Journey into Imagination - Martins Complete Ultimate Tribute

[@Palidor19]

For many of us: you think that you’re suffering from nostalgia and questioning if the old original rides were as good as you remember, then you watch these videos and realize, they’re even better than most of what Epcot is today

[@SamuelVOWilliams]

Facts!

[@jaxie9385]

As an emotionally abused kid, seeing this ride as a child made me realize I wasn't such a weirdo after all and that others used their imaginations and enjoyed creating art too. That it was OK. Very sad they removed it and changed it. Seeing this again reminded me how happy it made me in that moment, thanks for sharing.

[@kathychappina1061]

Former WDW CM, entertainment from 1970's..Thank you for the video, I cried. Last month we bought a 2008 Hummer 2..my dream vehicle, her name if Figment and I hope she can help me find my dreams. Wish original pavilion and ride was back😪

[@neilengel3715]

I was one of the first cast members at this attraction. I was trained on Image Works and Magic Eye Theater. I LOVED showing Magic Journeys. There was nothing like it at the time and the guests would reach out for the flying props. I've since been a California based Imagineer and one of my jobs was to work with the concept man and do the fabrication drawings for the second version of Image Works which you covered very well. Thanks for this awesome archive!

[@FantogemeStudios]

Of the many Disney attractions lost to time, nothing hurts more than what happened to Journey into Imagination. I really do hope they revisit it at some point and do the ride justice that it deserves.

[@Palidor19]

Lets hope that they recreate all of the old attractions with VR. JiI, HORIZONS, world of motion, etc

[@disneyboy3030]

@@Palidor19 I actually found a video that will interest you. I also have some interesting ideas. One that pays tribute to the entire history of the attraction and everything else.

[@kyroravestar262]

wanna become a spnsor to Imagination pavillion???! Figment would be SO THRILLED!

[@thetalungbarrow325]

I hope so as well.... if The Doctor can look like 10 again? Epcot should certainly bring DreamFinder ( or his kid) back.

[@danielandlucycartoonsmadne5885]

Yeah Eric Idle looked very bored in the current version

[@aaronbritt2025]

In 1986, I was 13. My family went to Disney World and Epcot. The Imaginarium was my favorite attraction and Figment my favorite character. The only souvenir I bought on the entire trip was a Figment figurine. I was extremely disappointed when I returned as an adult in the 2000's and it was closed for remodeling. I was so looking forward to showing my younger brother and sister, who are 13 and 16 years younger than I am.

[@Maxbuffmelvin]

Thank you Martin. This version of JII is my favorite EPCOT/Epcot attraction of all time. Its time to retire Dr. Nigel Channing and bring back Dreamfinder.

[@elizabethramirezthezenshii9691]

No he should stay. Just bring back Dream finder

[@HunterTheHero]

If Disney brings the original ride back with more updated technology, our sparks would be reignited.

[@sherrystrawn7628]

The OG version of this ride is soo much a part of my childhood. It was my baby brother's favorite ride from the age of two. I just remember how his eyes used to light up when we would ride it together. He's turning 40 in a few days.. but there is still a little childlike wonder behind those eyes. 🧡💛💜

[@tmm226]

Martin, I hope you realize how important your work is with these video's, they are tremendous in value to record Disney Theme Park Attraction History.

[@fattestedtravel]

Just heard Tom at @WDWNT mention this so came to check it out. Thanks!

[@Care2004Bear]

The white paper cut outs with the rainbow effect was always my favorite part

[@DreamDancer82]

R.I.P. Chuck McCann, voice of The Dreamfinder. Geez, I miss the early version of the ride so much. Thanks for uploading this.

[@FranciscoAldahondoLNS]

Im a Fan of Figment and Dreamfinder and I miss the ride too

[@cecfigment]

DreamDancer82 Wait he died, How?

[@jaydenchrist6152]

Now Figment sounds like Gonzo

[@whitewolf1310]

@@jaydenchrist6152 That's because he IS Gonzo

[@jaydenchrist6152]

@@whitewolf1310 wait same voice actor

[@catladycc]

This video makes me appreciate Journey Into Imagination even more. All the teamwork, time and creativity to put this pavilion together is pure genius. The president of Six Flags is bringing back some retro rides at Six Flags over Texas. Maybe Disney will bring back this masterpiece. Life is a Dream.

