Image Works @ The Imagination Pavilion: Then and Now
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- čas přidán 11. 12. 2011
- Disclaimer: I DO NOT encourage anyone to try this themselves! There are obviously CMs patrolling the area and there is a good chance you will get busted and possibly arrested!
I recently went up to the abandoned Image Works area on the 2nd floor of The Imagination pavilion, and filmed the whole thing. It was night, so I kinda flew through because parts were pitch black and the whole place was really creepy. Right as I was leaving I got busted by a CM but worked the "stupid guest" routine and was allowed to leave without incident.
In this version of the video I used clips from Martin Smith's "Imagination 82 - The Original Imageworks" to show how the area used to look. Please check out the rest of Martin's awesome videos at www.martinsvids.net
For the full story behind this adventure, as well as other Disney-related stories and videos, visit my blog at www.darksideofdisney.com . And don't forget to check out my book, "The Dark Side of Disney"!
Keep up with Leonard's shenanigans and book news on Facebook and Twitter at:
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The fact that they always say, "It isn't safe" is what really makes it all the more eerie and creepy. Like they are hard at work on something they don't want us to know about.
Yeah, it is creepy that Disney would have such "unsafe" areas so close to Guests.
they say it's a safety issue primarily because the area is completely unsupervised.
it was cloase because the section failed the Florida OSHA re inspection.they kniw in advance it was gong to not pass and used the recovered ride space to build the replacement one.
It's because they don't want someone to die or do something stupid and have no security there
it makes sense, but it sucks. I would pay good money for someone to sneak me into these areas
I've watched this video so many times, its kind of crazy the emotions it can put you through. It can make you happy with memories of all the fun times you had up their during childhood. Sad and angry because the place that made those memories is sitting helpless in disarray and the only chance of revival is in the hands of the same people that ruined it in the first place and that chances are probably could really care less if it ever is refurbed in anyway again. It also makes you feel extremely creeped out cuz the vibe is super eerie and in spots almost frightening. I couldn't imagine what was going through your head while strolling through there, and you did it at night!! That is one of the sickest things about the whole thing. Yea Adam and others have gone up there but all during the day. I haven't seen any other videos that were done up there at night. Seriously dude, big time props for sending it up those stairs after dark. Great video as always...
I hear you! I wish I had been able to see it one last time when I went a few years back(It had been closed, but to see it in this condition would have been awesome!). I went through the new ride, and NONE of it even comes close to how great the old one was. Granted, I know there was an issue with the company that originally funded the ride, so they had to change it, but still...While I love Eric Idle, I just can't help missing the Dreamfinder...
This actually made me very sad.
Yeah, it's super depressing.
I have to wonder: What music is this?
Magic Journeys - Instrumental.
i walked up there 1.5 years ago. last time i was there was in the late 80's. i was alone and i was thinking to myself "hey i used to be able to go up there so im going" and figured they would have a better block than a rope if i really wasn't supposed to go up there. i just figured it was closed. i walked up and saw the tunnel a few chairs, same thing in your video. i didn't have the guts to walk down the halls, i knew there was nothing to see at his point and could tell stuff was removed, lights off and stuff not turned on. im so glad i went up there to see it for myself and i satisfied my curiosity. i was hoping to see what i saw the last time i was there. i remember going in the summer and it was very busy and i could not try all the exhibits. so i wanted to try this trip since it was off peak season. no luck. i then come home and thanks to youtube and the internet i know what happened and can see images of what i remember in the good ole days. EPCOT CENTER is my all time favorite place. not many places could you be educated, experience new technology and have fun at the same time. miss you too HORIZONS, the future has always fascinated me. thank you for sharing this video my fellow EPCOT CENTER aficionado.
One of my favorite pictures of my (then new) husband was taken inside of the Rainbow Corridor in 1987. We were scolded because we kept walking back and forth through the corridor. If I remember right, guests could look over a balcony to the floor below where there was a world population counter. Thanks for the flash back!
You're very welcome! And you're correct that there was a balcony overlooking a world population counter, but that was a short walk away in Communicore. Easy to get them munged up, because EPCOT Center was so expertly presented as a cohesively themed whole (something which is sorely lacking today).
