Changes

| opened= October 1June 2, 19992002

| host= Dr. Nigel Channingand Figment

| custom_value_1custom_value_2= Journey Into Imagination (1983-1998) <br> Journey Into Your Imagination(1999-2001)|custom_label_2= Disney Genie +|custom_value_2= Yes

The basic idea for the What would one day be known as Journey Into Imagination attraction came , began as an idea from Disney Imagineer, Tony Baxter. The idea Baxter was tasked with working on an attraction for the character figment came to him while watching an episode of the television series Magnum P.I. In the episode Magnum had hidden a goat in HigginsEPCOT Center' yards Kodak Pavilion, and with the goat had predictably tore the garden up. When Higgins suggested only request being that a goat was ruining his yard. Magnum replied they wanted something that it was all just a figment of his imagination, to which Higgins countered would be "Figments don't eat grass!very imaginative". This lineBased on this request, gave Tony Baxter came up with the idea to create of a character "that everyone knows about and has never been visualizedDream Catcher (as it is unofficially called); a machine which traveled through space collecting sparks of imagination.

Figment was first sketched by Disney artist Steve Kirk who turned in a rough drawing of Piloting the characters. Imagineer X Atencio then slightly altered the drawing toDream Catcher, "make the character lovablewould be Dreamfinder, in a way that kids could relate to"whimsical inventor who collected and reused imagination. The Dreamfinder, Figments creator character actually began as the host of an unbuilt attraction called the Gallery of Illusion. This attraction was designed after Imagineer Joe Rhode, who would later to be lead designer built in the never constructed Discovery Bay expansion of Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Dreamfinder's voice Disneyland, and it was performed by actors Chuck McCann and Ron Schneider. Finding a voice for Figment proved to be much more difficult howeverhosted by an investor named Professor Marvel. Disney had menIn one of the scenes in this attraction, womenProfessor Marvel showed how he domesticated dragons, boys and girls all try out for the role, but no voice was deemed suitableeven holding a baby one. EventuallyWhen work began on Journey Into Imagination, they found Figment's voice in veteran voice actor Billy BartyCaptain Marvel became the inspiration for Dreamfinder, who was perfect with Joe Rhode serving as the model for the rolecharacter.

It took Disney nearly six months to come up with an idea The second character created for the Journey Into Imagination attraction, was a purple, childlike dragon named Figment. To help them with their understanding Figment’s creation began when Tony Baxter was watching an episode of imaginationMagnum P.I. In the episode, Disney brought Magnum had hidden a goat in various scientist Higgins’ yard, and artists. Eventually they came to the conclusion goad had predictably torn up the vegetation. When Higgins suggested that while every bodies imagination a goat was differentruining his yard, how people get their Magnum replied that it was all just a figment of his imagination is . Higgins’ response that “Figments don’t eat grass!” gave Baxter the sameinspiration for his new character, named Figment. Tony Baxter said: would later explain that Figment was a character that everyone knows about and has never been visualized.

Taking some inspiration from the Gallery of Illusion attraction, Figment was initially sketched by Disney artist Steve Kirk who turned in a rough drawing of the character. Imagineer X Atencio then slightly altered the drawing to, "make the character lovable, in a way that kids could relate to". With their two main characters designed, Imagineers set about finding voices for the duo. Although finding a voice for Dreamfinder was relatively simple (with actor Chuck McCann filling the role) finding a voice for Figment proved to be much more difficult. Disney had men, women, boys and girls all audition for the role, but no voice was deemed suitable. Eventually, they found Figment's voice in veteran voice actor Billy Barty, who was deemed perfect for the role. When talking about the role of Figment, Tony Baxter said:[[Image:Dreamfindermodel.jpg|400px|thumb|The original model of Dreamfinder.]]{{Quotation| "The story needed to describe the complex process in an engaging, interactive way without seeming like a lecture. A persona was needed to give the process personality, but having a human character seemed too selective. A friendly imaginary being that could delight in the wonders of imagination would be more inclusive."| Tony Baxter}}

