Dreamfinder to return???

[Sarangel]

Screamscape.com posted the following: (3/21/06) I’m not sure how much credit to put behind this rumor, but our source seems to think that Dreamfinder may return to the Imagination ride in a scene or two as part of a minor upgrade to Imagination for Epcot’s 25th anniversary. Anyone know more?So that's at least one person who thinks this will happen...

Sarangel

[TChris]

I think that would be a great addition to tthe ride. Our family was at WDW last summer and were dissapointed in the imagination ride. Figment was good but Dream Finder was missing.

[DannyDisneyFreak]

That would be great! I liked the ride better before. :figment: :figment: :figment: :figment: :figment:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/uploads/83491/Dreamfinder.jpg

[MJMcBride]

I hear there is no chance for this.

[wdwfreak]

So how many times is this attraction going to receive some kind of "minor upgrade" or complete overhaul?? By my count, it's been 3 since 1998. In an effort to update the ride, it seems that Disney has been tinkering with it for going on 8 years now ... and nothing they can do with it seems to please the general public or anyone on these boards. I don't have any official numbers, but everytime we've been on it, we're the only ones, so I imagine it's not super popular. I say either restore the original version or put in something new.

[Another Voice]

So how many times is this attraction going to receive some kind of "minor upgrade" or complete overhaul??
The real driving force behind this is Kodak. They are spending "in the tens of millions of dollars" every year to re-sponsor the pavilion - and they're not exactly in the best of financial shape these days. So "imgine" their displeasure when the "upgraded" attraction they just spent all that money on turned out to be a complete dud.

Originally, the deal was a huge moneymaker for Kodak. At the time EPCOT Center opened, roughly 6% of all non-professional photographs were taken inside a Disney theme park. The most photographed object on Earth was the Magic Kingdom's Castle. In exchange for sponsoring the pavilion, Kodak was the only brand of film sold at Disney.

But just like everything else at Epcot, the future caught up with everyone. With the surge in digital photography, Disney isn't selling as much film today. There have been some attempts at finding other revenue sources (like those hateful photographers at the enterances of the parks these days), but it's not enough to make up for it.

So the only value Kodak receives is the advertising the pavilion offers. But if no one goes on the ride...no one sees the ad.

[dbm20th]

I hear there is no chance for this.

I thought that too, but this 25th update is gaining steam. Could be a very small addition.

[DannyDisneyFreak]

I thought that too, but this 25th update is gaining steam. Could be a very small addition.

Thats what is says...

Dreamfinder may return to the Imagination ride in a scene or two as part of a minor upgrade

[Crazy Hakim]

Screamscape.com posted the following: So that's at least one person who thinks this will happen...
Sarangel

I hope Ron still fits in the costume!

[TChris]

Why did they remove Dreamfinder in the first place? Journey to the Imagination used to be a very busy place. When we were there last July it was one of the few rides that there was no wait. TChris

[wdwfreak]

Why did they remove Dreamfinder in the first place? Journey to the Imagination used to be a very busy place. When we were there last July it was one of the few rides that there was no wait. TChris

The last time I was on the original Journey was in August of 1995 and the line was extremely long. Yes, it was August and, yes, it was mid-afternoon. However, we've been on the new incarnation(s) of the ride at least half a dozen times in the last 4-5 years (we have 3 kids) and have always walked on to the ride, most times as the only riders.

[ThurlFan]

Having never seent the original, I'd love to see it return. The current incarnation is wretched. And I'm an Eric Idle fan.

It's got a lot going for it...catchy tune, marketable plush character. Now if only it weren't so deadly DULL on the inside!

[TinyLolitaBunny]

Having never seent the original, I'd love to see it return. The current incarnation is wretched. And I'm an Eric Idle fan.

It's got a lot going for it...catchy tune, marketable plush character. Now if only it weren't so deadly DULL on the inside!

