Disney has confirmed that Dreamfinder is returning to EPCOT, reuniting with Figment for a new journey into imagination at the Imagination! pavilion. Disney hasn't released a ride concept, an opening date, or any confirmation of whether the current Journey Into Imagination With Figment attraction will close, so for now this is just an announcement something will happen.
Article Summary
- The announcement: Disney confirmed Dreamfinder is reuniting with Figment.
- Who said it: Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum made the announcement, with host Neil Patrick Harris dressing as Dreamfinder for the reveal.
- What's missing: No ride details, concept art or opening date have been shared, and Disney hasn't confirmed whether the current attraction closes, gets reworked, or is replaced entirely.
- The history: Dreamfinder hasn't featured at EPCOT since the original Journey Into Imagination closed in 1998, a 28 year absence.
- Right now: Journey Into Imagination With Figment remains open as normal, so there's no need to change any booked EPCOT plans.
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Read on for who Dreamfinder and Figment actually are, why Disney fans have wanted this for decades, and what it means for anyone planning an EPCOT visit from the UK.
What Has Disney Announced About Dreamfinder And Figment At EPCOT?
The reveal came right at the end of the Disney Experiences showcase, after the main run of announcements had wrapped up. Host Neil Patrick Harris reappeared dressed as Dreamfinder, holding a Figment plush, and Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum confirmed the news to the crowd.
"We are taking a new journey into imagination at EPCOT with Dreamfinder and Figment! We know how important this is to you. We've heard you, and this is one more way we're putting you in the centre of everything we do."
- Thomas Mazloum, Disney Experiences Chairman, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, 15th August 2026
That's the whole announcement - Figment stays and Dreamfinder will come back. There's a "new journey into imagination" coming to the Imagination! pavilion at some point. Disney hasn't said whether that means an overhaul of the existing Journey Into Imagination With Figment ride, a full replacement, or something built alongside it.
Who Is Dreamfinder And Why Has He Been Missing From EPCOT?
If you've never heard of Dreamfinder, where what you need to know. He predates most current EPCOT guests' first visit by some time. Dreamfinder was the whimsical, bearded inventor who introduced Figment to the world in the original Journey Into Imagination, which opened in 1983. He travelled the universe collecting sparks of inspiration, acted as Figment's creator and mentor, and closed the ride out with the "One Little Spark" finale, an original song written by the Sherman Brothers.
The ride closed in 1998 for a major renovation. What came back in 1999 was Journey Into YOUR Imagination, a version that dropped both Dreamfinder and Figment almost entirely in favour of a straighter, more clinical tour led by Dr Nigel Channing. It was not well received. Disney reworked it again, and the version most people know today, Journey Into Imagination With Figment, opened in June 2002. Figment made it back into that version. Dreamfinder didn't, and hasn't featured at EPCOT in any meaningful way since.
Why Has Figment Become So Popular At EPCOT?
Figment been the face of the EPCOT International Festivals for years now and he turns up on a huge amount of festival and general EPCOT merchandise. He had a proper viral moment in 2022 with a novelty popcorn bucket that fans were queuing for well beyond normal snack-related enthusiasm. He also still does meet and greets in the Imagination! pavilion.
Part of the appeal is that Figment is one of the few EPCOT characters that wasn't borrowed from a film. He was built specifically for this park, as a physical embodiment of imagination and curiosity, which happens to be the exact thing EPCOT was originally meant to represent. Bringing Dreamfinder back alongside him is as close as Disney gets to nodding at that original identity.
When Will The New Journey Into Imagination Open?
There's no date. Not even a vague one. Disney hasn't confirmed a start date for any refurbishment or closure of the current ride, hasn't shown concept art, and hasn't said whether Journey Into Imagination With Figment will shut at all before something new appears.
What that means for your planning is fairly simple. Journey Into Imagination With Figment is operating normally right now, and there's nothing to suggest that will change any time soon. If you're booking a Walt Disney World holiday for 2026 or 2027, treat the ride as available as usual, and just keep an eye on future updates from us if you want to catch the current version before anything eventually changes.
What Does This Mean For Your Next Walt Disney World Holiday?
In short, nothing changes for anyone with a trip already booked or in the planning stages.
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment remains open and unaffected for now, so it's still worth riding on your next EPCOT day.
- There's no need to rearrange existing EPCOT plans.
- Figment merchandise and festival appearances are likely to continue as normal, and probably lean even harder into the character given the reaction to this news.
- If a refurbishment is eventually confirmed, expect the usual pattern of a closure date being announced a few months out, giving UK visitors reasonable notice to plan around it.
If you're still working out flights and accommodation, this is as good a moment as any to compare your options. Virgin Atlantic flies direct into Orlando International Airport (MCO) and pairs well with a Virgin Holidays or Virgin flights package, while TUI flying into Orlando is worth a look too if TUI suits your dates better. For the wider Walt Disney World picture, our Walt Disney World offers guide for UK guests and our Disney World tickets guide for Brits cover what's currently worth booking.
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Dreamfinder & Figment At EPCOT: Your Questions Answered
Is Dreamfinder really coming back to EPCOT?
Yes. Disney confirmed this during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on 15th August 2026, with Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum announcing that Dreamfinder is reuniting with Figment for a new journey into imagination at EPCOT.
Will Journey Into Imagination With Figment close?
Disney hasn't confirmed this. As of the announcement, there's no start date for any closure and no confirmation of whether the current ride will be reworked, replaced, or run alongside something new.
When will the new Journey Into Imagination attraction open?
Disney hasn't given a timeline. No concept art, opening date or construction start date has been announced.
Why did Dreamfinder disappear from EPCOT?
The original Journey Into Imagination ride, which featured Dreamfinder alongside Figment, closed in 1998 for renovation. The replacement versions that followed dropped Dreamfinder, and he hasn't had a presence at EPCOT since.
Is Journey Into Imagination With Figment open now?
Yes. The current version of the ride is operating as normal, and there's no indication that will change in the near future.
Who played Dreamfinder during the D23 announcement?
Host Neil Patrick Harris appeared dressed as Dreamfinder and holding a Figment plush during the reveal at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
What is D23?
D23 is Disney's official fan club and convention, where the company regularly makes major announcements about upcoming films, parks and attractions.