Journey Into Imagination With Figment finally opened as simply their characters in place, it took Disney nearly six months to come up with an idea for the Journey Into Imagination on March 5attraction. To help them with their understanding of imagination, 1983Disney brought in various scientist and artists. Although Eventually they came to the Kodak sponsored pavilion conclusion that housed the attraction had been open since Epcot's opening day, the pavilion remained nameless until Journey Into Imagination gave it it's namesake. The original attraction while everybody’s imagination was a dark ridedifferent, which helped guests explore how people get their imagination. The ride was hosted by is the popular characters Dreamfinder and Figmentsame. 71 different special effects were created for the original Journey Into ImaginationThus they decided to focus on how we gather, more then tall of the effects created for the opening of the Magic Kingdom. The ride remained essentially the same from 1983 until 1998store and recombine ideas.

[[Image:DreamfindermodelDespite originally scheduled as an opening day attraction, Journey Into Imagination opened on March 5, 1983, five months after EPCOT Center’s opening day.jpg|thumb|The original model Although the rest of the Dreamfinderpavilion opened with the rest of EPCOT Center, technical issues with Journey Into Imagination’s turntable, loading and unloading mechanisms caused the attraction to be delayed. According to Tony Baxter however, the attraction was up an running, yet Disney executives did not think would be reliable and thus it was delayed. After opening, Journey Into Imagination remained essentially the same until 1998, when it was closed for refurbishment.]]

Following a decrease in popularityWith the new millennium approaching, Kodak decided that it was not getting enough bang for their buckdecided that Journey Into Imagination needed to be updated. While the attraction remained popular, when it came had seen a recent decline in attendance and was beginning to look dated. Because of this, Kodak's renewal of their sponsorship of the Journey Into Imagination attraction. Disney told them Pavilion necessitated that to increase attendance, the attraction would need to be updated. A new ride before 2000 (when Epcot was pitchedplanning on having its big millennium celebration). After a series of rejected ideas (including an attraction based on the 1997 movie Flubber, and another attraction that would have guests entering the mind of a celebrity),Walt Disney Imagineering pitched an idea for "must see" attraction, which was sure to renew the pavilions popularity. The attraction was pitched as a that would use special effects based experience, which would to challenge and confuse guests guest’s senses. After hearing the pitch, one executive said:[[Image:JOurneyintoyourimagiantion.jpg|400px|thumb|The entrance to the Imagination! pavilion during the Journey Into 'Your' Imagination era. Photo by Ckramer]]{{Quotation|“If you were in that room hearing the pitch you would have been blown away. You'll be in this dark room and not be able to tell up from down. You will be surrounded by sound and not know the direction. It was all amazing, sounded state of the art and more importantly guaranteed to give the guests a terrific experience."| <Ref> http://www.epcotlegacy.com </ref>}} The new attraction was eventually given the blessing of both Kodak and Disney, and Journey Into Imagination was closed on October 10, 1998. Taking its inspiration from the [[Honey, I Shrunk the Audience]] attraction, it was decided that the new Journey Into Imagination would become a part of the fiction Imagination Institute (which the entire pavilion would now be themed as). Renamed Journey Into “Your” Imagination, the new attraction took guests on a tour of the Imagination Institute, where they learned the “effects of sound, color, illusion, dimension and gravity on people's ‘imagination generator.’” Dr. Nigel Channing (Eric Idle), who had appeared in Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, was tapped as the host of new attraction. Imagineer Orrin Shively (who had previously produced Test Track) produced Journey Into “Your” Imagination, and gave the show a minimal plot in order to allow guests to explore their own imagination.

{{Quotation|“if you were Journey Into Your Imagination was constructed in that room hearing exactly one year, making it one of the pitch you would have been blown away. You'll be fasted built, modern attractions, in this dark room and not be able to tell up from downWalt Disney World. You will be surrounded by sound and not know During the direction. It was all amazingconstruction, sounded state of the art attraction’s track length was shortened by 40% and more importantly guaranteed to give the guests turntable (which had been a terrific experiencesource of maintenance issues since the attraction opened) was removed. We saw this concept art Also removed from the attraction, were popular characters Dreamfinder and they spoke so enthusiastically.Figment (although Figment made a few cameos in the new attraction).The entire Imagination! Pavilion (as it was now called) was dedicated on September 29, 1998, with Journey Into “Your” Imagination opening on October 1."}}