This is true. I still remember the orginal from when I was 8 years old and Figment was instantly my favourite Disney character. I was very disappointed in later years when Dreamfinder was taken out. It really isnt as popular anymore... Plus Id rather see Dreamfinder with Figment in the park... Than a big huge walk-around Figment who is kept inside a room and doesnt even sign autograph books!!!! very disappointing. he wasnt entertaining at all. :confused3

[McJunkins]

Now if only they would open up the second level again at the end of the ride. I miss the imagination things like the multi-colored light tunnel. Currently its just a big shop to (you guessed it) sell junk and make money, when it should be about continuing your journey through imagination.

[manning]

The best part of the original ride was the opening act. Also the preview, making memories song.

[YoHo]

Makin Memories and Kitchen Kaberet (veggie fruit fruit) are my two favorite original Epcot songs and the fact that they're both gone has had no small part in my hatred of Eisner.

As far as Imagination goes, AV can perhaps back me up or shoot me down, but Figment is the first if not only character to be totally park generated that took off and it sold a lot of plush. The little guy from Alien encounter was kinda popular, I guess, but nothing like Figment.

I'm not sure what Disney was thinking on that one. It contradicts their sell more plush sales department.

[dbm20th]

The problem with Version 2 was not that Dreamfinder wasn't there. It was that it was "bad". Keep the song and the Purple whateverthatis and you won't disappoint folks. Version 3 is better, though they still wouldn't acually put the song's chorus back.

I'd like to see the Dreamfinder make a return, a curtain call if you will. He was kind of creepy looking and I like that!

[mitros]

The problem with Version 2 was not that Dreamfinder wasn't there. It was that it was "bad". Keep the song and the Purple whateverthatis and you won't disappoint folks. Version 3 is better, though they still wouldn't acually put the song's chorus back.

I'd like to see the Dreamfinder make a return, a curtain call if you will. He was kind of creepy looking and I like that!

I guess the last 20 seconds of the ride have what could pass as the chorus. Just take the Monty Python guy {Eric Idle?} out of the mix, and it's kind of like the original chorus......

[Tampa]

Bump.. :rolleyes1

Ahh.. remember the massive "needle" tables that prompted you to zone out on your hand for about ten minutes? Or your chance to be in your own imagination adventure with it being televised to passing guests? I tell ya, sometimes I used to ride just to get a wiff of the perfume smell in there!

The final act of the original displayed Figment, standing by himself on a huge movie reel, with screens completely surrounding the room, each showing figment on a different adventure! Now, his final act has been cloned by imposters, and you don't know which one is the real Figment!

Dreamfinder was the twisted dude who had one sole priority in the WDW orginization, and that was introducing us to Figment. With his apparent termination, his imagination left with him, and now all we see is a product.

[Tink's Tormentor]

Seems like this rumor has some merit behind it... Although nothing has been confirmed by Disney, a few people who "CLAIM" to be in the know has said a refurb of Imagination is planned.. and part of that refurb will include adding Dreamfinder back in the attraction as well as fixing the upstairs portion of the pavilion.. But, they stress NOTHING HAS BEEN GREENLIT YET... An announcement of the rehab should be announced at the opening of nemo.. providing this rehab does infact get the nod...

[pouncingpluto]

Makin Memories and Kitchen Kaberet (veggie fruit fruit) are my two favorite original Epcot songs and the fact that they're both gone has had no small part in my hatred of Eisner.



WHAT is Makin' Memories from??? My wedding videographer used it as background music for part of our video, and it *sounds* so familiar and Disney, but I can't place it.

[MJMcBride]

I believe Making Memories came from the old pre-show at Journey into Imagination's 3D show.

[mitros]

And I wonder how many folks know that Billy Barty was the voice of Figment in the original version, and they {Disney} did NOT ask him back to do the re-habed version. A shame, IMHO........Bump.. :rolleyes1

Ahh.. remember the massive "needle" tables that prompted you to zone out on your hand for about ten minutes? Or your chance to be in your own imagination adventure with it being televised to passing guests? I tell ya, sometimes I used to ride just to get a wiff of the perfume smell in there!

