Dreamfinder Returns to EPCOT – Figment’s Magical Comeback!
Disney Announces Figment and Dreamfinder’s Grand Return to EPCOT
TL;DR: At D23 2024, Disney revealed that beloved purple dragon Figment and his longtime partner Dreamfinder are getting a brand-new journey together at EPCOT. This reunites the original duo from the 1983 Journey Into Imagination attraction after decades apart.
The Big Announcement at D23
During the closing moments of the Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (presented by Visa), host Neil Patrick Harris got his wish—Disney announced a brand-new "flight of fancy" coming to EPCOT.
Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum shared the news to a cheering crowd:
"We are taking a new journey into imagination at EPCOT with Dreamfinder and Figment! 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."
Meet the Stars: Who Is Figment?
Imagine a tiny purple dragon with:
- Two little wings
- Big, bright yellow eyes
- Horns like a friendly steer
- A personality bursting with curiosity and playfulness
That’s Figment—the living embodiment of imagination itself.
Figment’s History at EPCOT
- 1983: Debuted in the very first Journey Into Imagination attraction.
- Through the years: Survived multiple ride updates but always remained a park icon.
- 2017–present: Became the mascot of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
- 2022: Went viral with a novelty popcorn bucket that fans lined up for hours to buy.
- Today: Regular meet-and-greets in the Imagination! pavilion and all over festival merchandise.
Why Figment Matters
Figment isn’t just a character—he represents EPCOT’s heart: curiosity, creativity, and the joy of asking "What if?"
Meet the Partner: Who Is Dreamfinder?
Before Figment, there was Dreamfinder—a whimsical, cheerful inventor and storyteller who collected "sounds, colors, ideas, anything that sparks the imagination."
Dreamfinder’s Original Run
| Years | Role |
|---|---|
| 1983–1998 | Host & guide of the original Journey Into Imagination |
| Relationship | Creator, mentor, and best friend to Figment |
| Catchphrase | "All it takes is one little spark." |
Though he left the attraction in 1998, fans never forgot him. For decades, guests have asked for his return—not just for nostalgia, but because he made imagination feel important at any age.
Why This Reunion Is a Big Deal
- First time together in the park since 1998 — Dreamfinder has been absent for 26+ years.
- Direct response to fan feedback — Disney explicitly said: "We’ve heard you."
- Symbolic for EPCOT’s identity — The duo together = the complete spirit of imagination.
What Happens Next? (What We Know So Far)
- New experience announced — A "new journey into imagination" is in development.
- Both characters returning — Figment and Dreamfinder, together.
- Location: EPCOT (likely the Imagination! pavilion).
- Timeline: No opening date yet—Disney promises "so much more to come."
Summary
- Figment (the purple dragon) and Dreamfinder (his inventor friend) are officially reuniting at EPCOT.
- Announced at D23 2024 by Thomas Mazloum, Chairman of Disney Experiences.
- They originally starred together in Journey Into Imagination (1983–1998).
- Figment stayed; Dreamfinder left—until now.
- This is a direct response to decades of fan requests.
- Details on the new attraction/experience are coming soon.
FAQ
When will the new Figment & Dreamfinder experience open?
Disney hasn’t announced a date yet. They only said "there’s so much more to come." Keep an eye on official Disney Parks channels.
Is this a brand-new ride or an update to the current Journey Into Imagination with Figment?
Unclear. The announcement used the phrase "a new journey into imagination," which could mean a reimagined attraction, a new show, or something else entirely.
Why did Dreamfinder leave in the first place?
In 1999, the attraction was retooled into Journey Into YOUR Imagination, which removed Dreamfinder and reduced Figment’s role. Fans disliked it so much that a 2002 update brought Figment back—but not Dreamfinder. Until now.
Will the original voice actors return?
No casting info has been released. The original Dreamfinder was voiced by Chuck McCann; Figment has been voiced by Billy Barty (originally) and later Dave Goelz.
Where can I meet Figment right now?
Figment does daily meet-and-greets in the Imagination! pavilion at EPCOT. He also appears on tons of festival merch (especially during Festival of the Arts).
Final Thought: For anyone who grew up singing "One Little Spark"—the dream really can come true. Figment and Dreamfinder are back together, and imagination is officially back on the map at EPCOT.