The Honda Center in Anaheim was already buzzing from a weekend packed with historic Disney Parks announcements, but Walt Disney Imagineering saved its biggest surprise for last. In a true "one more thing" moment that brought the D23 crowd to its feet, Disney officially announced a top-to-bottom reimagining of EPCOT's Journey Into Imagination with Figment — and the Dreamfinder is coming back.

For long-time EPCOT fans, this is the announcement they have been waiting decades to hear.

The Ultimate "One More Thing" Reveal

As the D23 Disney Experiences Showcase drew to a close, executives took the stage to thank fans for an incredible weekend. But before the lights could come up, the unmistakable, whimsical chords of the Sherman Brothers' classic anthem "One Little Spark" began echoing through the arena — and host Neil Patrick Harris appeared on stage dressed as the Dreamfinder himself, holding a Figment.

Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum then addressed the roaring crowd directly:

"We are taking a new journey into imagination at EPCOT with Dreamfinder and Figment! I'm so happy to share this news tonight. We know how important this is to you. We've heard you, and this is one more way we're putting you in the center of everything we do."

Disney confirmed that a massive overhaul of the Imagination pavilion is in the early stages of development. The new attraction promises to blend state-of-the-art ride technology with the heartwarming, nostalgic storytelling that made the original 1983 version a beloved masterpiece of theme park design.

Who Is the Dreamfinder?

If you're a newer Disney fan, you might be wondering why a man in a top hat is generating so much excitement. To understand the magnitude of this announcement, you have to look back at EPCOT's opening decade.

When the original Journey Into Imagination opened in 1983, it introduced two original EPCOT characters:

• The Dreamfinder: A jolly, bearded scientist and explorer of the mind, dressed in a blue suit and top hat, who traveled the universe in his Dream-Catcher flying machine collecting sparks of inspiration.
• Figment: The manifestation of that inspiration — a playful, inquisitive purple dragon who served as Dreamfinder's sidekick.

In 1999, the attraction underwent a highly controversial refurbishment that removed the Dreamfinder and gave Figment a smaller role. Following massive guest backlash, a 2002 update brought Figment back in the current Journey Into Imagination with Figment iteration — but the Dreamfinder was nowhere to be seen. For 25 years, fans actively campaigned, petitioned, and hoped for his return. Now, Disney has finally answered that call.

Patience Is Required: No Official Timeline Yet

While the announcement sent the crowd into a frenzy, it was light on specifics. Chairman Mazloum's reveal centered on the return of the Dreamfinder and a coming update to Journey Into Imagination with Figment, but Disney did not share an official start date for the attraction's closure or an opening date for the reimagined experience.

The project is currently in its early "Blue Sky" and conceptual design phases. Walt Disney Imagineering wants to take the necessary time to get this important legacy project exactly right. That also means there is still plenty of time to ride the current version of Journey Into Imagination with Figment before it eventually closes to make way for the new adventure.

Following the announcement, Disney did share this official update about the attraction:

"Proving that a dream can be a dream come true, it was revealed that EPCOT will take a new journey into imagination with everyone's favorite purple dragon, Figment, and his longtime friend and companion, Dreamfinder. The whimsical dream-chaser who originally brought imagination to life in the Imagination pavilion's original attraction will return in a new adventure with Figment – all it takes is one little spark."

A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow for EPCOT

The promise of a revitalized Imagination pavilion, along with the announced update to Spaceship Earth, is helping position EPCOT for its 50th Anniversary in 2032. By bringing back the Dreamfinder, Disney is demonstrating that it is listening to the heart of its fanbase — bridging the gap between EPCOT's educational, nostalgic past and its technologically breathtaking future.

Are you excited to hear those two magical words — "Imagination, imagination" — sung by the Dreamfinder once again? Share your favorite memories of the original ride in the comments below!