You know I can't help but think if they were to re open this attraction they could totally market it as Nostalgic/ retro Disney and I bet it would do pretty well. At least for a little while.
Erin Awesom Yep, you're 100% right! It'd be just like EO. Might as well use that space and increase capacity, even if it's all just really old stuff (like EO!).
+The Dark Side of Disney to my understanding the area was closed because of logicstical issues with opperating the upstairs. Disney found it a headache to evacuate handicapped guests and others from the top of the building whenever there was a fire alert or other emergency shutdown. Not opperating the upstairs saves on elevators and escalators.
Jspider56
Oh, no doubt. Plus the place needed a major facelift. None of that stuff was very "futuristic" anymore.
The Dark Side of Disney
Seems to be a routine problem for Epcot. I will say that the thing that hurts the Imagination building the most in its current state is the lack of ambition. The old ride tried for several big things some of which were outside of their engineering capability. The current ride just feels very standard and bland.
It's pretty much echoed through the design of the playground as well.
Jspider56
I agree 100%. Damn shame what that park has become.
Although this covers the attractions of the Imageworks of the 90s, I still fondly remember Imageworks having a slightly different layout in the 80s. Figment's Coloring Book was originally Bubble Music, Dreamfinder's Balloon Race was originally Light Writer, Mirage was originally Lumia, and there was a corner room after the tunnel with vibrating mirrors. All of this was refurbished in 1990/1991 to what you see in this video ;)
Thanks for the info! I remember Bubble Music and Light Writer, but not the vibrating mirrors. Very interesting....
This video is a classic. Something about the second floor has always been weird to me: Does anyone know why there are all of those random partitions? Like to the left of the Rainbow Corridor and when you walk into the first coloring area? Bizarre.
+Mickey Views No idea about the partitions. I know they use the big room for CM training, so maybe they were there to block light or just to block the view of the torn down crap?
Woah, Mickey Views is here? You should do animated history of Imagination Pavilion like you did with Wonders.
The pin boards were awesome! They did move some of the stuff from up there downstairs an area next to the gift shop, but it's cramped and noisy and I walk past it as fast as I can.
Figment is still used in the ride, but he's very different than he used to be. He's actually a bit of an asshole now. Instead of being whimsical, he's annoying.
You're REALLY brave for going up there.
Haha, I attribute it more to curiosity and stupidity. But I guess bravery sounds nicer ;)
The Dark Side of Disney Also their security seems extremely lax xD The fact that no one seemed to notice you going over that rope is hysterical to me.
Yeah, very lax security there, and there also wasn't a good line-of-sight from the cash register in the store to the staircase, so those CMs couldn't see me go up.
Another attraction there was the drama theater, where kids got to learn how green screening worked, and Dreamfinder was the host. What an awesome time that was to be a kid at Disney back then.
This brings me to tears...thank you so much for capturing this!
this makes me sad that i'll never get to experience the true figment
Yeah, it sucks so much. At least there are a few good videos out there, though.
I think using the Magic Journeys theme goes perfectly with this video!
Looking at the old video makes me like Aw this is so pretty. But looking at the now part of the video makes me like awww :( ...
It's really sad to see it like this but I am at least happy it is still there. Gives me hope they will revive it (false hope) but with all this banter about Figment and Dreamfinder coming back I can only hope...
It is very sad, and I also hope they'll put something up there. Even if it's not anything to do with Figment or Dreamfinder. It was (I think) the only publicly accessible 2nd floor structure in the park, and that made it worth a visit for the view alone.
It makes me want to cry to see what Disney has done to the Image works.
I remember spending hours there and there was a stage with a green screen behind you and you participated in a short movie too.
Thank you so much for doing this. Broke my heart, but I'm glad to see that some of it still exists. I spent a lot of time here as a kid. I loved that rainbow corridor something fierce.