[@changkwangoh]

My goodness I miss the original ride so much.....thanks for all of your hard work and dedication

[@tmm226]

OMG - I just noticed, he has Magic Journey's included!!!! AND makin Memories!!!

[@five-toedslothbear4051]

Very touching to see this again… I still have my plush Figment that I got there in something like 1985.

[@golbex]

The original was the best version of the Imagination ride. I'm so glad I got to ride it as a child... wonderful memories... And I can "virtually" ride again and again, thanks to the incredible Martin. You rock, Martin! : )

[@AroundIndiana]

The current version is so much better than the original... ... said no one ever

[@addie9454]

I think that the first version is the best the second is the rocket rods of epcot and the third version is pretty good

[@ekpgaming7600]

The first is an experience in storytelling. The second one met the same demise as superstar limo. The third one is basically monsters inc overlay of superstar limo. In other words meh.

[@disneyboy3030]

@@ekpgaming7600 well they did try. After all it seems the friends of figment were okay that he's back.

[@danielandlucycartoonsmadne5885]

The third one is not bad. The second was boring but the original is the best

[@annieskywalker9290]

@@disneyboy3030 I hope Disney allows Tony Baxter to rework the current imagination ride now that he wants to leave of retirement

[@clarktooncrossing3975]

Hey Martin, a funny thing happened to me while I was exiting the ImageWorks three days ago. While I was checking out of the gift shop, the woman behind the counter noticed I was a huge Figment fan and pulled up this exact video on her phone. I was surprised to find out that she watched Martin's Videos, when she told me she was one of MANY Cast Members to watch these videos.

[@marni1971]

CK-was-HERE oh wow! That makes me very happy! Thank you - Martin

[@karenspivey9420]

Outsstanding film! I loved this attraction (the original version)

[@FlightyAphrod1te]

As heartbroken as this makes me feel, thank you SO MUCH for doing this.

[@phobos2k2]

This ride used to be so good. I remember it as a child.

[@ThatFandubGirl]

Aww man I wish I was an 80s kid, I would have loved to experience this attraction. It is so sad what it has become and I just hope someday they can bring it back to its former glory. Getting to see all of this is so impressive for what it was during its time. I agree I think it was very ahead of its time

[@paulm.newitt3246]

The Dreamport was designed and modeled by my friend, Imagineer Tom Scherman, who was also a 20K Leagues expert and worked on the Paris Nautilus walkthrough. You can see the Capt. Nemo look in the Dreamport, it's rivets and round signs match the dials on the Nautilus bridge. In 1993 I interviewed Tony Baxter at Disneyland about Discovery Bay, for a magazine article, and still am quite the supporter of DB. Many elements of DB went into Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris.

[@Magic3Star]

LUCKY!!! XD

[@ekpgaming7600]

Paul M. Newitt wow Tom Scherman did a good job at creating the dreamport. Imagination goes a long way.

[@scottmoore1614]

I remember the 3D movie! So trippy. To this day, the best 3D I’ve ever seen. Never thought I’d see it again.

[@maryglenncrutchley8425]

They need to bring back the original version of this venue. It was the best. What is there now is AWFUL! We don't even go there anymore. So sad because it was one of our favorites back then. :(

[@pault5557]

THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL MEMORY!❤️

[@stephburdick]

This video was a dip in a huge bathtub of nostalgia for me! I miss this ride so much! I last went on the original ride back in early 1996. I loved reliving the ride in all its glory. The ImageWorks clips were one of my favorite parts of this video. It was so neat to hear the Electronic Philharmonic and Stepping Tones for the first time in 27 years. Most of all, I loved Figment’s obscure dialogue as he worked on his coloring book. If it isn’t obvious by now, this video is fantastic. Thank you!

[@mattperiolat]

Thanks for the video! Wonderful to see Imagination as I remember it with the ImageWorks and the classic ride. Magic Journeys freaked me out as a kid. Looking back at it now, I’m now convinced the drugs were very good at WED during the development of this show. Can’t wait for Part 2 and the arrival of Poptimus Prime as Captain EO.