The final act of the original displayed Figment, standing by himself on a huge movie reel, with screens completely surrounding the room, each showing figment on a different adventure! Now, his final act has been cloned by imposters, and you don't know which one is the real Figment!

Dreamfinder was the twisted dude who had one sole priority in the WDW orginization, and that was introducing us to Figment. With his apparent termination, his imagination left with him, and now all we see is a product.

[ChrisFL]

I believe Making Memories came from the old pre-show at Journey into Imagination's 3D show.

Correct, it was before either Magic Journeys or Captain EO (or maybe both...)

[minnie61650]

I miss the original Figment also. At least this one has Figment in it a lot more than the first redo. When Kodak sponsored the original Figment Disney signed a contract that the ride would be redone before the year 2000. For those of you never got to experience the original Figment or if you would like to relive it this is a great website.

http://figmentsimagination.com/

Here is an except from that website that explains why the Original Figment ride was Changed:

"It has been confirmed by a Disney source that the original Journey Into Imagination was closed due to a contract agreement between Kodak and Disney. The contract stated that JII was to be changed by the year 2000. The original JII, due to large amounts of projectors, sets, lighting and animatronics, was VERY expensive to maintain each year. JII was the most advanced attraction of its kind in the US when it opened in 1983. Even when it closed, the technology involved with producing the show was ahead of other theme park attractions. Many Imagineers were not at all happy about making the changes because they had fear that the new attraction would fail. Armed with a budget far less than they had to build the original JII, the replacement opened and the fans were not happy. WDI realized that mistakes were made but at this point, there is no physical way to return the attraction to its original state because of the way the building has been altered and the money that would be needed to do it is not there. The current budget to redo JIYI is still not enough to restore the magic we all miss. But we will be able to see Figment again! "




This excerpt is from this site:

http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id37.htm

The chances of Figment making a full return looked bleak. Disney sold part of the ride props on eBay and used one of Dreamfinder's flying machines as a prop in the Mouse Gear store. Then the ride closed in the winter of 2002 for renovation and reopened in June of 2002 as Journey Into Imagination with Figment. While Eric Idle and the Imagination Institute are still featured, Figment has been added to every scene and a new version of One Little Spark is sung. Dreamfinder is still MIA but one of the lab office doors is now labeled as belonging to "Dean Finder".
Linda
__________________

[Trinket143]

WHAT is Makin' Memories from??? My wedding videographer used it as background music for part of our video, and it *sounds* so familiar and Disney, but I can't place it.

I'm pretty sure this song is in the pre-show part of "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience." If I remember correctly, before any attraction-related stuff is shown, there is a long commerical for Kodak featuring pictures of kids, pets, old people, etc and it uses the song. Can anyone else confirm this?

[DC7800]

I'm pretty sure this song is in the pre-show part of "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience." If I remember correctly, before any attraction-related stuff is shown, there is a long commerical for Kodak featuring pictures of kids, pets, old people, etc and it uses the song. Can anyone else confirm this?

You're probably thinking of True Colors. Makin' Memories was the pre-show for the original fim here, Magic Journeys. A film I'd love to see again (perfect time too - Epcot's 25th anniversary).

[MJMcBride]

You're probably thinking of True Colors. Makin' Memories was the pre-show for the original fim here, Magic Journeys. A film I'd love to see again (perfect time too - Epcot's 25th anniversary).

Wasn't that song there for Captain E-O too?

[DancingBear]

Makin' Memories was the pre-show for the original fim here, Magic Journeys. A film I'd love to see again (perfect time too - Epcot's 25th anniversary).

Just drop some acid and walk around in a field and you'll be pretty close.

[SueM in MN]

I don't think the Making Memories song was used for the Preshow for Captain EO. Soon after Captain EO opened, the previous 3D movie (Magic Journeys) moved to the Fantasyland Theater in MK - where Philharmagic is now. I thin k the preshow that went with it in Ecpot (Making Memories) moved with it to MK.

[figmentfan84]

Sorry to resurrect a super old thread, but...