You're very welcome! Yeah, I loved that place, too. So sad that it's just sitting up there, unused, when it could be bringing happiness to a lot of kids.
oh its more than awesome...its the juxtaposition of that music with the footage you shot..it really changes the entire mood
Love it. More please!!! Its sad how they have these things just left alone and forgotten
I still miss the Imagination Pavilion. When i was a kid that was the only place a cared about when we went. My family would just drop me off at the pavilion on go do the other rides
Hahaha, awesome. My mom would just drop me off at the front of the park and tell me to have fun! But kid me would be bored now.
Thanks. It's kind of sad to see them gone but thanks for sharing. Great video!
You're very welcome, and yeah, it is sad.
Thanks so much for sharing....your bravery exceeds mine! It actually brought a tear because I remember that place being one of my very favorite places at EPCOT and in all of WDW actually (nice music too by the way). I loved the ride the way it was ORIGINALLY and I think it's a great loss to not be able to visit the Image Works of days gone by (because lets face it, the present interactive area after the ride sucks). I'm just grateful I grew up and visited many times during the good days of the Imagination Pavilion.
I agree 100% with everything you said. It IS a shame. The pavilion is going down for a refurb Jan 1st, and I've heard nothing about them fixing the ride or re-opening Image Works. In fact, I've heard that they might actually just shutter the whole pavilion, just like they did with Wonders of Life!
ahahhahahah you litrely just hoped the rope at the stairs while everyone was watching like i dont gaive a shit im gonnan do this
Yeah, pretty much!
I was standing right by the base of that staircase this past summer... I walked up a few steps when the clerks weren't looking to get a nice view. I didn't go all the way up, but your video shows me what I could have seen - awesome video!
Oh I know me too! I'm jealous that you guys got to talk to them too lol. They probably have the greatest photos and videos ever taken on a single theme park attraction! When they reached the end of the blog I was sad.
"...I got busted by a CM but worked the "stupid guest" routine and was allowed to leave without incident."
If you were at Universal they would have kicked your ass out of the park. :P
Great video. And thank you for filming it with a good camera! Ugh I'm tired of seeing those shitty cellphone ones.
I remember, vividly, electronic philharmonic. I loved it. This was truly my favorite place at EPCOT. I wish they would bring back Dreamfinder and Figment, then resurrect the entire pavilion with a modern tribute to the old ideas.
Brings back memories of getting yelled at for taking too long playing in there year after year.. when I went there the year it changed, even the cast members outside seems to be with the guests who all wanted the old figment heavy, and imagination filled ride back.. the next year they added Figment in slightly, but it'll never be the same.
That's a good way of putting it, Melissa. The futuristic design makes no sense in the context of the current "Nemo" story. Actually, that whole Sea Base Alpha area makes no sense because there's no lead-up to it or mention of it in the ride.
It's heartbreaking. All that wasted space, and the abandoned attractions. Why was it all shut down?
+ztslovebird Yeah, it's really depressing. It was shut down when they did the refurb of the ride below, and then it never opened back up when the ride re-opened.
The Dark Side of Disney But why not?
ztslovebird
I've heard that a) it was too expensive to keep air-conditioned, b) the ride refurb budget didn't include any money for an Image Works refurb, and c) it wasn't ADA compliant and would need a lot of work to get it there.
It's worse today. They turned it into a VIP Lounge for the DVC (Disney Vacation Club) People. It looks drab.
Vigo 894
Yeah, I saw that. It's really depressing. They walled off the Rainbow Tunnel. But at least that means it's probably still there and hasn't been destroyed.
I felt both! It was very sad seeing stuff that I used to play with and loved as a kid all torn up and abandoned. And since it was night and pitch black in places, it was super creepy up there.
I wish everyone could still experience it, too. It was so much fun!
Whenever they do anything involving P & F it's usually focusing on Doof and Perry. Although it's the kids with the meet and greet.
Given the choices, Dreamfinder would be better.
that was pretty cool at the end. it was so quiet and dark upstairs that when you reached the bottom of the steps and the bright light, it was really like two different worlds.
Yes, it was very eerie up there. Totally opposite of how it was when I was up there as a kid.
This gives me the creeps... thank you for sharing it. I know it has been changed into some sort of lounge...which is sad. Next time I go for a visit I'm going to ask about it.