[@bison-yetistudio2296]

I remember visiting Epcot accidentally going up to the old exit and seeing the remains of the image works rainbow tunnel before it got sealed off, quite sad to know now all that hard work made by Tony Baxter and his team is pretty much gone. It was a shame I never got the chance to ride it since I wasn’t even born, but now after doing so much reasearch and watching this video using it as inspiration for my comic fan-dub of Jim Zub’s Figment, I have come to appreciate the true Journey Into imagination even more, and It’s all thanks to people like you and so many others who keep the spirit of Dreamfinder and Figment alive.

[@oltlghfan2008]

Wow!! Great video. I am so glad I was able to ride the original ride in the 80s. That was one of my favorite rides at Epcot. It's ashame what Disney did to it. I hope they can bring back the original ride one day.

[@jheiden2]

No you don't. It was a great attraction. But by this point in time, you would be disappointed. What you really want is an updated version of the original. I've thought about this for a while, and I am truly convinced bringing the original would disappoint so many. Better animatronics alone would be a big step forward. Basically, keep the basic story, upgrade the tech, push a little further. What a shame Billy Barty is no longer with us.

[@SpazticColin]

Great trip back in time. Back when it was EPCOT Center and not what it has become, EpNOT. Sad to think of how magical it was when it opened, and how different it is now.

[@ItsColorfulMarty]

I was born in the year 2001, so my experience with Figment has always been... not very enjoyable. I've always wondered how the ride is still at Epcot in operation and why people liked the old version so much. Now I understand. THIS used to be a wonderful ride. Even the music was better. I hope Disney will restore Figment to the original version one day. Thank you so much for making this.

[@MrEightThreeOne]

While I'm a bit older than you (born in '95), I was way too young to remember when the original ride closed, and I completely 100% am in agreement with you -- the current version of the Imagination pavilion is absolutely pitiful compared to this. I really want to know what in the world happened in the board room for anyone to think that gutting this ride was a good idea. I'm very sad I'll never be able to fully experience this ride but I'm very grateful videos like this exist.

[@cmaden78]

This brings back so much. I was born in 78. My parents had been going to wdw since before me and i probably rode this the first year. I remember ❤ing figment( i had an original plush i still have a minifig in rubber) but upstairs was a lil kids dream❤

[@robertj668]

To a Disney Ultimate Tribute Legend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

[@runswithbeer]

I had forgotten about Magic Journeys but now I remember us trying to pluck the dandelion seeds out of the air and the MAGIC JOURNEYS circling above our heads. This is awesome!!!

[@ddespair]

OMG I specifically remember reaching for that ring in the merry-go-round scene!

[@gojifilms2867]

53:20 I love that little clip they did for the Magic Palette with the Figment puppet

[@eviltom17]

Watching this makes me wish that the original ride and imageworks was still with us today. :( I really hope during Epcot's renovation and upgrades they started working on, they consider re-doing the ride and bringing back dreamfinder into the mix. I'm still surprised nothing was announced at the last D23 expo for this ride along with all of the other plans they had announced for Epcot.

[@austinwainscott5990]

eviltom17 I’ve got a good feeling about this year.

[@andrewcalcagno8272]

5 years later, and it still hasn't happened 😔

[@anounceofgold]

Thank yo so much this is amazing!! I can believe the quality of the ride footage, brings back all the feels!!

[@ctschofield1]

This was absolutely fantastic! Thank you for documenting so thoroughly and comprehensively. We’ll done 🤩

[@mountaintopadventures]

This is great!

[@paulm.newitt3246]

It's the classic EPCOT attractions like this one and HORIZONS that provided the guest the joy of their own sense of self discovery, awe and wonder!! A sad loss compared to today, where people don't have to "think up new ideas", for how the media and internet has run over independant critical thinking and imagination (thanks to Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, etc...). I'm just SO GLAD that I got to see them in their glory in 1990. Thank you for this incredible video documentary!! The glory days of how WED Imagineering would create all new, "World's Fair Class" attractions from scratch!!!!

