The world can always use a little bit more imagination! In 1955, Disneyland was founded on the imagination that lived in the world and the possibilities that could happen when we believe in our dreams. When EPCOT Center opened to the public in 1982, they opened the Imagination! pavilion alongside it, which explored the exact ideas that the Magic Kingdom was built on. In 1983, a sweet little dragon named Figment moved in and has captured fan’s hearts ever since! In this article, we’ll explore the history of Figment the dragon and his home in Future World!
Journey into Imagination (1983 – 1998)
When many fans think of Figment, they think of this original attraction! Fans were introduced to the Dreamfinder and his lovable companion Figment, who he created with his imagination. In this. attraction, we see Dreamfinder teaching Figment all the ways he can use his imagination. This incarnation of Figment was voiced by Billy Barty and is very sweet and childlike. This is frequently regarded as a fan favorite form of Figment as he brings guests along for the ride into Imagination. Journey into Imagination is the second longest-running version of the attraction at 15 years.
Journey Into YOUR Imagination (1999-2001)
Journey Into YOUR Imagination is the shortest run of any version of the attraction by far. While the original attraction focused on the journey between Figment and Dreamfinder, this version was hosted entirely by Dr. Nigel Channing, bringing guests inside the Imagination Institute. In this version of the attraction, Figment was far less present and only made small cameos. Though Figment played a much smaller role, he was as playful as ever and was voiced by Corey Burton. Burton has done a number of remarkable voices for Disney, some of which you can see in our video from D23 Expo at the anniversary Disney Character Voices. Many fans were upset when this update to the attraction came to Future World, as there was no representation of the royal purple dragon. This brings us to the current version of the attraction.
Journey into Imagination with Figment (2002-Present)
This is the longest-running incarnation of the attraction, now having run almost 18 years. Figment has made a delightful return to the Imagination Institute, in a much bigger role than he held previously. In this attraction, Figment is the sidekick to Dr. Nigel Channing instead of Dreamfinder and is much more mischievous. In this version, Figment is the one bringing imagination to guests and the world, instead of Figment learning about the magic of the world. Figment finds his voice in Dave Goelz, who many Disney fans may know as Gonzo the Great, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, or Waldorf from the Muppets.
Personally, Figment is one of my favorite Disney characters! The sweetness and positivity is something I love and his message is something that guests bring home an inspiration. It is no secret that EPCOT is one of my favorite Disney parks of all time and Figment plays a huge part in that. I’ve written at length on how important the message of EPCOT is to guests and Figment plays into the dreams and hopes that families visiting Walt Disney World can take to heart.
No matter which version of Figment you love the most, this lovable fellow has become the heart of EPCOT since the beginning! Personally, I hope to someday see Figment reunited with Dreamfinder so we can all see them take over the world with imagination!
Until then, we hope you have enjoyed taking a stroll down memory lane with us as we looked at the history of Figment the dragon! Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook to let us know your favorite memories of Figment!
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