Knocking down entire Imagination building

[Gingerg11]

My uncle's neighbor is a CM. He said they are bulldozing the entire pavillion, including the Captain EO/HISTA theater. No word yet on whether or not the Dreamfinder and Figment will be back. He also said they will reopen the Wonders of Life pavillion during demolition/construction. Time will tell I guess. I for one would love to see a return of those characters in some capacity.

 

[WDWsweetsixteengirl]

If they want to bulldoze over the imagination building thats fine. They just better bring Figment back!

 

[ChrisFL]

I highly doubt any of that is true. For one, there's nothing left in the Wonder of Life building to re-open.

Second, that would be a MAJOR expenditure to tear down the imagination building a make a new one, I just don't see that happening unless they had to go for some incredible ride system (doubt it)

 

[JessM]

I just saw pictures somewhere of FP+ scanners out front of the imagination pavilion, I doubt they would both installing those if they were going to level the building. Hopefully they will give the pavilion a facelift at some point but I doubt they would tear it down completely.

 

[tambam500]

I read that they were doing this and moving a reimagined Soarin out of the land pavillion and doubling its capacity over in the imagination pavilion.

 

[Hoodie]

I actually loved the Wonders of Life pavillion, but my understanding is that's it's pretty much gutted. Given that in the past several pavillions that have closed remain empty, I kind of doubt full demolition.

But Disney sometimes surprises.

 

[DizCaptain]

No.

 

[Kaykool101]

Maybe he meant gutting it? Not bull dozing it down.

We hear rumors about the Imagination Pavillion all the time because it doesn't pull the attendance numbers it needs. But remember all those pavillions are tied up with sponsors, so it isn't alway just about what Disney wants, which is probably how these rumors get started.

I am hopeful they do something with the pavillion. Epcot needs attention and the Imagination Pavillion is as good a place as any to start.

I doubt they get rid of Figment. If they change things up, I imagine whatever they come back with will be a better attraction(s) than what is there now and will ultimately be better for Figment. Lets face it, his current home/attraction is not good. He would be better served if Disney reimagined the Imagination pavillion.

 

[TJSkinner]

And whileI have enjoyed it many times, Captain EO needs to bid EPCOT a bon voyage. It was supposed to be a community of tomorrow. Not revisit yesterday. And under the circumstances is Michael Jackson even relevant anymore. Great performer, but the 80's are long gone.

 

[DanBoris]

I just saw pictures somewhere of FP+ scanners out front of the imagination pavilion, I doubt they would both installing those if they were going to level the building. Hopefully they will give the pavilion a facelift at some point but I doubt they would tear it down completely.

I highly doubt Imagination will be demolished, but the FP+ scanners are not good evidence to support that. FP+ scanners were recently installed at the current Festival of the Lion King Theater which we know for a fact is going away soon.

The only way I see them demolishing Imagination is if they got a sponsor who is will to put up a lot of money. I also agree with ChrisFL about Wonders of Life, there is nothing there to re-open.

 

[Lewisc]

I read that they were doing this and moving a reimagined Soarin out of the land pavillion and doubling its capacity over in the imagination pavilion.

I haven't read it but it's plausible.. How crowded is Soarin? How early in the day do they typically run out of FP?

If they want to bulldoze over the imagination building thats fine. They just better bring Figment back!

I doubt they'll tear down the building then replace it with similar attractions. Building goes expansion of Soarin and not a brand new Figment attraction makes the most sense (assuming the building is being razed.)

Second thought. I don't think adding additional capacity to Soarin will produce that many (any?) new guest trips. FP+ may do a good job spreading the crowds throughout the day.

I highly doubt any of that is true. For one, there's nothing left in the Wonder of Life building to re-open.

Second, that would be a MAJOR expenditure to tear down the imagination building a make a new one, I just don't see that happening unless they had to go for some incredible ride system (doubt it)

The rumor is Body Wars was gutted for parts years before the rest of the attractions were removed. I don't see Disney temporarily putting a ride in the building.

I haven't read anything which suggests Disney is even considering bringing back the Honey I Shrunk the Audience movie.

 

[JetsetJAK]

I'd hate to lose the Imagination building (not a fan of the current version of the ride, though), but I think I'd deal with it if it meant I'd have the opportunity to ride "Body Wars" again!!!

That being said, I highly doubt that this is true. As others have said, I've read that there isn't anything left in Wonders of Life to re-open (not sure about "Cranium Command", but I've heard that supposedly "Body Wars" was gutted for replacement parts to use over in "Star Tours").

Speaking of Wonders of Life.....several months ago wasn't it reported that there was a construction permit filed for work on that pavilion? Did anything ever happen with that? (I've been away from the boards for a few months so I apologize in advance if I missed that particular discussion).

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

The Wonders of Life Pavilion is not gutted and is currently maintained for special events, etc. My family and I had the opportunity to go in there for an hour or so last summer to test out a pilot photopass app for your ipad (presumably part of the whole nextgen thing). We were pulled aside at spaceship earth when we entered the park and asked a few questions and then asked us if we'd like to participate in a survey for photopass. We were give a time to meet in front of WoL and were escorted inside up to the old sponsor lounge. We walked past the making of me, Cranium Command, etc. I can't vouch if they were in working order, but the restrooms worked, the A/C was on and there were staff inside cleaning and tending to the various planters inside the pavilion.

I actually think adding more Soarin' rides would be fabulous. That thing always has a minimum 35 minute wait even on the least crowded of days.

 

[ChrisFL]

The Wonders of Life Pavilion is not gutted and is currently maintained for special events, etc.

It is gutted as far as attractions are concerned. It's now just used as convention space or for special events.

Body Wars and Cranium Command are gone and aren't re-opening.

 

[disney1990]

It is scheduled to be closed for only a year. I can't see them getting it torn down and rebuilt in that timeframe.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

No.

x2

 

[doconeill]

It is scheduled to be closed for only a year. I can't see them getting it torn down and rebuilt in that timeframe.

It's possible to do. Depends what they are building.

I'm not holding my breath though. The original Journey Into Imagination was recreated for a video presentation at D23, Dreamfinder made an appearance for Tony Baxter's Legends presentation, and Tony asked when he's returning...

 

[BDL]

After watching the youtube video of the original Journey Into Imagination, shown at D23, in the Disboards daily updates, I'm hoping that they are taking the time and effort to put it back.

 

[mantysk8coach]

I literally got chills when I saw the video of the recreated original imagination ride. Could it be!?!?! Going back to the original ride, updated with today's technology would be amazing. Open up the upstairs imageworks again, and I will be there on opening day!!!

Can't wait to see what comes of this!

 

[pigletto]

I literally got chills when I saw the video of the recreated original imagination ride. Could it be!?!?! Going back to the original ride, updated with today's technology would be amazing. Open up the upstairs imageworks again, and I will be there on opening day!!!

Can't wait to see what comes of this!

Yep!! Chills here too!!
It has always been a wish in the back of my mind but now it seems it could be coming back in some way. I just can't wait to see what's coming!!