The new attraction was eventually given the blessing of both Kodak and Disney. Following its reopening, Journey Into Your Imagination's was produced bombarded by Imagineer Orrin Shively guest complaints. The attraction was described as cheap, boring, and condescending. Many fans further decided to boycott the attraction (who also produced Test Trackand even Kodak), who gave the show a minimal plot in order to allow them to explore show their own imaginationdispleasure. The entire devolopment and construction of the attraction took only two yearsBesides angering fans, making it one of the quickest built modern attractions in Disney World. The ride reopened in 1999 as Journey Into ''Your'' Imaginationalso angered Kodak, a much smaller and less expensive ride. Popular characters, the Dreamfinder and Figment were removed from the who felt they did not get an attraction, along with many of the special effects. The dark ride that was now hosed by Drworth their investment. Nigel Channing, head of Due to the Imagination Institute. Nigel now gave guests a tour of the Imagination Institute, which was referenced in the other Imagination! (the new name of the pavilion) attraction, [[Honey, I Shrunk the Audience]]. Critics panned the new attraction,and pressure asserted by fans began to call for a boycott of both the attraction, and it's sponsor, Kodak. Guest complaints bombarded Epcot, as more and more people rode the new attraction. The boycott proved successful, as guests complaints (along with pressure from even Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Kodak) led to yet , Journey Into Your Imagination was closed for another (quick) refurbishment in on October 8, 2001.

By mid 2001, Disney and Kodak decided that they needed to fix Following the failure of Journey Into Your Imagination attraction and on October 8th, 2001 it was decided that once again the attraction closedneeded to be significantly changed. Kodak This time however, the budget for the refurbishment was extremely limited. Sponsor Kodak was unwilling to provide put more funds for a new money into the attraction, after the disappointment of the previous renovation. Due to this, and the crippling economic effects of tourism industry as a whole had been devastated by the 9/attacks on September 11 attacks, the budget for the new Journey Into Imagination was extremely low2001. In factWorking with these constraints, Imagineers were only Imagineering was given a budget of less than 8 million dollars to renovate the ride. The main goal of the new attraction, was to reinsert Figment into the ride. Guests complaints had made it clear that Figment still had a strong following, and his presence was missed on tasked with turning Journey Into Your Imaginationinto a respectable attraction. Due to both time and budge complaintsBased on guest feedback, Imagineering knew that the needed to reinstate Figment back into the attraction was not replaced, but simply updated. The plot of the ride still focused on guests getting a tour of the Imagination InstituteTo do this, however now Figment intervened causing havoc Audio Animatronics which had been stored in various offices on the doctors tour. The original attractions theme song "One Little Spark" was also returnedDisney property, although it had to be slightly rearranged were recollected and given new verses, returned to fit into the new attraction. The renovation was complete in only 236 days and on June 2Furthermore, 2002many of the show scenes were reshot, the attraction reopened as Journey Into Imagination so that Dr. Nigel Channing now interacted with Figment.

Besides just adding the purple dragon back into the attraction, Disney also changed the tone of the ride significantly. Instead of being a scientific tour, the new version of Journey Into Imagination was a comical journey through the Institute’s Sense Labs. Dr. Nigel Channing still ran the tour, but he was now interrupted by a significantly more troublesome Figment, who argued with the Dr. about the value of Imagination. Although the attraction track remained essentially the same, the show scenes were all significantly changed. More importantly perhaps, the ride vehicles now came to a stop in most of the different rooms, allowing Imagineers to focus guest’s attention on a specific scene, and create a more linear story. Also of note, Disney added the song One Little Spark back into the attraction, albeit with mostly new lyrics. The Sherman Brothers were once again hired to write the lyrics, with the song being performed by Dr. Nigel Channing and Figment.Journey Into Your Imagination reopened as Journey Into Imagination With Figment on June 2, 2002, a mere 236 days after it closed. ==Ride Attraction Plot==

The original Journey Into Imagination attraction, was a dark ride hosted by the Dreamfinder and his creation Figment. On the attraction guests would explore various aspects of Imaginationimagination. Scenes on Journey Into Imagination included, the Dreamport, an art scene, a nightmare scene, a theater scene and a finale. The ride ran from 1983-1998. For a more detailed plot summary visit the [[Journey Into Imagination]] page.