[@tmm226]

Paul M. Newitt * Well said, I could not agree with your statement more. EPCOT has lost it's original magic due to the times we are now in, EPCOT was pure wonderment, today's audience cannot handle the thought process put into EPCOT for enjoyment. Thank Goodness for Martin's video's!!

[@robertle3038]

The old ride seems like a model of brain, alchemy, and metaphysics. Too deep for the public, keep us dumb.

[@justimagine2403]

Delicious music in this! Alternate versions - awesome! It makes me dream of my age of affluence, the 80's!

[@danielandlucycartoonsmadne5885]

Ahhhh the old days when the Pavilion actually had imagination and creativity! I need the Dreamfinder and old Figment back!

[@araanimations]

Thanks you so much for giving again that spark of imagination to us…

[@ajs41]

The first thing that happened on the ride was that you were surrounded by an amazingly nice fragrance which was some type of rose or strawberry perfume. It was very strong and lasted for the first few minutes of the ride.

[@stephburdick]

I think that fragrance may have come out of the fog bank. Commercial fog machines can produce flower or strawberry scented fog.

[@alexa.910]

Thank you for making these videos, no other channel on KZbin goes into this much detail and takes the time to go into these attractions like you do. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this!

[@redfive1300]

I have to like this video, by the state of Florida. This video goes WAY beyond the Imagination! Keep it up, Martin!

[@JacobNovember]

Before the dark times, before the imagination institute...

[@kellyweingart3692]

lol

[@kellyweingart3692]

“Can THEY imagine too?”

[@michaelimmaculate7433]

Right?! 🤣😂

[@jaydenchrist6152]

@@kellyweingart3692 no figment they can not

[@jgkidd82]

And people wonder why late 1980s EPCOT is my favorite EPCOT.

[@angelvelez5340]

20:10 and 7:00 I love this version of one little spark I look it for it everywhere in KZbin

[@clarktooncrossing3975]

YES! My all time favorite EPCOT ride! W00! It's really amazing how many details you were able to put into this video. So far, in my opinion, it's better than the original. Which is saying a lot since it was your original documentation of the ride that introduced me to the original ride in the first place.

[@FranciscoAldahondoLNS]

This is my favorite ride to I just wish the original version came back.

[@warriorseamonkey1693]

I use figments line “cmon everybody lets goooo” in day to day life

[@markgeiger6421]

Thank you so much for posting this. I concur with so many of the comments expressing gratitude. My kids' mom passed away in 94 and I thought a trip to WDW from our home in Cali would help them and I was right. Figment was my favorite character on that trip and for some reason he is absent from Disneyland. We go to DL all the time and have been pass holders for a long time and a couple of my kids have kids of their own but we never got back to Florida. That's going to change next year. Thanks again for your hard work.

[@ekpgaming7600]

Thanks Martin. Speaking from everyone in your comments section. Honestly I learn so much new things from videos like these.

[@robotwolf]

On the carousel, you could tell which of the five sets you had by looking at a piston on the Dreamfinder's flying machine on the lower right. It had vertical black stripes indicating the number.

[@tmm226]

Most don't realize, the Makin Memories pre-show was created using several Kodak slide projectors that were in sync to create a moving picture, the images are slides Not video.

[@akcalo]

So glad I got to see this awesome attraction while still in its glory! See all the detail and planning of the ride makes me appreciate it more Thanks for sharing this!

[@cecfigment]

Thank you so much for uploading this pal, it’s incredible!

[@kingofrapture]

I SAW THE NOTIFICATION ON MY PHONE AND I RUSHED ONTO HERE OMG YESSSS!! MY FAVORITE PAVILION RIGHT HERE NEXT TO HORIZONS!! THANK YOU SO MUCH MARTIN, I'VE BEEN EAGERLY AWAITING THIS!! *FANGIRL SCREAM*

[@redfive1300]

Same here!

[@kingofrapture]

Gabriel Lezama, I got to go on the original incarnation of Journey Into Imagination back in the spring of 1998, and boy the fondest memory I have of EPCOT was this pavilion right here. I loved Dreamfinder and Figment, loved the theme and style of the ride, the music, the sets, EVERYTHING. I remember imageworks as well, I had a ton of fun up there. If there's one thing Disney should bring back, it's THIS version of the ride, bring Dreamfinder back and Figment as we knew him back then, not as he is now. At least in SOME capacity.

