If you thought the massive slate of Walt Disney World announcements at this year’s D23 Expo was over, think again. Just when fans thought the “Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase” had reached its grand finale, Walt Disney Imagineering delivered the ultimate “one more thing” moment. In a reveal that instantly sent shockwaves of pure nostalgia across the internet, Disney officially announced that a complete reimagining of Journey into Imagination with Figment is in the works for EPCOT.
And the absolute best part? The Dreamfinder is finally coming home.
After more than two decades of fan petitions, nostalgic merchandise lines, and endless rumors, the beloved bearded creator is officially returning to the Imagination pavilion. Here is everything we know about this historic announcement, what it means for the future of EPCOT, and why the fanbase is so incredibly excited.
The Ultimate D23 Surprise Reveal
As the massive presentation in Anaheim was seemingly wrapping up, there was one final surprise out of the Horizons showcase. It was the only thing host Neil Patrick Harris had asked for, besides unlimited churros during the event.
During the closing moments of the Disney Experiences showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum took the stage to drop the bombshell.
“We are taking a new journey into imagination at EPCOT with Dreamfinder and Figment!” Mazloum told the cheering crowd. “I’m so happy to share this news tonight. We know how important this is to you. We’ve heard you, and this is one more way we’re putting you in the center of everything we do.”
Why the Return of Dreamfinder is a Massive Deal
For newer visitors to Walt Disney World, the immense hype surrounding a man in a blue suit and top hat might seem a little confusing. However, to understand the significance of this D23 bombshell, we have to look back at the golden age of EPCOT Center.
When the original Journey into Imagination dark ride opened in 1983, it was hosted by two entirely original characters:
- Figment: A lovable, royal purple dragon with two tiny wings, big yellow eyes, and the horns of a steer.
- The Dreamfinder: A whimsical creator and dream-chaser who helped introduce the world to Figment.
The duo became the unofficial mascots of EPCOT. Tragically, a highly controversial refurbishment completely removed both characters from the ride when Journey into Your Imagination opened in 1999. Following intense guest backlash, Disney quickly retooled the attraction in 2002 to bring Figment back in the current iteration, Journey into Imagination with Figment. However, the Dreamfinder was completely left behind. For decades, fans have begged for his return, making this announcement a historic victory for the Disney Parks fandom.
Unless you’ve been living under a geodesic sphere, you’ve probably seen Figment out and about recently. He has been doing meet-and-greets inside the Imagination! pavilion and adorning copious amounts of EPCOT festival merchandise. Figment has served as the focal point for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts since its inaugural season in 2017, and its massive resurgence kicked into high gear with a viral novelty popcorn bucket in 2022. Now, that lovable purple dragon will finally be reunited with his original companion.
What Will the Ride Look Like? (We Don’t Know Yet!)
While the announcement of the reunion is incredibly exciting, Disney is keeping their creative cards close to their chest.
The most important point about this reimagining is that we do not yet know what will actually be included in the new attraction. Disney has stated that there is more to come regarding Dreamfinder and Figment’s journey back to EPCOT. Still, they have not released any information on the ride’s new storyline, technological upgrades, show scenes, or track layout.
What we do know is that Figment will definitely be sticking around, and he will finally be reunited with the iconic character who first introduced him back in 1983. Until Walt Disney Imagineering reveals further concept art, the actual contents of the ride remain a complete, tightly guarded mystery.
No Official Timeline for Construction
With an announcement of this magnitude, the immediate question on every fan’s mind is naturally about the opening date.
However, there is currently no official start date for the closure of the current ride, and absolutely no end date or opening timeframe for the reimagined attraction. This project is still in its earliest announcement phases. Walt Disney Imagineering is deliberately taking its time to ensure this legacy project is handled with the utmost care and respect.
While fans will need to pack a little patience, this lack of an immediate timeline means you still have plenty of opportunities to ride the current version of Journey into Imagination with Figment before the construction walls inevitably go up.
A Beautiful Tomorrow for EPCOT
Even without specific ride details or an opening date, this news is monumental. EPCOT has undergone a massive, multi-year transformation over the last decade. Now, by officially promising to revitalize the Imagination pavilion and bring back the Dreamfinder, Disney has proven they are listening closely to the heart of their fanbase.
The spark of inspiration is alive and well at Walt Disney World. Are you excited to see Dreamfinder and Figment reunited at last? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
