Its been rumored that almost all of the set decorations from the original Imagination were destroyed immediately after they were removed from the attractions. A few pieces were returned to WDI for technical or personal reasons (i.e., souvenirs) and several other were picked up by the Disneys eBay Salvage Team.
There is a group that does nothing but rummage through various warehouses, storage facilities, and (its rumored) peoples desk looking for item to sell on eBay. Its rumored (again) that they recently carted off one of
Disneylands Keel Boats (which the park wanted to keep) under less than friendly circumstances. Someone believes that this activity will generate huge profits for The Company.
The figure of Dreamfinder is blocked out from the photo of the blimp on eBay because its not part of the sale. Disney wont sell any AA figure well, at least not yet.* What really gets me about the sale is the $15,000 shipping and handling charge. For that kind of money Id expect Dreamfinders blimp to fly to my house on its own power.
The changes to the ride will be slightly more than cosmetic, but dont expect a lot of structural or prop changes. Theres just not the budget for it.
*next time youre in the
Lego Store at Downtown Disney, look for all those Disney executives making envious eyes at Legos new motorized/computer-controlled product line. It looks just like early AA technology, doesnt it. But now its cheap and affordable for the kids market. Is someone whispering licensing deal in the background?
P.S. Did anyone read the warning about consulting toxic material specialist in the items description? Kind of makes one think.