You're welcome! Yeah, it was super creepy. The saddest thing is that I've heard they ripped out the Rainbow Tunnel after they built the lounge.
You heard correctly, confirmed via back entrance to Image Works.
I imagine they're on the lookout for people going up there now. But at least you have this video!
I got to use the Image Works in it's first yr after opening, that was one of my highlights of Disney every trip we went.
Yep, same here. I always looked forward to it.
That was an awesomely me trip down memory lane, I barely remember that attraction from my childhood, but I did go there
It was very memorable. Made a big impression on a lot of people, which can't be said for anything in that building now.
This brought back memories I thought I had forgotten from when I was 5 or 6 years old, using those brush shooters, it is a shame that they are gone
Well... at least Im glad to see that its still up there. Really disappointed last week when I got to imagination. Used to be my favorite ride in Epcot. I remember wishing I could spend ours in that place. Only hope that they will bring it back one day.
I used to work at HISTA/IMAGE back in the early 90's when Image Works and the original ride were still there. I have such great memories of my wife (who also worked for Disney) and my oldest daughter (who was about a year old at the time) they would come and visit at closing. I would perm close the image works and watch my daughter play... :(
What!? Thats pretty cool! Some CM's are epic, like that guy. Too bad that doesn't happen much.
I agree. The whole thing is pretty mind-boggling.
This is sad and depressing. All this space and in such a cool unused part of the building. I mean the ride sucks now anyway, but taking image works out is just so sad.
I remember the rainbow corridor and holograms, Imageworks was a lot of fun. Got to see Captain EO Saturday, and the jumping fountains were working!
This made me so sad. My favorite part of EPCOT .
you guys are brave, but if you weren't we wouldn't have all these awesome videos. keep up the great work.donation on the way woo.
You're right! I think maybe it actually makes it even creepier....
Very nice video. I remember that sensor tunnel would assign you a color at the start. As you walked through, the color would follow you. Somehow it would track your movement through the sensory tunnel. It was all shiny and new in 1983 when I went there. It was so great.
Yep, that's exactly right! That was one of the modes it had, although sometimes the sensor was broken so they'd just change it to a repeating scrolling pattern. Which happened more and more as the years went on....
I remember this all so vividly. I realllly can't stand the new Journey into the Imagination. I miss this one!! I miss everything upstairs...the coloring games, the place where you could be in a lil movie, the HUGE pin impression tables
Thanks! I'm sure Adam will be very grateful!
This left me sobbing. I miss it so very much.
Yeah, it's very, very sad.
I dunno why, but I am scared to death of going up there. Of course I wouldn't want to be caught but then it's like "I don't want to be in the dark, all alone, in an abandoned building like area". You sir are AWESOME for just getting in there(And then the security guy is awesome for letting you go so we can see what Disney has done to the things we love)!!!!!
Oh, it was definitely scary! No doubt about that.
Thanks for the compliment, though, and yes, I agree that the Cast Member who let me go was also awesome!
Me, too! Luckily Hoot has some new stories coming out soon. I've seen them, and they're incredible!!!
I thought about doing this very same thing last weekend after years of walking past mindlessly. I figured the fact that my heart was racing before I had even started walking towards the rope was reason enough not to. I applaud you for always being a little braver than the rest of the community, and not sticking to the rules for the sake of sticking to the rules. A tiny part of me (which is wrong, I realize) always feels like, no, Disney, this is MY place and MY home and I go where I please. And then ropes stop me.
Thanks, Melissa! I don't know if it's bravery or stupidity, but it's true that I do have a strong aversion to overbearing authority and ridiculous rules.
Regarding the ropes - they're purely symbolic. Obviously they don't physically keep you out. But they do say, "Hey, once you cross me, you're taking a big risk. Are you sure you want to do that?" For most people, it's not worth the risk. Especially now that this video is up, since it will satisfy the curiosity of 99.9% of the people out there.
That said, you better believe that my heart was racing like crazy when I started walking towards that rope and stepped over it!
