EPCOT has recently welcomed new Figment merchandise, the purple dragon who has sparked debates among Disney fans for decades. Now featured on a Squishmallow bag charm, Figment is a divisive character within the Disney portfolio. On one hand, devoted EPCOT enthusiasts see him as a symbol of creativity and imagination, defending his presence.
On the other hand, some fans believe the current Journey into Imagination ride, which debuted in 2002, is outdated and want newer attractions instead. Despite criticisms of the ride and calls for updates, Figment merchandise, including limited-edition pins, continues to sell out quickly. The recent Squishmallow release has reignited interest in this beloved, yet controversial, character.
What You're Actually Getting
The Figment charm costs $16.99 and is available at EPCOT, especially in World Celebration, where Figment is most popular. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Disney has dressed Figment in his classic yellow and red sweater, which has been his signature look for many years. The details are quite good for such a small item. Instead of printing his features, they embroidered his face, his name on the chest, and his orange horns.
The back of the charm has interesting details for collectors. His wings and scales are three-dimensional and extend down his tail. The charm is made from the soft material that Squishmallows are known for, making it enjoyable to squeeze. A lavender clip is at the top, which makes it easy to attach to backpacks, purses, or belt loops, so you can show off your Figment love.
This is not the first time Figment has been made into a Squishmallow. Recently, Disney released a larger version that was very popular, with many people trying to buy one. The charm version offers fans a more practical option for everyday use.
EPCOT's Timing Is Everything
Here's where Disney deserves some credit for reading the room. Bag charms are having a massive cultural moment right now, especially among younger shoppers and anyone who's spent more than five minutes on social media lately. People are decorating their bags with everything from designer keychains to collectible figures. It's become an entire subculture of personal expression, turning functional items like backpacks into canvases for showing off your personality and interests.
Disney recognizing this trend and creating products that fit into it shows they're paying attention to what customers actually want rather than just churning out random merchandise. The Figment charm slots perfectly into existing consumer behavior instead of trying to create demand from scratch.
There's also a brutally practical reason why this product makes sense, and it has everything to do with airports. If you've ever witnessed the chaos of families traveling home from Disney World, you've seen the carnage. Parents struggling with massive stuffed animals that their kids absolutely had to have. Oversized plushies getting squished into overhead compartments. That adorable giant Stitch that seemed reasonable in the store becomes a logistical nightmare by the time you're navigating TSA.
The bag charm eliminates this entire problem. Kids still get their soft, cuddly Figment. Parents don't have to deal with hauling around what essentially becomes extra luggage. It clips onto bags that are already being carried anyway, adding zero bulk or weight to travel arrangements. For international visitors dealing with strict baggage limits, these charms are perfect solutions that let them bring home Disney magic without exceeding weight restrictions or paying oversize fees.
Why Any of This Matters
The continued success of Figment merchandise despite his attraction's struggles tells us something interesting about how Disney characters maintain relevance. It's not always about having the best ride or the most recent movie. Sometimes a character just connects with people on a level that transcends their original medium.
Figment represents something bigger than his attraction. For longtime Disney fans, he's a connection to EPCOT's original vision. For newer generations, he's a quirky underdog character with a dedicated fanbase. Disney has proven to be a merchandising goldmine, consistently delivering returns year after year.
The Squishmallow bag charm is just another chapter in Figment's unlikely success story. Whether his ride ever gets the overhaul fans keep demanding remains to be seen. But based on how these products keep selling, that purple dragon isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Disney has clearly figured out that sometimes the character matters more than the attraction, and they're riding that wave straight to the bank.