===Journey Into ''Your'' Imagination (1999-2001)===[[Image:Journeyyour2.jpg|thumb|400px|Guests inside the Gravity Lab on Journey Into Your Imagination.]]Journey Into Your Imagination’s plot began in the queue, where guests could see signs for the Imagination Institute. A directory showed that the institute was made up of six different departments: color, dimensions, gravity, illusions, sound, and the [[ImageWorks]]. Dr. Nigel Channing then appeared on the monitors in the queue, to inform guests that besides just touring the lab, they would also be test subjects for the new Imagination Scanner experiment. This video was one of the few places in the attraction where guests could still see Figment.

The second version After entering their ride vehicles, guests moved forward and stopped in front of Journey Into a large mirror. Here the Imagination Scanner would scan them, to determine what they were imagining. Dr. Nigel Channing would then inform guests that there was known as Journey Into ''Your'' Imagination, "Not much going on" in their imagination (with the scanner showing cobwebs and even a “vacancy” sign), which was perfect for the experiment. The focus tour of the ride was to allow labs then began in the Sound Room, where guests were challenged to explore their own "see what you hear". The room was almost completely dark, but inside guests could hear various noises such as: a baby crying, a trumpet, a toilet flushing and finally, a train roaring by. As guests transitioned into the Illusion Lab, Nigel informed them that “"When the laws of physics and common sense are shattered, imaginationtakes over". Due In the Illusion Lab, guests could see a looking glass illusion that seemed to this conceptmagnifying a room, the attraction had minimal plot as well as and a cinder block breaking through a glass table (that actually had no glass). Continuing on, riders based by giant cage which appeared to be empty, after further inspection however, guests could see a camouflaged giant butterfly. Another illusion in the popular characters lab was a fish that seemed to by swimming out of water, although this was obviously not actually the Dreamfinder and Figment were almost completely removedcase.

The attraction's plot began in After exiting the queueIllusion Lab, where guests could see signs for entered the Imagination InstituteColor of Sound room. A directory Here, large screens showed that how imagination relates colors to sound. For example, when the institute screen was made up of six different departments: colorred, dimensionsguests would hear something cooking, gravity, illusions, soundwhen it was green they could hear rainforest sounds, and the [[ImageWorks]]. Drfinally a metallic color allowed guests to hear a space ship blasting off. Nigel Channing then appeared on After leaving the monitors in the queue, to inform Color of Sound guests that besides just touring would enter the labConnection Room, where they would also be test subjects for the new Imagination Scanner experiment. This videowere surrounded by stars, was one which when connected properly, could create images of the few places animals. The final room in the attraction tour was the Gravity Lab, where everything that was supposed to be down was up. In this room, guests could still look on the ceiling to see Figmentupside down rooms, including a bathroom and a kitchen. There were also mirrors located here, which showed guests upside down.

After entering completing their ride vehiclestour, guests moved forward and stopped in front of a large mirror. Here were once again scanned by the Imagination Scanner would scan them, to determine what they were imagining. Dr. Nigel Channing would then inform guests that there wasThis time however, "Not much going on" in their imagination, which was perfect for so strong that they broke the experimentmachine. The tour of After the labs then began machine had malfunctioned, the lights would go out in the sound room. Here, and projections of all the objects that guests were challenged to "see what you hear". The room was almost completely dark, but inside guests imagining could hear various noises such as: a baby crying, a trumpet, a toilet flushing and a train roaring bybe seen above. After exiting the sound room, guests entered the illusion labDr. Here Nigel informed them, that when you defy the laws of physics, imagination takes place. In the illusion lab, Channing would then invite guests could see a giant cage which appeared to be empty. After further inspection however, guests could see a camouflage giant butterfly. Another illusion in visit the lab was a fish who seemed to by swimming out of water[[ImageWorks]], although this was not actually concluding the caseattraction.