Preach it, Melissa! I couldn't agree with you more. It started going downhill around '93, and completed its downturn at the end of '99 when Horizons was destroyed. I think it's a damn shame that they've tried to turn it into another generic thrill ride park.
Our Tour Guide took us up there(mostly because my brother asked at the beginning if we could go to upstairs to the old Image Works) when we did The UnDISCOVERed Future World last year in August.
I love how you just hop the rope. Noone stops you. LOL. Good security there Disney. If they don't want people up there, you'd think they would have blocked it off better. Anyway, I thank you for posting this. I LOVED this when I was a kid, and I'm still in love with Figment today. I really wish they would reopen this so I could show my kids one day......
Yeah, a rope isn't exactly high-level security! And you're welcome. I loved it, too. Hopefully someday soon they'll use that space for something cool.
John Sabp
Neither does 99.9% of the population!
Leonard, do you have the mp3 file of this area loop? It reminds me of cleaning the bathrooms. Or more so, taking naps in the restroom supply closet because nobody used the restroom at imagination.
I'm 18, so I wasn't sentient when the original Journey to Imagination was around, but after looking at all the videos of the original attraction, I can't look at the current version the same ever again. KODAK, the company that forced the changes, dropped their sponsorship, so come on, Disney, you can bring back that magical ride!
I got to up to the old Image Works as part of the Undiscovered Future World Tour and the tour guide they are going to gut the old stuff latter this year. So hopefully a brand new version of upstairs Image Works is progress.
The contrast is insane to see especially since they have done anything to it since. Is there any other place to find any of your other videos btw. I saw you had some videos of the jungle cruise and space mountain but I’m not finding em
All of my videos are on this channel (DarkSideofDisney). No Jungle Cruise ones, but I do have one of Space Mountain with the lights on.
It was definitely one of my top 5 places in the park, too. I doubt they'll bring back Dreamfinder and Figment, but they really need to put *something* cool up there!
Yep. It's very, very sad. Hopefully they'll open it back up soon.
That was definitely one of my reactions. Also extreme sadness.
That would certainly be the ideal scenario. Something tells me everything will be gutted before that happens, though....
@DarkSideDisney Hmm I'm not sure I should upload it since the books cover is a little too much for the forum. Could you upload a "safe for work" version or something?
Every time. Every time I ride the god forsaken ride I stand at these steps. "How long would it take before I get caught." I can't wait to see the lounge. I'll take pics!
+hayzerqb11 These days it probably wouldn't take long, unfortunately. Once I posted my vid they started stepping up security. But at least with the lounge people will have a legit chance to see the place (if there's anything left to see).
Yep, that's why I'm much more in love with Disneyland right now. All of the classic dark rides are still there, and the characters randomly appear, so it's still a cool and exciting thing to see one. I'm also extremely annoyed by the "characterization" of some the restaurants in WDW. Akershus, The Garden Grill, and most recently Tusker House. I want to have a peaceful meal, not be harassed by characters and screaming kids!
I think there's still a smaller version of the musical light tiles downstairs, to your right after you exit the ride.
When was the retrospective video taken. Its a serious shame the ride is in such disrepair.
I think it's from a few different sources, starting in 1983. And yes, it's a damn shame.
@ThePopcorn12 It was "refurbished" in 1998 when they changed the ride downstairs. Some of the exhibits were moved downstairs, but most were just left up here in ruins. No idea if they have any intention of fixing up the space and opening it up again. I hope they do!
I remember that very clearly... good times.
It's an incredible shame. Everything is pretty much just sitting up there, not being used. It makes no sense.
I can't put into words how sad this made me...
Yeah, it's extremely depressing.
Thanks for the tips when do you think would be the best time to attempt ?
I don't think any time is better than any other, except that it was freaky in the dark. But Cast Members are up there pretty much 24/7, so no matter when you attempt it, you might get caught and banned for life!
They sure did! I even have a video on here somewhere of Ron Schneider signing one.
Seeing, original Disney stuff, (either abandoned or replaced w/ new "improved" Imagineering)....I don't know?? Somehow, watching this takes me back to feelings of when they shot "Old Yeller"! :( :( :(
It was sad and eerie seeing it in person. It's worse now, though, because they've totally torn the rainbow tunnel out. Hopefully it went to Archives....