[@redfive1300]

Fingers crossed that they would Dreamfinder and Figment would return and WDI could make an enhanced version of the original attraction.

[@kingofrapture]

That's what I would love to see! Fingers crossed!

[@dreamshippilot1932]

Alfie Uke Burger Jones me too

[@reefball1]

Thank you Martin! I so miss this ride.

[@hewlard]

Martins, you do amazing work. Thanks for bringing history to my childhood favorites. I love all of your videos.

[@MatheusMaracana1950]

Great as Always! You shoud do a tribute to America Sings too!!

[@lovemeg5186]

The clouds that showed emotions scared me for life.

[@danopticon]

Man, this takes me back! I loved this ride… and seeing it again, it’s clear how much love was put into it!! Anyone can build an f-ing roller-coaster… but Disney at their best could wow you with spectacles previously unimagined, presented coherently and engagingly! It’s a shame they’ve gotten so cheap and lazy… this ride was wonderful just as it was!! Too bad they couldn’t leave it alone to become a staple like “It’s a Small World” or something.

[@tgustafson85]

Take a look at Figment's zipper pull when he's lifting the dumbbell. It's the EPCOT Center logo!

[@noahcardenas2164]

oh how i wish i could have experienced this epcot..

[@Palidor19]

If they decide to invest and design in VR technology, its totally possible

[@asd_with_the_mouse1623]

The rainbow corridor is my earliest memory of Disney

[@turklelove77]

Same. One of my all time faves😢

[@djtechnoid]

Fantastic addition to the series! Magic Journeys still creeps me out a little, haha! I loved the unreleased preview video.. Thanks for it all!

[@disneyboy3030]

Speaking of which how did you get it and can you show the rest of it I don't think the one you showed us is or was the full thing please let me know now understand that now OK good.

[@GinoACosta]

If Disney wants to make a tone of money without spending anything, simply bring back this version of the ride, outdated effects and all. Much better than anything happening right now!

[@jheiden2]

That would cost a lot. Remember, much of the infrastructure is gone, and many elements no longer exist. And the ones that do were not really maintained.

[@GinoACosta]

I agree about the high cost of bringing back that ride however nothing else that came later comes even close no matter how outdated it is And I could Request read Sign At Using Auto technology You make More rely Apple Far less Homes and modern Elements or they could make something In the spirit of that right and make it much better And make it much better but I think no matter what happens they really must bring back that Track that they tore out from the old ride or least make the ride as long with new track

[@GinoACosta]

It may be hard but doing anything like what they've been doing recently with that right or like with other rides is just gonna lead to more disappointment unless people willing to write ride sometimes you have to spend the money and if Disney is not want to spend or do what it takes to make a good ride then it's just gonna be the same old thing no matter what they do and yes they really need to bring back The dream find a counter

[@jaydenchrist6152]

@@GinoACosta the dreamfinder is a popular and great character he needs to make his grand return to Epcot

[@HalfHeartedJG]

Thank you, Martin. I’ve been watching your videos since I was in middle school and it is always top quality, incredible stuff.

[@armayafox1328]

I actually very much desire to invent time travel to go back in time, not to change the past, but to experience it and capture it in on video quality that wasn't possible at the time. The original Journey Into Imagination is most certainly on my to do list. I will also try to keep contact with the modern day internet and upload my footage to it. If I succeed, you will one day be able to relive this ride, as well as many other extinct rides, for the first time in HD. Or maybe even 4K.

[@sealy1]

It'll be a very long time, but if you're alive until then, I'd love to see it.

[@The321asdfff]

Awesome work Martin!! Keep'em coming. :)

[@tylerdinkydooamusementmadn6368]

I really want this one back if they change the pavilion again for the exciting transition of Epcot. It will bring back more magic than ever

[@jakew.5883]

i screamed when i saw this in my notifications! not joking

[@TonyOneto]

Well done! I love it!

[@lionelraoul]

Some rides never needed to change. World of Motion, Spaceship Earth and Journey just needed some TLC and minor updates. A real shame.