[[Image:Journeyyour.jpg|thumb|The ===Journey Into ''Your'' Imagination sign.]]With Figment (2002-Present)===

The next room Like Journey Into ''Your'' Imagination, Journey Into Imagination With Figment begins with guests entered was entering the Color of Sound roomImagination Institute. Here large screens showed how imagination relates colors to , guests see a directory of the six departments of the institute: smell, sight, sound, taste, touch and the [[ImageWorks]]. When In the screen was red, Institute's lobby [[Weebo]] the yellow robot from the 1997 movie Flubber can be found. As guests would hear something cookingmeander through the queue, when it was green they could hear rainforest soundscan see portraits of the Inventor of the Year award winners including: Dr. Nigel Channing, Wayne Szalinski (from the Honey, I Shrunk series) and finally a metallic color allowed guests to hear a space ship blasting offProfessor Philip Brainard (from the movie Flubber). After exiting Continuing through the color roomqueue, guests would enter pass by the connection roomlabs of the three scientists, before eventually reaching their ride vehicles. Here After boarding, Dr. Nigel Channing introduces himself, and welcomes guests were surrounded by starsto the institute. He informs them that they will be taking a moving, open house tour, which when connected properly could create images of animals. The final room in will show how the tour was the gravity roomfive senses affect imagination. Here everything Figment then appears, and tells the doctor that was supposed he wants to be down was up. Guests could look go on the ceiling to see upside down roomstour too. Although the doctor introduces the purple dragon as one of the Institute’s discoveries, including a bathroom and a kitchenhe tells Figment that he cannot go on the tour. There also upside down mirrorsWhen Dr. Channing tells him he doesn't want him out of his sight however, which showed Figment disappears and guests upside downbegin their tour.

After completing their tour, guests were once again scanned by the Imagination Scanner. This time however, their imagination was so strong that they broke the machine. After the machine had malfunctioned, the lights would go out in the room, and projects of all the objects in guests imagination could be seen. Dr. Nigel Channing would then invite guests to visit the [[ImageWorks]] concluding the attraction. ===Journey Into Imagination With Figment(2002-Present)=== Like Journey Into ''Your'' Imagination, Journey Into Imagination With Figment begins with guests entering the Imagination Institute. Here, guests see the five departments of the institute: smell, sight, sound, taste, and touch. In the queue, guests can see potraits of the the Inventor of the Year award winners. They include, Dr. Nigel Channing, Wayne Szalinski (from the Honey, I Shrunk series) and Professor Philip Brainard (from the movie Flubber). Guests can also see the labs of the three scientists as they they wait ing line. After boarding their ride vehicles, Dr. Nigel Channing introduces himself, and welcomes guests to the institute. He informs them that they will be taking a moving open house, which will show how the five senses affect Imagination. Figment then appears, and tells the doctor that he wants to go on the tour too. When Dr. Channing tells him he doesn't want the purple dragon out of his sight, Figment disappears and guests begin their tour. The first room that the ride vehicles enter is the sound lab. The professor begins his demonstration by playing a series of tones, which shows how people hear out of either their left or right ear. All As the test is going on, all of the sudden, guests here a phone ringing, and . As Figment appears holding a phone, he explains that you do not need to hear with your ears, but with your imagination. The doctor Dr. Nigel Channing then declares that he has "completely lost my his train of thought". With is queue, Figment then replies that he found it“no you haven’t, its right here”, as guests hear a train go roaring by. Figment then begins to sing a new verse to the song "One Little Spark"

your Your ears are hearing<br>a A thousand thoughts<br>can Can start appearing<br>and And each of us imagines different things<br>from From just a sound<br>your Your mind has wings"}}[[Image:ImaginationInstituteLogo.jpg|400px|thumb|The Journey Into Imagination pavilion was transformed to the Imagination Institute in 1999.]]After exiting the sound lab, guests enter the sight lab, here . Here Dr. Nigel Channing alerts guests guest’s attention to a large eye chart in the room. While guests are told to read itthe charts third line, they can see the silhouette of Figment creeping across the screen. Soon, Figment gets rid of all the other letters, and he spells out the word "Figment". Figment says that people sight is a lot more fun when they use their imagnation instead of their eyeshis name. He then sings explains that “"Sure You Can see with your eyes, but imagine what you can see if you use your imagination”, before singing another new verse of "One Little Spark"as guests continue their tour of the Institute.

