Just when we thought EPCOT’s massive transformation was over, Disney pulled a stunt that made us think more changes could be on the way for this park.
EPCOT
We knew that Test Track would be reimagined to take inspiration from World of Motion, the ride that was originally there when the park opened in 1982, and we just spotted the first permit for that work. But, another iconic EPCOT ride might be next on the refurb list because a new construction permit was just filed!
We’re always on the hunt for the latest permits filed by Disney to get an idea of what sort of changes might be coming to the parks, and this latest one took us by surprise! A new permit has been filed for work on the Imagination Pavilion in EPCOT, which is home to the Journey Into Imagination with Figment ride. It’s surprising because Disney hasn’t announced any sort of refurbishments or closures for this attraction.
Imagination Pavilion
The address on the permit matches up with the Imagination Pavilion as a whole, so while it’s possible that this construction doesn’t have anything to do with the ride — there are a few reasons why we think that isn’t the case.
©ArcGIS
First, the description is for “general construction,” which can technically be minor or major work, but it’s likely not just simple electrical or plumbing as permits usually list that type of work specifically. Not only that, but the contractor listed on the permit is Poli Construction, Inc., and that company has done work for Disney World and Universal Orlando in the past including the recent Trail’s End improvements at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
FIGMENT!
But, perhaps the most interesting thing about this permit is the expiration date. Typically, permits automatically expire one year from the date filed unless otherwise specified — but this one has a specific expiration date of November 28th, 2025. This is interesting because it likely means whatever work Disney has planned for this space will take longer than a year to complete. Of course, the Imagination Pavilion is also home to the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, so it’s entirely possible this permit is for that theater as well.
As of now, though, Disney still hasn’t made any announcements, and no closures are listed on Disney’s website for Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
Imagination Pavilion
Journey Into Imagination is located at EPCOT and features everyone’s favorite purple dragon — but that wasn’t always the case. When the attraction opened in 1983, it featured the Dreamfinder and Figment, and that’s how it stayed until 1999 — when Journey into Your Imagination opened. This reimagined attraction saw the departure of Dreamfinder and yes, Figment.
©Disney | Dreamfinder
Though still in the ride, he was featured in a much smaller role alongside the now main character Dr. Nigel Channing. This didn’t sit well with Disney adults at the time, who were upset that Disney would make such drastic changes to an otherwise beloved attraction. The outcry led to Disney eventually shuttering the reimagined ride just a year later in 2000.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
When Journey into Imagination with Figment opened in 2002, the lovable imaginary dragon was center-stage once again. Imagineers kept Channing as a character, but he and Figment now share the starring role. If Disney is working on an update here again, we hope they don’t get rid of Figgy or reduce his role again — otherwise, Disney will have to face the wrath of the Figment and EPCOT originalists!
Dr. Nigel Channing
It’s possible that Disney could be announcing something soon — we do know that the next earnings call is taking place on May 7th, which is when we sometimes get big news about park changes. And, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is coming up in August, so we might hear something then too! Either way, we’ll be on the lookout for any updates — and if they touch a scale on our precious dragon, Figment, we will riot.
They better not touch Figgy.
Stay tuned to DFB as we continue to bring you the latest news on permits and more from Disney World!
Learn More About Recent Permits in EPCOT That Point to MAJOR Changes
Want MORE Details About EPCOT’s MASSIVE Transformation?
NEW Festival Areas, Gardens, a Meet-and-Greet Area, and More Are Coming to EPCOT
Learn All About Journey of Water -- Inspired by Moana
Has the Mary Poppins Project at Disney World Been Canceled?
What’s Been CUT From the EPCOT Transformation?
SNEAK PEEK at the NEW Fireworks Show Coming to EPCOT
Click HERE for All the News and Details about EPCOT’s Transformation!
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Probably silly to hope that they’re restoring the ride to its original glory, or at least bringing back the original plot line, isn’t it?
My thoughts exactly! Are they going to bring back The Dreamfinder? Or, will Disney further ruin the attraction by mixing Figment in with characters from Frozen, Moana or Encanto?
I suspect this is to work on the Magic Eye Theater. The lobby has been used for a Mickey and Minnie meet and greet since the start of the Disney 100 celebration, and the famous couple are now due to move into their new space in Communicor Hall on June 10.
The theater itself is due for a refresh, as well as it’s content. It has been showing the short film festival since 2015 and could do with fresh content that makes proper use of the 4D effects the space offers. Perhaps a modernized theater space and a new show themed around Pixar’s Inside Out IP
Let’s hope for the best! Figment deserves a longer, more imaginative ride. It can be different than the original. It is the ET Adventure of Epcot!
They’re also was an exhibit area on the second floor of imagination in the 80s
Not sure what’s up there now.
Is it possible this permit refers to the DVC lounge? They recently added a lot of seating due to demand & are opening a new lounge in MK.
Agree with Katherine.
I have silly hopes like that too.
Original ride was unique and amazing.
Every iteration after that (as with almost all attraction updates) has gone downhill rapidly.
Someone please remind me where an attraction got better after Imagineering “plussing”.
I hope it is a refurbishment to the DVC lounge! It was hastily put together and can use an update! Especially after viewing the new DVC lounge in CA!
I really really hope they restore it to the original! It was so much better with the Dreamfinder and Figment. I really miss that ride, it was just magical.
I think they are seeing how well the Figment Meet and Greet is going so I don’t think our beloved Figment is in danger. Probably DVC Lounge or Pixar Theatre. But must admit I would LOVE a refresh & a positive spin for kids using their IMAGINATION!!!!
As the DVC lounge is also in that building they have been saying it requires an update. As it would be a great space to watch the fireworks from but has no outside access, the access is through the store. When the update went into the one at Bay Lake Tower for better viewing of the MK fireworks it took a long time too as they were keeping the general shape. If they are making this one accessible from the outside it would take longer as it would involve moving or adding stairs.
I’d love Figment to finally get the love he deserves but I’m sure it’s just for the DVC people or the theater. They just redid Walt’s theater in HS and want to get rid of the shooting range in MK and give it to DVC members so it’s gotta be one of the two.
Plus I’m sure they’d announce anything positive for figment since they know how happy so many people would be.
Personally, I’d like them to add restrooms to the DVC lounge.
I am not finding Joy or Figment meets listed on the app today. Haven’t checked in a while though so maybe that is old (albeit disappointing news). I know Joy is moving to HS but was holding out hope we could still meet her the first week of June.
The DVC lounge will be closed in June & July in order to repair the elevator. A temporary lounge will be open, possibly in the Odyssey or the Millennial between UK & Canada.