Saving Roll pitch when Pressler wanted Disneyland's Country Bears evicted for Pooh.

 

[Mike S]

More than any other EPCOT Center concept a new amazing take on the original Journey into Imagination would be the one that could work very well with a large majority of guests. Including families. Both Dreamfinder and Figment* are lovable characters which Disney seems so set on placing in Ipcot these days. Why not use ones that were already created for the park? Let's not forget how even now Figment seems to be treated as an icon for the park. It's very sad how Disney doesn't see it this way.

*at least how he was originally. Now, not so much.

 

[marni1971]

And if they are creative, why would they want a 30 year old idea to just be freshened up? Do something new and creative.

They've tried to be new and creative here twice now.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

What does TDO have against Dreamfinder and Figment, anyway? Why are they so disliked (apparently) by the Imagineers?

I fear TWDC is no longer in the business of building the finest theme parks. It is in the business of selling and synergising IP brands.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

And if they are creative, why would they want a 30 year old idea to just be freshened up? Do something new and creative.

Disney creativity has always been to take old ideas and give them a Disneyfied make-over. From old fairy tales into animation to movie and book themes about Western and exotic locales into theme park lands to global culture and architecture into a permanent World Fair.

It is the strength of Disney to its fans (warm nostalgia and reassurance), and butt of its criticism to its detractors: outside of our fan bubble, Disney is despised for rehashing and Disneyfying everything.

 

[Goofyernmost]

They've tried to be new and creative here twice now.

I don't doubt that they have, but, I do doubt that they were allowed to do whatever then wanted to do or created. They work for others that control their destiny. You don't throw out a salary that is, I'm sure, pretty good, to insist on a point against the guys that generate your paycheck. And I seriously don't believe that they want to reinvent the wheel. That isn't what the original Imagination did and to succumb to repainting Figment or the Dreamfinder, is just a new coat of paint on an old wall. They may like the character, but, I don't see them motivated enough to insist that they be re-imagined. I'm not even sure that they can do better, however, while looking at some of the videos of China, some still have the ability, just not the green light. They can do better then Figment (even though I liked the original Figment, not the current one). It would hardly be seriously called Imagination if they can't even imagine a replacement. Apparently the "one little spark" is snuffed out as soon as it appears or at the very least suffocated due to a lack of financial support.

Can you think of a name of a few Imagineers that have been vocal about the direction that Disney has taken that for some reason found it, coincidentally, a good time to retire? You have to decide which mountain you want to die on, I don't see any of them fighting the system by taking on a suicidal mission.

 

[marni1971]

I don't doubt that they have, but, I do doubt that they were allowed to do whatever then wanted to do or created..

Oh I agree. Infact, I said the same thing recently. Possibly in this very thread.

It was those who directed and held the purse strings who made a monumental mess. Twice.

 

[gmajew]

Oh I agree. Infact, I said the same thing recently. Possibly in this very thread.

It was those who directed and held the purse strings who made a monumental mess. Twice.

Based on the recent rumors and the money being spent maybe this project will get pushed up and something get done that is actually awesome for this pavilion. I have come to terms that figment is not going to be here forever. Unless they allow designers free rein on a awesome ride minus ip.

 

[marni1971]

Based on the recent rumors and the money being spent maybe this project will get pushed up and something get done that is actually awesome for this pavilion. I have come to terms that figment is not going to be here forever. Unless they allow designers free rein on a awesome ride minus ip.

We can live in hope but as it stands the pavilion is way down on the list. It's deemed Energy and Innoventions need it more.

Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise. In five years maybe those in charge then will deem the best IP for the pavilion is not a movie tie in. Or maybe not.

 

[ChrisFL]

I don't see why Figment can't be the mascot for all of future world honestly, keep him as a friendly face, even if the pavilion gets changed

 

[gmajew]

We can live in hope but as it stands the pavilion is way down on the list. It's deemed Energy and Innoventions need it more.

Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise. In five years maybe those in charge then will deem the best IP for the pavilion is not a movie tie in. Or maybe not.

Hopefully it is three years or less when we have new leadership. I am not an Iger bashed he has been very good for the company as a whole. Now I want someone that believes in the theme parks as well as the studios and tv.

 

[Mike S]

Hopefully it is three years or less when we have new leadership. I am not an Iger bashed he has been very good for the company as a whole. Now I want someone that believes in the theme parks as well as the studios and tv.

Or someone who's willing to step out of the way and have enough faith to let whoever's the head of P&R and/or WDI do great things without demanding intervention from the higher ups.