I love the Muppets, and Muppet Vision 3D in particular. While I wouldn’t say that it’s my favorite movie IP of all time, it is definitely on the list. However, I would say that Muppet Vision is one of the most central pieces to their universe. Now, you can obviously be a Muppets fan without ever watching the show, but it is an instrumental part of Muppet history.
With the recent closure announcement set to make way for a Monsters Inc. themed land, there are a few things to think about. Like, what the closure means for the future of the characters and whether or not the show could be moved elsewhere.
Muppet Vision 3D Closing at Disney World
Disney announced a new Monsters Inc. land and a roller coaster is coming to Hollywood Studios at D23. Speculation started shortly after as Disney did not announce where the land was going to go. Now we know that Monsters Inc. will replace the Muppets Courtyard in its entirety. A closing date has not been announced for Muppet Vision and the surrounding area, but it is likely going to happen in late 2025 or early 2026.
There are a handful of small projects going on this year across Disney World’s four theme parks, and it appears they want to finish some of those up before getting started on major overhauls like Muppet Vision. So, if you are a Muppets fan, be sure to get one last show in before the park closes, and also stop for a bite to eat at Mama Melrose’s or Pizzerizzo’s.
What’s Replacing Muppet Vision 3D
It’s not clear what is replacing the Muppet Vision 3D show. The land will receive a Monsters Inc. overhaul, but the door coaster will be constructed in the parking lot. The building that contains Mama Melrose’s and Pizzerizzo will be repurposed into new eateries. From the concept art, it appears that Harry Hausen’s, the sushi restaurant from the first movie, will replace Mama Melrose’s.
As for the show itself, Disney has not announced what is replacing it. The concept art appears to have another show taking its place. However, some fans theorize that this could simply be the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor moving to a new location while others predict it’s going to be an all-new show. Another loss that hasn’t been mentioned much is the old Muppets store. The store has been closed since the pandemic (if not earlier) and it remains empty today. The demolition of the large building will open the courtyard up and provide a direct sightline from the main path to the new coaster.
Why Muppet Vision 3D Is Important
Muppet Vision 3D opened in May of 1991 as a part of Streets of America in Hollywood Studios (then Disney-MGM Studios). The Muppet’s creator and puppeteer Jim Henson passed away one year prior to the attraction opening, though his scenes were already recorded. Muppet Vision 3D marks the final project that Jim Henson personally oversaw.
Now, 30 years is a heck of a run for a theme park attraction, especially a 3D show. However, many Muppet fans are understandably upset with the removal. The biggest problem is that Hollywood Studios is the only place you can watch Muppet Vision 3D. Disney has surely considered putting it on Disney+, but it is impossible to recreate the entire experience.
The good news is that Disney did announce its intention to “preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.” I am perfectly fine with the Muppets taking a hiatus for a few years while Disney finds them a rightful home. However, I am concerned that it turns into a SpectroMagic situation where the show is slowly forgotten about and never spoken of again.
What’s Next for the Muppets at Disney World
One bit of good news that we got out of the recent announcement is that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will turn into a Muppets themed coaster. This change seems like a good one considering the fading popularity of Aerosmith and the band’s recent decision to stop touring. While I do like Aerosmith, I believe this has a lot of potential.
Moving into the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster courtyard should provide a small area that Imagineers can theme to the Muppets. Sunset Showcase just beyond Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is getting a villains show next year. Once the villains land opens in the Magic Kingdom it is possible that the building will become the new home to Muppet Vision.
While the rumor of Muppet Vision taking over Sunset Showcase makes sense, I am hopeful that it actually moves elsewhere. There are numerous theater buildings around Disney property that could receive the show. The Magic Eye Theater at the Imagination Pavilion would be a great home for the Muppets seeing as they’ve made several appearances at EPCOT recently. I find the shorts currently appearing have gotten a bit stale, so it could be time for a change. Additionally, Disney could use this theater as a flex space for other films, as they do at the One Man’s Dream theater in Hollywood Studios. It could even be on a rotation with other park films like Honey I Shrunk the Audience or Captain EO.
Muppet Vision 3D at Disney California Adventure
A few people have asked whether or not Muppet Vision exists anywhere else, including other Disney parks. Unfortunately, Hollywood Studios has the only operating Muppet Vision 3D show. It is also unavailable on streaming services or home video formats. Of course, you can find videos of the show on YouTube, but most are pretty low quality.
Some people may recall Muppet Vision 3D at Disney California Adventure. The show was located in the Hollywood Land section of the park and it lacked the theming and extras of Muppets Courtyard. That version of the show opened with the park in 2001 but closed in 2014 for a Frozen show. The theater began showing Mickey’s Philharmagic several years ago and continues to do so. It would be nice if Disney brought Muppet Vision back to this area while we wait for a new location in Disney World. However, that is extremely unlikely as the area is expected to turn into an Avatar-themed land.
