***SAVE FIGMENT***

[_caleb]

Oh, Disney knows he’s popular. He outsells every other character in EPCOT, with much of his merchandise selling out. If there’s one thing Disney cares about, it’s merchandise sales. Figment makes a lot of him. He could make even more. But it’s no accident that we’ve been seeing more merchandise featuring him within the past year.

I’ve heard this before (that Figment merch outsells other merch), but I’ve got to ask: why are people buying Figment merch? The character is only featured in Imagination, and his personality is... not great. But people STILL buy Figment plushies and t-shirts?

 

[ImperfectPixie]

I’ve heard this before (that Figment merch outsells other merch), but I’ve got to ask: why are people buying Figment merch? The character is only featured in Imagination, and his personality is... not great. But people STILL buy Figment plushies and t-shirts?

I think it's people who knew the original Figment, who then share stories and videos of the original ride with others who keep the fan-base going and growing...plus the comic book series helped a ton. After everyone thought they were sold out, friend of mine actually managed to find one of the 35th anniversary Funko Pops in an odd place at Epcot for me. It was on a shelf behind a register (forget which store) with no other Funko Pops around.

ETA: And don't forget that at (I think) a D23 a few years back, Tony Baxter got in on the "bring back Dreamfinder" action and people went bananas.

 

[_caleb]

I think it's people who knew the original Figment, who then share stories and videos of the original ride with others who keep the fan-base going and growing...plus the comic book series helped a ton. After everyone thought they were sold out, friend of mine actually managed to find one of the 35th anniversary Funko Pops in an odd place at Epcot for me. It was on a shelf behind a register (forget which store) with no other Funko Pops around.

ETA: And don't forget that at (I think) a D23 a few years back, Tony Baxter got in on the "bring back Dreamfinder" action and people went bananas.

Makes sense. Thanks. I had forgotten about the Figment comic!

 

[JohnD]

I’ve heard this before (that Figment merch outsells other merch), but I’ve got to ask: why are people buying Figment merch? The character is only featured in Imagination, and his personality is... not great. But people STILL buy Figment plushies and t-shirts?

The only reason "his personality is... not great" is that Imagination 3.0 turned him into a practical joking menace. That was never the intent of the character. Watching @marni1971 's tribute video, you'll see that Figment is inquisitive and filled with wonder. He's nothing like the a-hole as presented in Imagination 3.0.

 

[_caleb]

The only reason "his personality is... not great" is that Imagination 3.0 turned him into a practical joking menace. That was never the intent of the character. Watching @marni1971 's tribute video, you'll see that Figment is inquisitive and filled with wonder. He's nothing like the a-hole as presented in Imagination 3.0.

Right. I remember. But the latest version of Journey (with the current Figment) was what, 19 years ago? And it was 1999 when ”Journey Into Your Imagination“ ditched the good Figment in the first place, right? I’m just curious how many non-uberfans still remember the original, more likable character.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Well, if Festival mech is plastered with Figment, and people buy Festival merch, then that may account for a lot of Figment merch.

And, while I could be wrong, I would think that Figment outselling other IPs is probably limited to Epcot. I can't see Figment outselling Disney Princesses, Frozen, Star Wars, or Mickey. And those IPs aren't in or strongly featured in Epcot.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Honest question about the plump nose. Didn't I read Figment will be part of virtual reality exhibit in the new Play area? Maybe his nose is exaggerated if you happen to look at him directly with VR mask on?

So..It would look like this...

 

[JohnD]

So..It would look like this...

That's the idea. His nose is exaggerated for the effect.

 

[SteamboatJoe]

The only reason "his personality is... not great" is that Imagination 3.0 turned him into a practical joking menace. That was never the intent of the character. Watching @marni1971 's tribute video, you'll see that Figment is inquisitive and filled with wonder. He's nothing like the a-hole as presented in Imagination 3.0.

Being an inconsiderate, crude jerk was the thing to do in comedy in the early 2000s for some reason. Disney parks embraced it with both Figment and Stitch, completely ignoring the core characteristics of each.

 

[JohnD]

Right. I remember. But the latest version of Journey (with the current Figment) was what, 19 years ago? And it was 1999 when ”Journey Into Your Imagination“ ditched the good Figment in the first place, right? I’m just curious how many non-uberfans still remember the original, more likable character.

• Imagination 1.0: "Journey into Imagination" (With Dreamfinder and likable Figment)
• Imagination 2.0: "Journey into Your Imagination" (Without Figment)
• Imagination 3.0: "Journey into Imagination . . . With Figment" (who happens to be obnoxious)

 

[JohnD]

Being an inconsiderate, crude jerk was the thing to do in comedy in the early 2000s for some reason. Disney parks embraced it with both Figment and Stitch, completely ignoring the core characteristics of each.

Don't forget Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) with Iago who took over the show. You couldn't wait to get out of there.

 

[_caleb]

• Imagination 1.0: "Journey into Imagination" (With Dreamfinder and likable Figment)
• Imagination 2.0: "Journey into Your Imagination" (Without Figment)
• Imagination 3.0: "Journey into Imagination . . . With Figment" (who happens to be obnoxious)

Right. My point was that 1.0 lasted until 1999. And 3.0 was 2002, yes?

 

[JohnD]

Right. My point was that 1.0 lasted until 1999. And 3.0 was 2002, yes?

I get it. But getting rid of Figment because Disney themselves made him into an obnoxious brat would mean its a self-fulfilling prophesy.

 

[brb1006]

Sadly the way Six Flags corp is now..They don't even respect the Warner Bros characters like the should compared to the earlier years..It's a real sad shame too...

Nowadays the Looney Tunes characters are only prominent for low quality stage shows.

 

[brb1006]

Makes sense. Thanks. I had forgotten about the Figment comic!

I actually own two hardcover versions of the Figment comics. Even the comics is just screaming for an animated feature film. It's an origin story for Dreamfinder and has some heart alongside some peril.

 

[brb1006]

Right. I remember. But the latest version of Journey (with the current Figment) was what, 19 years ago? And it was 1999 when ”Journey Into Your Imagination“ ditched the good Figment in the first place, right? I’m just curious how many non-uberfans still remember the original, more likable character.

Journey Into Your Imagination had Figment make a brief cameo in the final act. While brief, he still acted a bit like his original counterpart since he's mostly talking to the rider.

 

[brb1006]

• Imagination 1.0: "Journey into Imagination" (With Dreamfinder and likable Figment)
• Imagination 2.0: "Journey into Your Imagination" (Without Figment)
• Imagination 3.0: "Journey into Imagination . . . With Figment" (who happens to be obnoxious)

Didn't Figment make a brief cameo during the finale?

 

[JohnD]

Didn't Figment make a brief cameo during the finale?

I assume you're referring to the second version based on a previous post. I'll take your word for it. Regardless, this version is considered the worst of the three. The current version is only marginally better than the second version because Figment is throughout and the Imagination song is back. But neither the second or third versions can compare to the original.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

I assume you're referring to the second version based on a previous post. I'll take your word for it. Regardless, this version is considered the worst of the three. The current version is only marginally better than the second version because Figment is throughout and the Imagination song is back. But neither the second or third versions can compare to the original.

They don't even come close. As an aspiring artist, I was literally moved to tears with inspiration and awe when I saw the original for the first (and only time) when I was 15.

 

[JohnD]

They don't even come close. As an aspiring artist, I was literally moved to tears with inspiration and awe when I saw the original for the first (and only time) when I was 15.

Here's @marni1971 's tribute video, again linked at where the ride begins. Start at the beginning if you want all the history, etc.