Creepy that a lot of stuff is still there, just gathering dust.
Seemed like an awesome place...disney really should bring back snow whites scary adventures bcuz it was a classic
I was born on the wrong time. I wish I could experience this but I was too late
why am i crying...
Yes, Mission Space is ultra lame.
I always wanted to live in the house in Nova Cite. So jealous that Hoot and Chief got to see what was up those stairs behind the "father"!
Me, too. And you're very welcome!
Horizons, the ride that got me into sci fi. 2000 was the last time I was over there so never saw space but it looks like a lame "simulation of a simulation" (of course it has to go wrong too). Horizons was a magical ride that took me to places I actually wanted to go, and I still tear up hearing "If we can dream it then we can do it". I remember the Brava Centauri scene was so stunning especially with no 3d screen aids I got a bit disoriented. Sea castle Mesa Verde. *sigh* still wanna live there
Always one of my favorite places, I wish they would bring it back. I will never understand why they would change the old version of ride and close the playground
Same here. As to why the closed it, one word: money. Kodak and Disney wouldn't pony up the cash to do a decent refurb of the ride, and they certainly weren't interested in spending even more to refurb the top floor. Easier to close it off and save on power, cooling, and staffing expenses.
I was there last week and it is STILL just the one rope across, not sure if it is blocked up top! Big shame. We went at night before closing. Ride wasn't even on when we walked in and we were 3 of 5 people riding the lousy ride.
Surprised they still haven't locked it down! I'm sure they've told the CMs at the register to be on the lookout, but when it's busy, there's only so much they can do.... And yes, it is a very, very lousy ride.
It would be tough for them to return it to the original config because they've torn out large pieces of the track and disabled the opening scene turntable. Which is a damn shame. Honestly, I hope the Imagineers blow my mind and come up with something even better than the original!
Or remake in a modern fashion
That's what I was told, too, but when we did that tour they didn't bring us up there. It was the main reason I did the tour! So I got pissed off and went up there myself!
@DarkSideDisney Will do! Thanks for blurring that CM, the poor bastards already get into enough shit with tourist.
This is just sad to see what disney has done to the imagination pavilion. Can't they at least make an updated version of the original but a similar attraction
If I ever work at Disney, I will find a way to bring this back. Unfortunately I wasn't alive when this was open, so I rely on videos like these. Do you mind if i use it as reference sketches?
Feel free to use it for whatever you want! The Martin's Vid that it came from has a lot more details. Highly recommended.
It was definitely a very magical place....
@Costerguy1234556 You can bypass the cover at the beginning by adding #t=0m06s to the end of the link. That doesn't do much about the ending, though.
They should bring back the dream finder and reopen the second floor
Yeah to me too. didnt they release a vinylmation dreamfinder?
@CajunsCanCook I took the music from Martin Smith's video, I think. But if you're looking for like every f**cking Imagination loop every made, check out the music section of EpcotLegacy (youtube won't let me post the link).
Really sad they couldn't update that area. The kaleidoscope was so cool. They are still there... just leave it open. Disney would be rolling over in his grave to see all of this abandoned and derelict stuff just sitting around. Epcot has that creepy future dated look that takes a bit of work to overcome. I went when it first opened and it was late at night... we had the place to ourselves and it was glowing orange and violet and it was magical. None of the rides squeeked horribly (get some WD40 Disney) and they all smelled brand new. It was just a gleaming wonderland. Now it just seems corporatized and hacked. Journey into Imagination in particular is a travesty. They are just not investing in their parks like Universal. I guess the new Star Wars World will be new but... meh... I would prefer something more original. RIP Epcot of 1983. I hardly knew ye.
Yeah, I agree with pretty much everything you said. Actually, the park was great up until about 1994 or so. Then Horizons and World of Motion closed, and everything started going to shit. It really lost its way thematically after that.
Why did they close it down ? I remember going to this in 1989 when me and my family had Season Passes to WDW.