Rainbow Tunnel - Epcot

[lily2521]

Is that still at Epcot?

I have a picture of my family and I standing in that tunnel in about 1987 or so. Is it still there? This is my first time back to Epcot since then, I'd love to see that tunnel - it's one of the few things I remember from that trip!

 

[ModernArtist]

Sorry. Long gone.

 

[Kingdom Key]

Sadly, the upper level of ImageWorks isn't open to the public anymore, and hasn't been for quite some time. Now, there are YouTube videos of people sneaking up there to see what's left. The tunnel is still there, but it isn't turned on or anything. I certainly wouldn't suggest going up there and risk getting thrown out, but it was kind of interesting to see on YouTube.

 

[lily2521]

Sorry. Long gone.

As I typed this post and typed 1.9.8.7. I realized how long ago it was, and thinking there's no way that thing is still there!

 

[ModernArtist]

The whole upstairs Imagination Pavillion is closed. It's such a shame. The Figment ride is horribly changed as well.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sadly, the upper level of ImageWorks isn't open to the public anymore, and hasn't been for quite some time. Now, there are YouTube videos of people sneaking up there to see what's left. The tunnel is still there, but it isn't turned on or anything. I certainly wouldn't suggest going up there and risk getting thrown out, but it was kind of interesting to see on YouTube.

I remember its existence, but nothing about to. Wonder why they shut it all down.

 

[ghtx]

I went on the Undiscovered Future World tour many years ago, I think it was in 2005. We went into the closed part of ImageWorks and saw the rainbow tunnel. It brought back great memories from my childhood!

I am not sure if they still have this tour and if they still visit ImageWorks.

 

[Kingdom Key]

I remember its existence, but nothing about to. Wonder why they shut it all down.

Well, in 1999 they opened the "What If" Labs on the first floor of the pavilion. Apparently, when they changed the ride they made it shorter and used some of the former ride space for this new iteration of ImageWorks. But as for why - I've read declining attendance to the upstairs areas, lack of handicap access when the elevator malfunctioned, and insurance costs. I think that's just all guessing though because I've never heard an official reason.

 

[JimmyV]

 

[Sandy Fisher]

It's one of those things I don't understand, even after all these years. We loved Figment and Dreamfinder and Image Works. What they did to the Figment Ride -- Journey into Imagination -- was a true shame. It was family friendly, the activities upstairs were also family friendly. It was an all around success. I have videos I bought from people who advertised them on line (some on Ebay) of the original ride, etc. Good Times!!

 

[JimmyV]

It's one of those things I don't understand, even after all these years. We loved Figment and Dreamfinder and Image Works. What they did to the Figment Ride -- Journey into Imagination -- was a true shame. It was family friendly, the activities upstairs were also family friendly. It was an all around success. I have videos I bought from people who advertised them on line (some on Ebay) of the original ride, etc. Good Times!!

I know that I am in the minority, but I actually have no issue whatsoever with the change to the ride. But the elimination of Imageworks really bothers me. Indeed, Imageworks was essentially the selling point of Epcot when it opened. There were entire ad campaigns about stuff like the rainbow tunnel. "Your color will follow you wherever you go". What is an Imagination Pavilion without the ability to do some hands on exploring? As for the original ride, it was a bit of an acid trip. I think the Eric Idle version at least is a bit more linear in its storytelling.

 

[lily2521]

So what they call ImageWorks now, is different from the one that used to be?

 

[Kingdom Key]

So what they call ImageWorks now, is different from the one that used to be?

It's mostly just ImageWorks in name now.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/imageworks/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ImageWorks:_The_What-If_Labs

​

ImageWorks – The "What If" Labs (1999-present)
This Imageworks incarnation is located on the first floor of the pavilion, outside of the ride exit. The area is directly adjacent to the pavilion's gift shop. It was known as the Kodak "What If?" Labs from 1999-2010 while Kodak was a sponsor for the exhibit. The Kodak name has since been dropped.

• Stepping Tones - much like the original, though now featuring picture panels making sounds

• Figment's Melody Maker - Added in the 2002 refurbishment, guests can cause Figment to play an instrument to the tune of One Little Spark, changing pitch by what height Figment is at on the screen

• Create A Figment - Also added in 2002, there are small touchscreens where guests can make their own Figment and email it to a friend or family member

 

[larryz]

Wonder why they shut it all down.

Lost the $pon$or.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lost the $pon$or.

Figures.