When visiting Epcot, you’ll see that the park is split up into different sections.
There is, of course, the World Showcase where you can visit 11 different countries. But, the old Future World has been transformed into 3 new neighborhoods called: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.
Each of these neighborhoods have their own special pavilions, including the Imagination pavilion.
The pavilion is well known for a popular imaginary dragon named Figment (get it? Figment of your imagination?), but he isn’t the only thing to discover here.
Let’s take a deep dive into the Imagination pavilion and see what else there is to explore besides a purple and orange dragon.
Overview
- Location: World Celebration (near The Land pavilion)
- Restaurants: 1 Quick Service (popcorn cart)
- Shops: ImageWorks
- Entertainment: None
- Attractions: Journey Into Imagination with Figment, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Mickey and friends, Joy, Vanellope
- Popular snacks and drinks: Popcorn (popcorn cart)
- Not-to-miss: Meeting all of the characters, Journey Into Imagination with Figment (you should experience it at least once), Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Imagination Pavilion Map
Dining
The Imagination pavilion has 1 Quick Service location that is perfect if you’re in need of a fast and tasty snack.
Quick Service Restaurants
Popcorn Cart
There’s no denying Disney popcorn is the best popcorn.
You can find that here at this popcorn cart. Plus, beer, bottled beverages, and ice cream treats.
If you want something different from traditional Disney popcorn, you can find popcorn mixes inside the ImageWorks shop.
Seating Areas
There aren’t a ton of seating areas in the Imagination pavilion, but there are benches scattered outside.
You’ll even find benches directly outside the pavilion near the main walking path that leads to World Showcase.
Plus, there are benches inside the Disney Pixar and Short Film Festival area.
Shops
In need of Figment merchandise? The Imagination pavilion has the perfect shop for you.
ImageWorks
ImageWorks sells Figment-themed merchandise, toys, games, candy, and other Disney wares.
You can find pretty much anything Figment you want here.
There’s also a range of other Disney and Pixar items, as well.
You’ll also find a portable phone charging station inside here, aka where you can swap and purchase a FuelRods.
Attractions
There are 2 attractions: one that is a ride and one where you can watch short films.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Journey Into Imagination with Figment isn’t a ride at Epcot that you need to run to. The wait times are usually pretty decent, and it’s far from the most popular.
The ride not only features Figment as your guide as you ride through the sensory labs of Imagination Institute, but also chairman Dr. Nigel Channing, played by Monty Python‘s Eric Idle.
There have been updates made to the ride over the years, and if you’re a fan of Dreamfinder, you may not like this version.
Whatever the case, Journey Into Imagination has both a regular Standby Line and a Lightning Lane, which you can use if you purchase Genie+.
It’s definitely not a priority, but, if you’re curious about what you should and shouldn’t prioritize attraction-wise at Epcot, check out the above graphic and link below.
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
The Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival is a good place to cool off and relax.
For 18-minutes, you can experience 3 popular Disney and Pixar short films in 4D, while wearing 3D glasses. There are also in-theater effects.
You’ll even see exhibits in the lobby illustrating the creative process behind the stories and the characters.
There is a Lightning Lane available here, but you don’t need to prioritize this as one of your Lightning Lane selections.
The Disney and Pixar Film Festival is listed in the My Disney Experience app, but there aren’t official showtimes because it runs continuously throughout the park day.
There is also hearing disability services for those who need them.
Characters
The Imagination pavilion is known for the many characters you can meet.
Mickey
You can find Mickey just inside the doors at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival.
There’s even a Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed here!
You can find times he meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with his exact meeting location.
Mickey and Friends
Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto (characters are subject to change) meet at the Disney Visa Cardmember Photo Opportunity.
You can find them in the building near ImageWorks.
You’ll also find a Disney PhotoPass photographer here!
This location is reserved just for Cardmembers. You must present a valid Disney Visa Card for entry.
You can find times listed in the My Disney Experience app.
Joy
Joy is located inside ImageWorks and has a really cute meet and greet set-up.
There is a Disney PhotoPass photographer, who will take your photo.
You can find times she meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with her exact meeting location.
Vanellope
If you’re visiting ImageWorks, you’ll find Vanellope von Schweetz.
There is a Disney PhotoPass photographer, who will take your photo too!
You can find times she meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with her exact meeting location.
Winnie the Pooh
While not a traditional meet and greet, you can watch Winnie the Pooh frolic in the grassy area just outside Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
You’re able to take pictures with Winnie the Pooh, but they will be at a distance.
You can find his daily showtimes in the My Disney Experience app, along with his exact meeting location.
Activities
The Imagination pavilion has a few activities for guests to try.
The “What If” Labs
The “What If” Labs is found inside ImageWorks.
This makes is perfect for kids and makes a great space for them to explore their senses at different interactive stations.
Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge
This lounge is reserved exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members and is completely complimentary.
The following is included:
- Seating
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Children’s play area
- Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Computers
- Member Services Advisors
The lounge is typically open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and located on the second floor of the ImageWorks merchandise location.
You will need to show valid Membership Card and photo ID for entry. The name on the Membership Card must match the name on the photo ID.
Party size is limited to the Member and up to 5 guests per Membership Card. Guests and associates must be accompanied by a Member with a valid Membership Card and photo ID.
There is no automatic re-entry. Members and their guests who leave must follow the same entry policy. Strollers must be parked at the attraction stroller parking outside.
Coin Press Machine
You can use this coin press machine to create Imagination-themed pressed pennies. You can either pay $1.00 for each or $5.00 for all 8.
This coin press machine is inside ImageWorks, next to the tunnel where Vanellope and Joy come in and out of to take a break.
Disney PhotoPass Photographer
The only PhotoPass photographer you’ll find in the pavilion is with the character meet and greets, except for Winnie the Pooh.
Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.
If there is a PhotoPass photographer, be sure to also ask if they have any fun “Magic Shots”!
Restrooms
You can find a set of restrooms attached to Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
They are located on around the corner on the far side of the building away from the main pavilion area.
Animal Relief Area
There is an open outdoor relief area next to the restrooms available for guests visiting with service animals.
You must pick up after the animal and leave the area clean. Find all animal relief locations on the official Disney World website.
Imagination Pavilion Checklist
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What’s your favorite thing about the Imagination pavilion at Epcot? Tell us in the comments!
Check out our deep dives into each country pavilion at Epcot:
We also have deep dives into each Neighborhood and their respective pavilions at Epcot:
Neighborhoods
Pavilions
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