One group of EPCOT guests recently experienced a very unlucky ride stop on one of the park’s most polarizing attractions, Journey Into Imagination with Figment. While some might argue that getting stuck upside down on a roller coaster or before a big drop would be the worst-case scenario, these guests found themselves in a truly “smelly” situation.
When you think of attractions at Walt Disney World, you imagine thrilling rides, magical experiences, and the excitement of exploring new worlds. However, not every Disney ride moment is filled with magic—sometimes, guests get stuck in some rather unusual and, let’s say, “less magical” places.
Let’s take a look at what happened during this hilarious yet unfortunate incident, explore the history and charm of Figment, and discuss why this particular breakdown has left guests both amused and, well, holding their noses.
The Beloved (and Sometimes Baffling) Journey Into Imagination With Figment
If you’ve been to EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort, you’ve likely encountered Journey Into Imagination with Figment. The ride has been part of EPCOT since 1983, though it’s gone through various updates over the years. This whimsical attraction takes guests on an imaginative journey led by Figment, a small, mischievous purple dragon who embodies the spirit of creativity.
The ride is designed to explore the five senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste—while encouraging guests to think outside the box and embrace their imagination. It’s a colorful and slightly wacky experience, with Figment’s playful personality shining through every scene. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Journey Into Imagination is one of EPCOT’s most iconic attractions.
But not every moment of the ride is filled with rainbows and whimsy. There’s one part of the attraction that stands out for its, well, less-than-pleasant odor. During the “sense of smell” portion of the ride, guests are greeted with an unexpected surprise as Figment appears as a skunk and releases a rather pungent odor. It’s all in good fun, of course, but it’s certainly not where you’d want to get stuck during a ride breakdown.
A Smelly Breakdown: Guests Get Stuck in Figment’s “Busted Fart Tunnel”
Recently, a group of guests had the unlucky experience of getting stuck right in the middle of Figment’s infamous “smelly tunnel” during a breakdown on Journey Into Imagination with Figment. TikToker Disney Dan captured the entire experience on video, sharing the hilarity (and discomfort) with his followers.
@disneydanyoutube This ride is truly cursed. It broke 3 times while we were on it. And Disney is actively rolling out a new meetable character for this attraction later this year. #epcot #disney #figment @Disney Parks #animatronic #broken #breakdown
In the video, Disney Dan describes the ride as “cursed,” noting that it broke down three times during a single ride. But the real kicker? One of those breakdowns happened right in the middle of the tunnel where Figment—disguised as a skunk—releases a blast of unpleasant odor. Known for his humor, Disney Dan joked about being stuck in what he called the “busted fart tunnel,” where the unpleasant smell just kept lingering.
“Someone unplug it and plug it back in,” Disney Dan laughed, referencing the all-too-familiar tactic of fixing malfunctioning electronics. “Just keep blasting us with burnt coffee!” he joked, referring to the strange smell that guests experience in this part of the ride.
Other riders could be heard laughing along with him, trying to make the best of an unfortunate situation. While getting stuck in an attraction is never ideal, the combination of Figment’s quirky antics and the less-than-pleasant aroma certainly made this a breakdown to remember.
Figment: A Polarizing Disney Icon
It’s worth noting that Figment is one of Disney’s most polarizing characters. Some Disney fans adore the little purple dragon, while others are less than impressed. Figment first appeared in the original Journey Into Imagination ride back in the early 1980s, and over the decades, he’s become a symbol of EPCOT’s imaginative spirit.
For many fans, Figment represents creativity, curiosity, and the magic of thinking outside the box. His whimsical and often mischievous nature makes him an endearing figure for kids and adults alike. In fact, Figment has a devoted fanbase that loves collecting Figment-themed merchandise, from plush toys to limited-edition pins.
However, not everyone is a fan of the current version of Journey Into Imagination. The ride has gone through several iterations over the years, and some longtime Disney enthusiasts argue that the original version was superior. Regardless of where you stand on the Figment debate, there’s no denying that this attraction has earned its place as a quintessential part of the EPCOT experience.
Getting Stuck on a Disney Ride: What to Expect
Ride breakdowns happen occasionally at Walt Disney World, but Disney’s Cast Members are always quick to address the issue and get things back up and running. When a ride stops temporarily, it’s often due to minor technical issues or to ensure guest safety. In many cases, the ride will restart within a few minutes, and guests can continue enjoying the experience.
But what happens if you find yourself stuck in an unusual or inconvenient part of a ride, like Disney Dan did in Figment’s “smelly tunnel”? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel a little frustrated if you’re stuck on a ride, especially in an uncomfortable spot. But Disney’s Cast Members are trained to handle these situations and will do everything they can to resolve the issue quickly.
- Make the Best of It: As Disney Dan and his fellow riders demonstrated, sometimes the best way to handle a ride breakdown is to have a sense of humor about it. After all, Disney is all about making memories—even the unexpected ones.
- Know That Disney Will Make It Right: If you experience a significant delay or inconvenience, Disney often goes the extra mile to ensure that guests are taken care of. Whether it’s offering a return pass for the attraction or providing a complimentary experience, Disney wants every guest to leave with a smile.
Figment’s Future at EPCOT
Despite the mixed opinions about Figment and the current version of Journey Into Imagination, Disney shows no signs of retiring the little purple dragon anytime soon. In fact, Disney recently introduced a meet-and-greet experience with Figment, allowing guests to interact with the beloved character in person.
This move suggests that Figment will remain a central part of EPCOT’s future. With the park undergoing a massive transformation as part of its EPCOT Reimagined project, fans can expect to see more exciting updates and additions in the coming years. Whether Figment’s role will evolve as part of these changes remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—he’s not going anywhere just yet.
Getting stuck on a Disney ride is never ideal, but when it happens in a place like Figment’s “busted fart tunnel,” it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. While this particular breakdown might have left guests holding their noses, it also provided a funny story and a memorable moment in true Disney fashion.
At the end of the day, Walt Disney World is all about embracing the magic of the unexpected. Whether you’re soaring through EPCOT on a smooth ride or dealing with a quirky breakdown, the best way to enjoy your Disney vacation is to keep a positive attitude and remember that every moment—good or smelly—is part of the adventure.
Have you ever been stuck on a Disney ride in an unusual or uncomfortable spot? Share your story in the comments below!
