I am to young to remember it really but was it really that special? What amde it that way? I've seen videosbut to me it just looked like a regular dark ride (please don't kill me for saying that). I would just like to know what made this so special.
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Was the OG Journey Into Imagination that great?
- Thread starter Grizzly Hall 71
- Start date
EPCOT Explorer
New Member
1000 times yes. It had charm, unique characters, it was lavish, highly themed, and inspiring.
Definitely in my top 5 rides of all time.
Figment and Dreamfinder were a awesome team.
One little spark...
Definitely in my top 5 rides of all time.
Figment and Dreamfinder were a awesome team.
One little spark...
alrite well i guess my next question would be since Epcot is enjoyed by everyone, during 1989 (that year) what was the best Epcot pavillion?
EPCOT Explorer
New Member
89? I wasn't around then...:lol: But Wonders of Life just opened.
My faves have always been SSE, JII, Horizons and TLS. Yes, I know that's almost all of them.
:lol:
dweezil78
Well-Known Member
Absolutely -- it was very special! As I mentioned in my Horizons post, out of all the original EPCOT attractions, I believe Journey Into Imagination could have / should have remained in the park forever as a classic ala Pirates, Haunted Mansion, or It's a Small World with some new additions over the years.
As Explorer said, it had unique characters and did not rely on those already established by Disney. Not only that, but characters that park goers truly embraced which is a difficult (near impossible?) thing to do when there's no existing franchise in place already! Add to that a catchy-as-hell tune from the legendary Sherman Brothers and you've got something that even Walt would have loved. Combined with the original Magic Eye 3D show, "Magic Journeys" which also featured original music from the Sherman Brothers (the main theme AND the pre-show tune, "Makin' Memories"), it was a pavilion that definitely was hard to beat at the time (and now IMO!). Plus the entire carousel intro to Dreamfinder and Figment alone was one of the coolest openings to any Disney ride ever!!!
The original JII had it all -- a great story, song, characters, and message -- the importance of imagination and creativity which is something that I know has resonated with all of us who were lucky enough to have experienced the original EPCOT Center. Instead, today rather than being immersed for 10+ minutes in a story crafted by the best of the best, you're rushed through a series of optical illusions in less than 5 minutes that you could just as easily see on the internet. (Only you'll see much better on internet!)
If only the powers that be could have known the effect the orignal shows would ultimately have on the kids who experienced them as they grew older, perhaps they would have continued to design shows in this way rather than go for shorter thrill rides that may make for a fun there & now burst of energy, but in the end have no lasting impact. As fun as Test Track and Mission Space might be, I can't imagine the kids who experience them today will look back on them like the kids who experienced rides like Horizions and the original Journey Into Imagination.
As Explorer said, it had unique characters and did not rely on those already established by Disney. Not only that, but characters that park goers truly embraced which is a difficult (near impossible?) thing to do when there's no existing franchise in place already! Add to that a catchy-as-hell tune from the legendary Sherman Brothers and you've got something that even Walt would have loved. Combined with the original Magic Eye 3D show, "Magic Journeys" which also featured original music from the Sherman Brothers (the main theme AND the pre-show tune, "Makin' Memories"), it was a pavilion that definitely was hard to beat at the time (and now IMO!). Plus the entire carousel intro to Dreamfinder and Figment alone was one of the coolest openings to any Disney ride ever!!!
The original JII had it all -- a great story, song, characters, and message -- the importance of imagination and creativity which is something that I know has resonated with all of us who were lucky enough to have experienced the original EPCOT Center. Instead, today rather than being immersed for 10+ minutes in a story crafted by the best of the best, you're rushed through a series of optical illusions in less than 5 minutes that you could just as easily see on the internet. (Only you'll see much better on internet!)
If only the powers that be could have known the effect the orignal shows would ultimately have on the kids who experienced them as they grew older, perhaps they would have continued to design shows in this way rather than go for shorter thrill rides that may make for a fun there & now burst of energy, but in the end have no lasting impact. As fun as Test Track and Mission Space might be, I can't imagine the kids who experience them today will look back on them like the kids who experienced rides like Horizions and the original Journey Into Imagination.
dweezil78
Well-Known Member
In '89, the coolest part was ALL of Future World. The way it all tied together and worked as a cohesive unit. It would be unfair to point out one single attraction. There was a common thread throughout all of them, and each one was merely an extension of the EPCOT storyline.
Chrononymous
Well-Known Member
I completely agree with dweezil.
the Original JII was really something special.
The entire pavillion was special, with all the cool interactive games and attractions to play with on the second floor (especially if you were there early in the day, where you were virtually alone!)
I can't really say what made it a notch above a regular dark ride, but it absolutely was.
(Of course, there aren't really that many "regular" dark rides in WDW, in my opinion.)
I think because the story was so clear, and beautifully done. I even loved the mural at the loading area which told the whole story as well.
The effects were unique and very interesting. So many great uses of the technology at the time, that STILL, to this day...even though I know they were simple effects...would continue to look absolutely stunning and astounding.
The characters were lovingly created and executed. Dreamfinder seemed so real to me, and figment, in his original incarnation was adorable.
The ride itself was immense and immersive. I mean huge rooms full of wonders and inspiring delights! Watching it on video, you don't really get the sense of how big everything was, (or how creepy that dark Literary section of the ride was!)
The music was wonderful too. That always makes or breaks an attraction for me, and you just can't beat the music for most of the original EPCOT attractions!
as far as favorite pavillion, this one was it for me. Followed closely by World Of Motion, because it was clever and sarcastic, and made me laugh every time I rode it.
the Original JII was really something special.
