top of page

iMagination Pavilion

sponsored by Apple Inc. 

One little spark, one simple idea...

Creative thinking and imagination are paramount to both Apple, and the progress of the world we live in. Here at Epcot, imagination is a core principle in the park's design and message to its guests. To dream big, and create the future for yourself and for generations to come.

However, over the last decade, Epcot's Imagination Pavilion went through some changes (or lack thereof) that resulted in the pavilion's demise and deterioration from what it once was. The original concept of Journey Into Imagination was a shell of its former self. Dilapidated and worn down, the second floor Image Works was abandoned, and the theater show, left outdated until its removal as well.

Once a crown jewel of Epcot, there is nothing in the Imagination Pavilion that entices guests to head over to that section of Future World West. Until late 2016, when in a surprising turn of events, Robert Iger and the rest of the Walt Disney negotiating team, toured the pavilion and noticed its abandonment. Due to an expected drop in attendance at Epcot at the end of the term, WDI finally woke up and realized that something needed to be done to the pavilion (and Future World as a whole) to ensure that the park lives on. It had been neglected for too long. As soon as the damage was assessed, Disney Imagineering got a call that they would need to design a pavilion with Apple Inc. - a move that was spurred on by the negotiating skills of the Disney team.

This new sponsor in Apple was an encouraging sign for the pavilion, as Apple (already having their foot in the door with Disney) saw it as an opportunity to have a permanent home to showcase their innovation to one of the most visited theme parks in the world (despite the dropping attendance). WDI and Apple soon began working together on a groundbreaking new pavilion for Epcot.

With a budget of $110 Million Dollars, from joint shares of Apple Inc. and Disney - the iMagination Pavilion was underway.


The Story
From 1999 till the present day, the Figment of Imagination, Dreamfinder, and more of the characters that used to inhabit the pavilion, haven't been as successful in the parks as it was in the early days of Epcot and the original incarnation of Journey into Imagination. The concept itself, while nostalgic and paramount to Epcot lore, wasn't gelling with the Apple executives who insisted that the main attraction of the pavilion needs to be updated past the original ideas. A 4th edition of a Figment attraction wasn't sitting well, and thus Figment, while still an aspect of the pavilion (which will be seen later on) will be removed from the premiere attraction.

Apple wanted to invest and immerse the guests in a new age futuristic expedition using their products (some current day - some experimental), to give the guests an opportunity to use their imagination, and create their own ride experience. Apple and Disney wanted to envelop guests in their own adventures, giving them the tools to use their own creativity to interact with their environment rather than be a non-participant in a passive atmosphere.

Essentially, the entire pavilion is interactive - and sprawling with imagination. The theme of the pavilion is essentially...building the future, one little spark at a time. With top designs from Apple, and the imagineering of Disney - the iMagination Pavilion will be one of the best aspects of Future World for decades to come.


The iMagination Pavilion itself will have several different components:

- Createoscope - a 3D immersive dark ride where you design and create your own different environments to explore. You enter the iOS Labs and meet the SPARK tech team of researchers who have designed virtual reality rooms in succession to test the mind and try out new ideas. Using a new Apple Video 3D glasses, you'll be able to touch, tap, swirl, and spin your creations around you using literature, art, and musical elements along the way.

- Figment: A Disney Kingdoms Special - Based on the newly successful comic book line of the classic Disney characters, Figment and Dreamfinder, you embark on a quest through the imaginative realm to stop the infamous Chairman from taking over London with his nefarious schemes. 20 minute continuous shows

- The iThink Activity Zone: The 2nd floor of iMagination is re-opened as an interactive area with exhibits exploring a wide range of innovation and elements of imagination. (More details later)

Design and Planning

While keeping the infrastructure of the building mainly in tact, there were several elements to the former design of the structure that would be upgraded and modernized with the new sponsor.

