Let’s Celebrate 40 Years of Figment!
Though much of the attention over the past year has been on Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, we’ve also reached another important milestone at the Most Magical Place on Earth. Our favorite dragon of the imagination Figment first came to life on March 5, 1983. Since that time Figment has captured the hearts of millions as the embodiment of imagination and wonder.
Check out this incredible video below of Stacia Martin taking us through how to bring Figment to life in this pencil sketch tutorial.
The dictionary describes figment as something believed to be real but found ultimately to exist only in the imagination. When Imagineers originally came up with the concept for Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT Center, Figment was created as a character who would bridge the gap between the intangible and tangible, impossible and possible and embody that childlike wonder that can be found within us all!
The original attraction sough to engage the imagination through art and technology and Figment even had special friends joining him in this endeavor.
As you probably remember, when the Imagination Pavilion first came to life, Figment was joined by his beloved playmate Dreamfinder. Known for his glasses, top hat and swallowtail coat with red beard, he was know for his playfulness and enthusiasm. Dreamfinder was purposefully dressed in 19th century attire and drove a “dream-gathering” airship.
It wasn’t long before Figment became the star of the show. Fans fell in love with him for the depth of his imagination – one that imagined a future without limits. Shortly after Figment’s creation, Disney Educational Media created a series of short films staring the dragon. This was released at schools nationwide with each film covering abstract subjects like sound, time and language.
Over the years, due to his popularity, Figment has become a popular subject for Disney souvenirs and collectibles. We’ve found him on everything from themed snacks to Spirit Jersey’s and backpacks. And who remembers the fervor when the Figment Souvenir popcorn container originally went on sale.
Today, Figment has joined the ranks of other popular characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and more! He has even become the star of his own comic book series! Aptly titled “Figment” it was released under the Disney Kingdom’s Banner. The comic book came out in June of 2014 and recounted the adventures of Dreamfinder and Figment. The five-issue series proved so popular with Disney fans that a second series would come out in 2015!
Source: JimZub.com
Today, Figment continues to intrigue and inspire whether that through the attraction Journey Into the Imagination with Figment, on his Festival of the Arts scavenger hunt and on merchandise in retail shops.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Disney during this year’s Flower and Garden Festival (which runs through until July 5th) you can also check out the Figment-themed topiary on display!
The future looks bright of Figment and we can’t wait to see what’s next. Disney Chairman Josh D’Amaro also teased that Figment meet and greets would be returning to the theme parks in the near future.
Happy 40th Birthday Figment! Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Figment and Disney World related news and updates.
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