The entire pavillion was special, with all the cool interactive games and attractions to play with on the second floor (especially if you were there early in the day, where you were virtually alone!)
I can't really say what made it a notch above a regular dark ride, but it absolutely was.
(Of course, there aren't really that many "regular" dark rides in WDW, in my opinion.)
I think because the story was so clear, and beautifully done. I even loved the mural at the loading area which told the whole story as well.
The effects were unique and very interesting. So many great uses of the technology at the time, that STILL, to this day...even though I know they were simple effects...would continue to look absolutely stunning and astounding.
The characters were lovingly created and executed. Dreamfinder seemed so real to me, and figment, in his original incarnation was adorable.
The ride itself was immense and immersive. I mean huge rooms full of wonders and inspiring delights! Watching it on video, you don't really get the sense of how big everything was, (or how creepy that dark Literary section of the ride was!)
The music was wonderful too. That always makes or breaks an attraction for me, and you just can't beat the music for most of the original EPCOT attractions!
as far as favorite pavillion, this one was it for me. Followed closely by World Of Motion, because it was clever and sarcastic, and made me laugh every time I rode it.
Figment632
New Member
Yes go watch Martins tribute to the ride and you will understand.
The original was an immersive E-ticket with twice the ammount of scenes and a better story.
The current is a D-ticket with 60% less track, is shorter, and just not as good.
Evan has pointed this out however, the current ride gets a bad wrap if you compare it to the original. While it is no where near the original its a nice D-ticket.
Now with that said its not good enough to have a D-ticket in JII the ride must return to its E-ticket days.
The original was an immersive E-ticket with twice the ammount of scenes and a better story.
The current is a D-ticket with 60% less track, is shorter, and just not as good.
Evan has pointed this out however, the current ride gets a bad wrap if you compare it to the original. While it is no where near the original its a nice D-ticket.
Now with that said its not good enough to have a D-ticket in JII the ride must return to its E-ticket days.
dreamfinder
Well-Known Member
It just had the all around package. Outstanding characters, music, well designed and immersive ride. Current version is a let down. Everything you could see was usually full of stuff and small surprises, unlike currently where there are lots of visible black walls and empty space.
DisneyMusician2
Well-Known Member
It really was. It captured the imagination (no pun intended).
The way they have bastardized it is simply unforgivable. Hopefully one day it will return to its former glory.
The way they have bastardized it is simply unforgivable. Hopefully one day it will return to its former glory.
SleepingMonk
Well-Known Member
It was good but it couldn't hold a candle to Horizons.
If you want to cry over a real lost treasure that's where you should drop your tears.
If you want to cry over a real lost treasure that's where you should drop your tears.
donniedisney
Member
80's Epcot was great! Horizons, World of Motion, JII!
cblodg
Member
1000 times yes. It had charm, unique characters, it was lavish, highly themed, and inspiring.
Definitely in my top 5 rides of all time.
One little spark...
Indeed! This is one of those "true Disney rides"! Two of the best characters in Figment and Dreamfinder. Not to mention one of the most catchy tunes in "One Little Spark" (or the Imagination song as I like to call it).
One little spark of inspiration,
Is at the heart of all creation.
Right at the start of everything that's new,
One little spark lights up for you.
Im-a-gi-nation, Im-a-gi-nation
A dream can be a dream come true,
With just that spark in me and you.
Animaniac93-98
Well-Known Member
Not for Kodak, their contract called for change and they wanted something cheaper to run. I wonder if Disney had a different sponsor would we still have the ride?
EPCOT Explorer
New Member
Thanks, guys.
Completely agree. And yeah, 632 makes a good point. Standing on it's own, the current version, really is fun, offers a good message, and even has good characters. I honestly LIKE the character of Nigel Channing. Same with the new Figment, though his new role and voice is a bit off.
I agree with all the previous comments and don't know what more could be added but I'll try anyhow.
We first experienced EPCOT right after it opened and JII was one our first rides. As with other's, we were just totally in love with this attraction. It was a many-repeat ride and we never got bored with it. It was great fun to reride and pick out details you had missed before. While the animatronics were nothing compared to today's standards, it was still a very impressive design and completely charming experience. This ride would remain today a favorite and I'm sure it would hold up well against the newer Future World attractions. It was the best kid ride ever in EPCOT by far. Whatever the decsion base for removing it may have been, the leaders who greenlighted it's removal must be second guessing themselves in glaring hindsight. It's removal has to rank as one of the single worst attraction decisions ever conceived at WDW. Brining it back, with some updates, would be one of the best.
We first experienced EPCOT right after it opened and JII was one our first rides. As with other's, we were just totally in love with this attraction. It was a many-repeat ride and we never got bored with it. It was great fun to reride and pick out details you had missed before. While the animatronics were nothing compared to today's standards, it was still a very impressive design and completely charming experience. This ride would remain today a favorite and I'm sure it would hold up well against the newer Future World attractions. It was the best kid ride ever in EPCOT by far. Whatever the decsion base for removing it may have been, the leaders who greenlighted it's removal must be second guessing themselves in glaring hindsight. It's removal has to rank as one of the single worst attraction decisions ever conceived at WDW. Brining it back, with some updates, would be one of the best.
EPCOT Explorer
New Member
Indeed! This is one of those "true Disney rides"! Two of the best characters in Figment and Dreamfinder. Not to mention one of the most catchy tunes in "One Little Spark" (or the Imagination song as I like to call it).
One little spark of inspiration,
Is at the heart of all creation.
Right at the start of everything that's new,
One little spark lights up for you.
Im-a-gi-nation, Im-a-gi-nation
A dream can be a dream come true,
With just that spark in me and you.
Love the pics.
Good memories.