Imagine the Past (or the Future?)

WDWNT Author on April 23, 2009

While browsing the new-and-improved official Walt Disney World website, I stumbled over something interesting on an attraction information page. The page displaying information about the “Imageworks – The KODAK What If Labs”  at Epcot seems to have a few errors (or are they):

ImageWorks – The Kodak “What If” Labs features a vast array of hands-on, sensory-themed activities and exhibits where you can exercise your imagination and explore your creative side in exciting exhibits that include:

Dreamfinder’s School of Drama – Become the star of your very own film using greenscreen technology
Stepping Tones – Create your own music by stepping on electronic picture panels
Figment’s Coloring Book – Using electric paintbrush guns, add a little color to Figment and Dreamfinder
Electric Philharmonic – Conduct an orchestra through the use of electronic sensors
Rainbow Corridor – Stroll through an illuminated tunnel where colored lights follow you
Vibrating Mirrors – Watch as your reflection changes right before your eyes
Kaleidoscopes – Spin eye-popping colors in intricate designs via large-size kaleidoscopes
Voice-Activated Lumia – Speak out and behold a bevy of shimmering light effects
Bubble Projectors – Blow virtual bubbles on a circular screen and create colorful colors
Figment’s Melody Maker – Help Figment play an instrument to the tune of “One Little Spark”

The exhibits marked in bold lettering all closed as part of the original Imageworks in October 1998 for the refurbishment that brought together the new/current Imageworks, Journey Into Your Imagination (still makes me cringe), and renamed the pavilion “Imagination!”. Why would a website just updated in 2009 feature information this dated? Why are the old exhibits mixed together with the current ones on this list (Mind you, Stepping Tones has existed both upstairs and downstairs)? It’s no secret that Walt Disney Imagineering is working on an update to this troubled Future World pavilion, as a matter of fact, most of the company has already been made aware that the entire “Imagination!” pavilion is going to be handed over to Imagineering before next summer. So what’s going on? Is this just a mistake, or is this a hint of things to come? We’ll just have to wait and see. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more on this story as it develops.

Time To Turn Back Tiki-Time???

WDWNT Author on July 15, 2008

After months of hearing rumors that the Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management will be closing sometime in the near future to make way for a Stitch-involved makeover, a new wild rumor has hit the streets of the Magic Kingdom and has cast members in De-Nile (Attempt at a Jungle Cruise joke). Strong rumors now indicate that the original budget for the postponed major Jungle Cruise attraction refurbishment maybe heading across the way to fund the restoration of the talking audio-animatronics bird show to its original splendor. In short, the original Tropical Serenade show may return to the Magic Kingdom as part of a huge marketing campaign for the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort in 2011.

The planned campaign is going to promote the idea of guests experiencing renewed classic attractions and entertainment inspired by the resort’s past. Among the planned updates for the celebration are updates to Space Mountain, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, The Hall of Presidents, and the Enchanted Tiki Room at the Magic Kingdom; Journey Into Imagination and Illuminations at Epcot; and The Great Movie Ride and Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Also rumored at this time are a new firework show and updated Spectromagic parade at the Magic Kingdom.

While most of these changes are likely to not take place (as is the nature with rumors), a few of them will make the line-up in time for October 1, 2011. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more info on these rumored changes becomes available.

Imagination Unclear

WDWNT Author on April 4, 2008

Another permit has been filed to perform construction on the Imagination pavilion at Epcot, however, it is unclear as to what area it is for. The permit states that work will be done to “build new partition walls and install metal doors” somewhere in the area, most likely either for the new character meet and greet area to replace Figment’s Place or to update the old Imageworks that lay dormant in the upstairs of the current attraction. To see the permit that was filed, go HERE. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on this as it becomes available.

Thanks to Adam Roth of WDWCelebrations for the update!!!

Catching Up With the World

WDWNT Author on March 27, 2008

As we catch up on the last two days, here is some Walt Disney World news that has come out since our site difficulties:

-As reported on our forums, the Figment’s Place meet and greet and the Figment walk around character have been retired at Epcot. Expect Dreamfinder and his “little” purple dragon to return to the park sometime in the next few months, probably late 2008/early 2009.

-The “Partners” statue depicting Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse at the Magic Kingdom has been repainted with a new look. Some of the Mickey (his face, pants, and shoes) has been repainted gold. The new look is very nice and we hope to have a picture of it up soon.

25 Years of Purple Dragons and Bearded Men in Top Hats

WDWNT Author on March 5, 2008

In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Figment, Dreamfinder, and the beloved Journey Into Imagination attraction, we here at WDW News Today will be celebrating with some very special commemorative events. You probably noticed our bright orange and purple colors we have adopted for this festive occasion (inspired by a certain dragon), but we will also have a bunch of special content prepared for this week’s edition of the WDW News Today podcast, episode 33. So stay tuned for special Imagination themed content over the next two weeks here on the WDW News Today website and podcast!!!

Imagination Clarification

WDWNT Author on January 30, 2008

According to some of our sources here at WDW News Today, the permit filed for “Imagination Demolition” is only part of the routine refurbishment now going on inside Epcot’s Imagination pavilion. However, we are still hearing that some of the folks from Walt Disney Imagineering are using this opportunity to survey and plan future attraction development inside the building. While a new attraction may or may not be on the near horizon, there will certainly be something new to see in the Imagination pavilion within the next 3-4 years. Stay tuned to WDW News Today and the WDW News Today podcast this week as more information becomes available.