The next room in the tour is the smell lab. As guests enter itthe lab, Figment and Dr. Nigel Channing argue about whether Imagination imagination should be controlled or set free. Here, guests can see After passing by a giant butterfly which seems to appear out of nowhere, Dr. Inside the smell roomNigel Channing explains that senses (especially pleasant or familiar ones) can spark imagination. At this point, Figment takes control and sets off a slot machinethat features different smells. The machine comes up with three skunks, leading guests to get sprayedby a skunk smell. Different containers As the ride vehicles are set in motion, guests pass by the room hold other smells, including one for a rose. smell containers and Figment then begins to sing "One Little Spark" again.

[[Image:Figmenthouse.jpg|400px|thumb|Figment in his house, which is upside down.]]

After this the skunk catastrophic, Dr. Channing decides to skip the touch and taste labs. He also questions whether or not to end the tour altogether. Figment says theythat ending the tour of the Institute is a great idea, and that they should, but he decides to take everybody on a instead tour of his house. Guests then move off the normal track, as they head towards Figment's house. As Nigel then says laments that everything has been turned upside down, which gives Figment gets an idea. He decides that upside down sounds like a great idea! , and decides to turn his house upside down. Before guests enter his house, they see all kinds of upside down surreal signs pointing them in the right direction. Figment can be hear heard singing "One Little Spark" again.

When guests finally reach Figments house everything is upside down, as advertised. The rooms are located on the ceiling where , where guests can see his kitchen, living room and bathroom. Audio Animatronic Figments can be seen here, eating in front of the TV, in the bath, and looking into the refrigerator. Nigel eventually decides that As Figment and Dr. Channing argue over whether imagination should be controlled or set free, and he says, "if you can't beat em', join em'Figment explains that imagination is the brain’s open house. He and This convinces the Dr. that Figment then decided had been right about imagination all along, and he declares that they need to go back to the Imagination Institute as they . As guests take Figment’s shortcut back to the Institute, Dr. Channing and Figment sing another verse of "One Little Spark".

Following their tourArriving back at the Imagination Institute, guests enter the attractions final sceneDr. Here Nigel Channing informs them guests that he has learned it's best to let imagination go free. Figment replies, "yeah imaginations a bang!". At this point, a loud popping sound is heard, and guests enter a room with many Audio Animatronic Figments celebrating, as they sing "One Little Spark". Inside the room, guests can see Figment flying, by a rainbow and hitchhiking on a planet, among other things. Dr. Nigel's face can also be seen here, singing on the moon. After going through this scene, guests are invited to explore the [[ImageWorks]] to further their study of imagination. The final verses to "One Little Spark" which are played in this scene are:[[Image:Fiigment.jpg|400px|thumb|Figment celebrating in the ride's finale.]]

* When Figment was restored returned to the attraction in 2002, many of the old Figment Audio Animatronics from the original Journey Into Imagination attraction were reused.

* Many of the props from Journey Into Your Imagination were reused in Journey Into Imagination with Figment. * After guests leave the Sound Room, the attraction vehicles pass by the Computer Room. Outside of the room is a college jacket with a "M" on it. This is a reference to Medfield College (see the final trivia fact), the setting of the 1969 Disney film The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes.  *Also outside of the Computer Room is a sign that reads "No Tennis Shoes Allowed". This is another reference to The Computer Who Wore Tennis Shoes.  *One of the doors found in the queue is marked Flubber Storage.  * A reference to Merlin Jones and his monkey from the 1964 film The Misadventures of Merlin Jones can be found in the queue. * One of the doors in the queue reads Eugene Higgins, Dean of Medfield College. Medfield College was the setting of numerous Disney live action films including: "The Absent-Minded Professor" (1961), "Son of Flubber" (1963), "The Misadventures of Merlin Jones" (1964), "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" (1969), "Now You See Him, Now You Don't" (1972), and "The Strongest Man in the World" (1975).