[@cmaden78]

So wow april 83 mustve been when i went cuz we always went in april bk then. This means alot. Thank u😊

[@MunchiezDrawings]

thank you so much for this!!! i've never seen this much imageworks footage & it's so special to me so i really thank you for this!!!

[@ThemePark_Nerdo]

I wish Disney could bring this version of JII back.

[@ItsAllBallBearings]

I remember going on vacation in high school with my best friend, and eating shrooms and hanging out with Figment and the jumping water fountains for hours on end...

[@xSunnyEclipse]

I've loved your videos for so long Martin, but this is seriously one of your best videos. Everything was put together so wonderfully, and I was SO excited to see this video finally posted!!

[@AlcyoneSong]

Disney needs to bring this back this would be great for people with sensory needs. There was a ton of sensory stimulation.

[@jakew.5883]

If Disney told me I could do what ever I wanted to the Imagination Pavilion during the Epcot Overhaul, this is what i'd do, I would just recreate the original pavilion (ride, image works, and magic eye theater/captain eo) the only thing I would change with image works is I would put the exhibits from 1983 in but i'd also put in the exhibits from the 1991-92 image works update. BTW: the ride audio would be the same as the original.

[@disneyboy3030]

Michel Isener was upset with the second version.

[@CastawayRJ]

@@disneyboy3030, you mean Michael Eisner?

[@jaydenchrist6152]

That could work also you can put image works upstairs agian :)

[@Mkidcraft]

I am trying to re-create this ride as a map in a Vr game that allows custom maps. This video has been very helpful in seeing exactly what is where and such. and the blueprints of the ride layout are great.

[@Mkidcraft]

Just wish I could find the videos in the science room, and the figment window.

[@mihoosawa7192]

Thank you soooo much for making this video. I've never been able to see such a detail of Journey into imagination. Do appreciate that all you hard work with love.

[@gel22]

Awesome job on this! Very well put together and lots to take in here with it all in order and all the captions and notes. Nostalgia overload 🥰

[@Bazil4444]

You're a legend Martin.

[@Retro_Husky]

I'm watching this and today is March 5th. So timely if you ask me.

[@daniellevine7315]

This ride was soooooooooo good!!!! I have no idea why Disney decided to change remove this attraction and make it an institute.

[@megelizabeth9492]

This ride was amazing. The Last couple show scenes don't quite live up to the other ones before that, but it's still one of highlights of WED.

[@jetraydude]

Oh my goodness, I just realized this. "A Work of Art", "A Mystery Story", and "A Brand New Show". The names of the sections are all in the song lyrics, and they're all in the same format. Duh.

[@legomaker9613]

Disney SHOULD bring back the Original Journey Into Imagination.

[@Palidor19]

What Disney (and Universal) needs to do is recruit top talent and recreation all retired rides in VR

[@dreamshippilot1932]

And now what I've been waiting for! :D Thanks Martin.

[@bluedragon9925]

Doing what they did to this attraction in 1999 was one of Disney's *biggest* mistakes...

[@jaggervalentino3473]

i know im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a trick to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid forgot my login password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@zacharycohen183]

@Jagger Valentino Instablaster :)

[@aaronwestendorp7352]

@@jaggervalentino3473 Have you tried turning it off then backk on?

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

All for $$$, Disney a much larger and more powerful company now despite selling its soul.

[@jetraydude]

I think Magic Journeys, as it is shown in this video, is the correct pitch. If you listen to the various area music pieces from the Journey into Imagination pavilion, you'll find the Magic Journeys melody in this same key, and there's also a studio version of the song, albeit much shorter, that is in this same key. The version we're all used to is probably too slow and is just due to old home movies being played too slowly or something. That being said, I'm not certified expert in any of this; I am simply reporting my findings to the community. :P

[@brendaadametz430]

SAVE FIGMENT PLEASE DON’T LET HIM GO

[@emilywoodrow1010]

thank you so much for this video i loved this ride when was a kid:)

[@princessmarlena1359]

Very nice video! Thanks! I myself never got to experience the original version of this amazing ride, sad to say (I grew up in SoCal). I had the chance to see it in ‘96 for my eight grade graduation trip, but I got sick with Norovirus in the spring of that year, so my parents didn’t want me traveling across the country after just recovering from that illness.