EPCOT is a theme park like no other. When it opened to the public on October 1, 1982, it had a different concept than previous Disney Parks like Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. One thing that set EPCOT apart was its mascot -- Figment.
Today we're sharing five facts you probably didn't know about Figment to celebrate this important part of EPCOT's history. (And the launch of our Dreamport Dragon collection, of course!)
NO MICKEY RULE
Did you know that Mickey Mouse wouldn't make his first appearance at EPCOT until 1985? When EPCOT first opened, Disney executives decided that Mickey and his friends wouldn't be present at this park. They wanted EPCOT to feel as if it had its own identity.
This new park still needed a mascot, and that's where Figment came in! This purple dragon and his companion, The Dreamfinder, would meet park guests outside of their pavilion, Journey Into Imagination. Today, Figment still has a big presence in EPCOT merchandise. Last year at the D23 Expo, Disney teased a new Figment meet and greet experience that will be coming to EPCOT sometime this year!
FIGMENT WAS ALMOST GREEN
Can you imagine Figment without his royal purple pigment? Before Kodak signed on to sponsor Journey into Imagination, Figment was proposed as a green dragon friend. Since one of Kodak's competitors, Fijufilm featured green in its logo at the time, it was decided to change Figment's color to purple.
This is also why you'll sometimes find Figment in his yellow and red pullover -- the colors represent Kodak's logo which is also yellow and red.
REALMS OF IMAGINATION
While today's version of the attraction, Journey Into Imagination With Figment, explores the five senses, the original version of Figment's attraction explored the Realms of Imagination. According to the Dreamfinder, there are five Realms of Imagination - Art, Literature, Theater, Science, and Film. From its opening through 1998, guests would experience this version of the attraction.
In October 1999, the second version, Journey Into Your Imagination, opened at EPCOT. This version proved unpopular with guests, resulting in a closure two years later in 2001. One of the biggest complaints? Lack of Figment and Dreamfinder. The current version of the attraction, Journey Into Imagination With Figment, opened on June 2, 2002, and is the longest-running version of the attraction.
ONE LITTLE SONG
What would this pavilion be without its unforgettable theme song - One Little Spark? This special tune was written by a famous Disney duo, The Sherman Brothers! Robert and Richard Sherman are behind many of your favorite songs from Disney Parks attractions and Disney films. Some of their greatest hits include It's A Small World, There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room, and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Over four decades later, One Little Spark is still one of the most memorable songs in Disney Parks history.
FORTY YEARS OF FIGMENT
While the pavilion opened with EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982, Figment's attraction wouldn't open until March 5, 1983. This means Journey Into Imagination celebrates forty years this year! The original version of this attraction lives on in the hearts of EPCOT fans of all ages; for those who experienced it and for those who wish they could've, Journey Into Imagination was a key pillar of EPCOT Center. This anniversary is special to us, so launching our Dreamport Dragon collection in 2023 was a MUST.
With EPCOT undergoing so many changes over the past four years, we can only hope that one day we'll see the Dreamfinder and Figment exploring the Realms of Imagination once again.
DREAMPORT DRAGON COLLECTION
For fans of this dragon with a royal purple pigment, we've created a collection of baubles that are perfect for park style and everyday outfits alike. This collection features two pieces - a necklace and a bracelet. Both are made from hypoallergenic stainless steel, which means they won't tarnish, and you can show off your love of Figment for years to come!
Imagination's Companion
Horns of a steer and two tiny wings, Imagination's Companion will inspire great things! From traveling through the Dreamport to exploring the Realms of Imagination, this lovable fellow reminds us that imagination belongs to everyone.
This necklace has an adjustable chain that can be worn at 16, 17, and 18 inches.
Elements of Imagination
So many times were stumbling in the dark -- and then Eureka! What a spark! Straight from the dream catching machine, our idea bag is full of inspiration! With a sprinkle of childish delight, this bracelet is sure to spark joy...it's just right.
This bracelet features an adjustable chain that can be worn at 6, 7, and 8 inches.
Dreamport Dragon Bundle
Has this entire collection caught your eye? The Dreamport Dragon Bundle will be perfect for you. This bundle features both our Imagination's Companion necklace and Elements of Imagination bracelet.
Our Dreamport Dragon collection drops TODAY at 12 PM EST! If you miss this first drop, visit the product pages and sign up for restock notifications so you'll be the first to know when it's back in stock.