And I wonder how many folks know that Billy Barty was the voice of Figment in the original version, and they {Disney} did NOT ask him back to do the re-habed version. A shame, IMHO........

Billy Barty is dead - he died a few years ago. That would be a good reason why Disney did not ask him to return to the role.

David Goelz (the voice of Gonzo the Great) does Figmet's voice now, and I think he does a fine job considering the circumstances.



~Jessica

[mitros]

Sorry to resurrect a super old thread, but...



Billy Barty is dead - he died a few years ago. That would be a good reason why Disney did not ask him to return to the role.

David Goelz (the voice of Gonzo the Great) does Figmet's voice now, and I think he does a fine job considering the circumstances.



I have friends who work at the pavilion, and nothing has been said about the redo of the attraction. It's most likely a rumor, as wonderful as it would be if it were true. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

~Jessica

Yes, but he was still alive when the ride was re-done. I contacted his family through their website, and they said Disney never asked him to re-do the voice. He passed away on December 27th, 2000.

[Linzybrooke]

Its possible that the rumor got its wings from the Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot...it makes mention of an homage to Dreamfinder in the scene before visiting Figment's house, the sheet music Figment is hanggliding with is the music to One Little Spark, and I believe there is a silhouette of Dreamfinders flying machine in that scene as well. But, I could be wrong! If they FINALLY renovate HISTA they will have to renovate JIYI too or the backstory and themeing won't make sense...so heres hoping!!!!!

[MJMcBride]

Its possible that the rumor got its wings from the Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot...

It seems to me that this rumor has been kicking around longer than that book. I hope he comes back for the anniversary, even in a justa a cameo roll.

[asianway]

Jessica is right. Journey Into Your Imagination which did not have any voice by Figment, ran from 1999 to late 2001. By the time they realized what a mistake they made, it was sadly too late to get Billy Barty to lend his voice to the new ride which premiered June 2002.

[dbm20th]

It seems to me that this rumor has been kicking around longer than that book. I hope he comes back for the anniversary, even in a justa a cameo roll.

Maybe it's just me, and yes to the fundamentalists the Dreamfinder cameo would be greeted with tears of joy, but the first version was not better to me because of Dreamfinder. It was more...trippy. It had a peculiar rythmn to it and really built on the song, much like Small World does. It was Figment that really made the ride so popular. The recent addition just does not use Figment in a way that is effective.

And yes, this rumor has been kicking around longer than that book, which was only released a few months ago

[minnie61650]

Maybe it's just me, and yes to the fundamentalists the Dreamfinder cameo would be greeted with tears of joy, but the first version was not better to me because of Dreamfinder. It was more...trippy. It had a peculiar rythmn to it and really built on the song, much like Small World does. It was Figment that really made the ride so popular. The recent addition just does not use Figment in a way that is effective.

And yes, this rumor has been kicking around longer than that book, which was only released a few months ago

I agree. I also felt it was the song and Figment who made the ride so popular.
To me Dreamfinder was a just a means to introduce Figment.

The song along with, visual arts, storytelling and science really helped me to the visualize the concept of Imagination.

I think when they revamped the ride and deleted part of the song a lot of us really lost the true feelings, wonder, and awe that the original ride inspired.

JMHO

[MJMcBride]

I think the dreamfinder is just a symbol of the old ride. The hope is that his return means the return of a better ride.

[dbm20th]

I think the dreamfinder is just a symbol of the old ride. The hope is that his return means the return of a better ride.

But it does not mean the old ride. Better is better. And simply returning to the old idea is...well...too easy.

[McJunkins]

I miss the 2nd level of interactive attractions, the light tunnel was so cool then. Right now the stairwell to get up their is being used as storage, thats pretty sad if you ask me.

[King Triton]

The original Imagination ride was the best. Disney should have left it alone. The second one was horrible. The third one (current one) is alittle better than the second but no where near as good as the first one.

Yes, please bring back Dreamfinder!!!!

:rockband: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: