The Eastman Kodak Co., better known as Kodak, has been a familiar presence around the Disney parks since the opening of Disneyland in 1955. Currently, 50 Kodak picture spots can be found around Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and the company provides corporate sponsorship of such attractions as Mickey’s Philharmagic in the Magic Kingdom. Many Walt Disney World guests also know Kodak as the sponsor of the Imagination! Pavilion in Epcot, which houses the ride “Journey Into Imagination with Figment” and the “ImageWorks” interactive play area. However, while Kodak’s presence in the parks will continue, it will now be slightly decreased, as Walt Disney World and Kodak have confirmed that the Kodak sponsorship of both the Imagination! Pavilion and a Tomorrowland theater in Disneyland is no more.
Neither party would discuss the reasons behind the change, the Orlando Sentinel reports, but it does not seem to be due to a major conflict between the two companies, as Kodak spokesman David Lanzillo says:
“We continue to have a positive, productive relationship with Disney, and we are discussing possible future collaborations.”
Disney states that the end of this partnership will not bring any noticeable changes to the pavilion besides the removal of Kodak signs. However, the news of this sponsorship ending has brought hopes to many Walt Disney World fans that the “Journey Into Imagination with Figment” ride may return to its former glory (the most acclaimed version of the attraction, “Journey Into Imagination,” closed in 1998). With the former attraction “Captain EO” currently being revived next door to the attraction, it will be interesting to see if this news brings any new (or old) developments to the pavilion.
Photo copyright Disney
