ImageWorks: The What-If Labs
| ImageWorks: The What-If Labs | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Epcot | |
| Area | Future World, Imagination! Pavilion |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date |
October 1, 1982 (ImageWorks) 1999 (ImageWorks: The What-If Labs) |
| Closing date | 1998 (ImageWorks) |
| General statistics | |
| Attraction type | Interactive exhibit |
| Designer | WED Enterprises |
| Music | One Little Spark |
| Hosted by | Figment |
 Must transfer from wheelchair | |
The ImageWorks is an interactive exhibit area at Epcot's Imagination! pavilion, described in the closing spiel of the original Journey Into Imagination as "the creative playground of the future". Originally, the attraction was in the upstairs area of the pavilion in the glass pyramids. After the 1999 refurbishment of the ride, a new ImageWorks was constructed downstairs by the unload for the new attraction, under the name The What-If? Labs, with a few new things to see and do.
The original ImageWorks is in fact, mostly intact, though now used for special events and storage, though late in August, the area started being used for the finale of an interactive Kim Possible activity being tested around Epcot, primarily in World Showcase.[1] The ImageWorks has also appeared at Tokyo Disneyland in the form of a gift shop for Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. All association with Kodak was removed when the company ended its sponsorship of the pavilion in 2010; the only noticeable changes should be the disappearance of Kodak signs at the attraction.[2] As of early 2012, sponsorship of the area was assumed by ColorVision, a company that operates green-screen photo kiosks in many major theme parks.[3]
In June 2016 the ImageWorks staircase area of the Imagination Pavilion reopened as a lounge for Disney Vacation Club members but the original ImageWorks is still believed to be intact as it has been walled off.[4]
Exhibits
ImageWorks (1982-1998)
The original Imageworks was located on the second floor of the pavilion. It was closed and partially dismantled during the 1998 renovation of the pavilion. Some of the original equipment remains in place, but guests are no longer able to enter the second floor.
- Dreamfinder's School of Drama — Using a bluescreen, guests put themselves into a movie under the direction of Dreamfinder. Choices were a western (Daring Deputies and the Return of Sagebrush Sam), a fantasy film (Enchanted Travelers -- Wily Wizard the Cranky King), or a science fiction film (Acrobatic Astronauts in Galactic Getaway).[5]
- Pin Screens — A massive pin table.
- Stepping Tones — Guests create music from stepping on color panels
- Figment's Coloring Book — Guests colored images featuring Figment and Dreamfinder using electric "paintbrush guns"
- Rainbow Corridor — A large tunnel that featured colored lights that followed the guests as they went through, with each guest getting a different color. 1980's pop star Michael Jackson was one of the many people to walk down this hallway.
- Electronic Philharmonic — By the usage of sensors, guests could conduct an orchestra.
- Kaleidoscopes — Very large kaleidoscopes that could be controlled by the guest.
- Vibrating Mirrors — An effect that made the guests reflection warp like a funhouse mirror.
- Voice Activated Lumia — A 6-foot-diameter (1.8 m) sphere that would respond with light effects to the guests voice or sounds.
- Bubble Projectors — In the small pyramid, bubbles were projected on circular screens under the guests control. When they overlapped they would create new colors
ImageWorks – The "What If" Labs (1999-present)
This Imageworks incarnation is located on the first floor of the pavilion, outside of the ride exit. The area is directly adjacent to the pavilion's gift shop. It was known as the Kodak "What If?" Labs from 1999-2010 while Kodak was a sponsor for the exhibit. The Kodak name has since been dropped.
- Stepping Tones — much like the original, though now featuring picture panels making sounds
- Figment's Melody Maker — Added in the 2002 refurbishment, guests can cause Figment to play an instrument to the tune of One Little Spark, changing pitch by what height Figment is at on the screen
- Create A Figment — Also added in 2002, there are small touchscreens where guests can make their own Figment and email it to a friend or family member
- Simon — Replaced photograph area due to Kodak's lack of sponsorship.
See also
References
- ↑ "Epcot's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure Preview – Photos and Video". JeffLangeDVD.com.
- ↑ "Kodak Ends Sponsorship of Epcot's Imagination! Pavilion — DisZine".
- ↑ "Colorvision International Inc.".
- ↑ "'Disney Vacation Club New Lounge'". Member Lounge at Epcot – Now Open!.
- ↑ Smith, Dave, Disney A to Z: The Official encyclopedia (New York, 1996: Hyperion), p. 151
External links
Coordinates: 28°22′22.29″N 81°33′5.06″W / 28.3728583°N 81.5514056°W