New Lobby and Connected Breezeway
The theater will be connected with a new lobby breezeway, adjoining the entire pavilion together. The lower level lobby of the original queue for Captain EO, would now be a large 2 story glass atrium and chrome fixture. With the glass windows, guests from the park-like area outside can view inside the iMagination Pavilion lobby, and the guests in the lobby can look out at the Future World proper.

On the back wall of the lobby as you walk inside, will be a beautiful and colorful, floor to ceiling mural - depicting imagination and creativity. The mural itself will have several areas to it where you can stand at different perspectives, and perceive the collage style imagery in a variety of ways. For instance, when you walk in from the lobby doors, there may be a picture of a colorful skyscraper standing tall and noticeable. You're sure it's a skyscraper, However, when you travel to the left, it may look like a tree, or if you travel to the right, it may look a like a giraffe - revolving around and giving you different perspectives of the same image.

This type of perceptual illusion is meant to represent the imagination taking flight, giving the mural itself, a life of its own.

In the mural (as well as the rest of the pavilion which will be made clear as we go on), will be subtle Easter Eggs:
- On the top right corner of the mural is a hidden mickey in the clouds, with a purple and orange coat - to represent everyone's favorite imaginative dragon.
- Towards the left side of the mural, heading to the theater queue entrance, you will be able to interpret a shrink ray, as an homage to the attraction Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.


Example Reflective Mural

The lobby as a whole unites the pavilion - so guests can have a central access point to all of the attractions the pavilion has to offer. It also makes the iMagination Pavilion more aesthetically pleasing and modernized for a new age of Future World - replacing the retro paint scheme with a futuristic and sleek appeal.

New Pathways and Foliage

With the new lobby entrance in the center of the building, further exterior and surrounding improvements were made the access points of the pavilion for guests. Originally, for guests traveling from World Showcase, or walking through the park via the International Gateway from the Epcot Resorts, Imagination was a roundabout pavilion to reach. Coming from the Canada Pavilion, you walk about a winding path and pass by the pavilion before having to make a turn and enter the long route.

There will be a new path installed connecting the World Showcase guests better with the pavilion, and also helping traffic flow as well. This will also give the designers an opportunity to add some more natural elements and life to the pavilion's surroundings, increasing the greenery of Future World West's style.


New Surroundings and Outdoor Seating D-zone
With the upgrade and update of the pavilion as a whole, several changes will come to the outdoor seating area by the exit of the Figment theater. The jumping fountains will be enhanced with new effects - where you can change their patterns of motion with a touch of a button on the iPad stand next to the fountains. If you want the fountains to criss cross, swirl up, spiral around, and more options you can manually change it yourself.

In addition -- there will be an installation of trees and shrubs to the area to provide a much needed shady spot to relax and unwind. This D-Zone area over here will be the new hot spot for guests to sit back and enjoy the views. Complimentary on all of the benches will be charge ports for your wireless devices, so you can take a break from the heat in the shade, recharge your phone, and plan what you're going to do next. It offers great views of both Future World, and World Showcase depending on where you sit.

The patio as you get closer to the pavilion will be enhances as well, as accessory glass architecture and modern design now leads you into the pavilion - an inspiration taken from the original 1970s era design of the pavilion - ironically designed around the same time Apple Inc. was founded.

Furthermore, on the 2nd floor in the iThink Activity Zone, there will be an extension out onto an outdoor patio, with additional seating, for guests to get an elevated view of Epcot. This location will extend out and allow guests on a nice day to sit outside with their quick service meals, or simply soak in the views.


Color Scheme Changes

Adjusting the current color pallet that occupies the pavilion today (the orange and red template) - the pavilion will change to a sleek new chrome and blue aesthetic - to compliment the blue glass of the pyramids, and the chrome glass of the lobby entrance. The colors will sweep around the balcony and the entire pavilion encasing it with a pattern that will modernize and complete the new exterior changes.

New Nighttime Projections

At night, the iMagination Pavilion glass pyramids will light up in multi-rainbow colors to illuminate the night and the exterior of the pavilion. It will be one of the new crown jewels of Epcot's Future World - having a distinct flair and unique facade, especially at night. 

bottom of page