A new permit filed by Walt Disney World reveals that some work is planned for the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT. As exciting as that may sound, we’re going to take a more sober look at the permit and explain why this isn’t the big one.
Fans of EPCOT have been waiting for Disney to announce what they’re going to do with the Imagination Pavilion for years. Rumors come and go about an overhaul for the ride, perhaps to wipe out Figment and bring in a new IP, or, perhaps, to update a ride that is really showing its age.
Unfortunately, those hopes will have to wait until the next time Josh D’Amaro takes the stage at a D23 event as this most recent permit is likely for a renovation or creation of a meet and greet space. There are two upcoming meet and greets planned for the Imagination Pavilion. The first, and most likely for this permit is for a Figment meet and greet. Disney has previously said that Figment will greet guests at EPCOT “later this summer” and there are 51 days left until Fall. Another meet and greet coming to the Imagination Pavilion is Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to celebrate the Disney100 festivities starting in September.
The permit doesn’t shed light on which meet and greet the work is for, but the work is listed as “Installation of Scenic Items” by contractor Bungalow Scenic Studios. Bungalow Scenic Studios has previously done quite a bit of work for Disney, focused on sets and meet and greets. Some of their work includes the former Star-Lord and Baby Groot meet and greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, set pieces for the Frozen Sing-Along and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. They have also done work for the Imagination Pavilion, working on the current meet and greet space in the ImageWorks space. Bungalow Scenic Studios has also done work for more temporary installations such as step-in photo frames for seasonal events at Disney World, and the stage for the 20th Anniversary celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!