Armchair Imagineering: Journey Into Imagination with Figment

 There have been many rumors circulating through the mill that Journey into Imagination is not long for this world in its current state.  Various sites on the internet have been ablaze with this information for the past week.  I have no idea if this rumor is true or simply just a rumor, but I definitely have some ideas for this pavilion if it is re-developed at some point in the near future.  When this attraction first opened, it offered a journey into imagination with Figment and Dreamfinder, who took guests through a colorful world of fancy.  This ride was a tribute to childlike wonder and imagination; it was a true success.  After Dreamfinder and Figment took a hiatus from this pavilion, the attraction became Journey into Your Imagination, which did not feature Figment at all.  However, the plot of this attraction has changed to reflect Dr. Nigel Channing’s Institute where inventors are honored for their work.  In order to give us a tour of his institute, we embark on the attraction with Dr. Channing and Figment.  Dr. Channing seems to think that Figment is a little of a nuisance, but eventually, he comes to see Figment as a friend.  After thinking about different incarnations of the attraction, I much preferred the original attraction to the current incarnation of the ride. 

Now for some Armchair Imagineering!  If it were up to me, I would give this attraction a new overlay that truly celebrates creation and imagination.  In order to do this, I would incorporate Phineas and Ferb into the storyline.  The attraction could be a tour through some of their creations as well as another storyline that involves Perry and Dr. Doofenshmirtz.  The ride could be dynamic, and we could be a part of Phineas and Ferb’s adventures.  We do not need to re-live one of their episodes; there could be an entirely new adventure for them to embark on that could take us through their world while enjoying the attraction. As for Figment, I think that he could be an agent of O.W.C.A., and he could work with Major Monogram in his pursuit to fight crime.  Maybe Dr. Doof has created a de-imaginator that sucks creativity from the world, and Agent F can come in to help.  Perhaps, even Dreamfinder could make an appearance as Agent F’s version of Major Monogram.  Regardless of the storyline, this would be great fun!  The bright colors and humor that characterize this show would fit so well into the Imagination Pavilion.  In addition, Captain EO could be replaced by another 3-D movie that could be a continuation or an introduction to the ride-through attraction.  The pavilion could have a cohesive feel. 

In addition to the ride and the movie, the Imageworks could be returned to its former glory with fun attractions and truly state of the art technology that would engage old and young visitors alike.  Now, I don’t know what Disney has in store for the Imagination Pavilion, but I hope that they do something new and inventive that helps to cultivate the joy of creation and celebrate all that one’s imagination can achieve.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!