Disney confirms the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios, but it’s not all bad news
There is “Muppet Mayhem” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The crowd erupted in excitement when Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro took the stage at this summer’s D23, the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, to announce the new “Monsters, Inc” themed world of Disney and Pixar. he’s coming to Hollywood Studios.
However, when the excitement died down, the questions started to come. Sure, it was fun to find out that Mike, Sulley and their friends from Monstropolis found their place, but where would the world go? And what would we lose to make room for such a world?
Another attraction longtime Disney fans were immediately concerned about was the possibility of being on the chopping block for Muppet*Vision 3D, a 3D movie starring the favorite Muppet characters. It’s the only attraction in the park’s Muppet Courtyard, an area that, while popular among Muppets fans, hasn’t gotten much love in recent years.
On Friday, Disney confirmed that the Muppets are indeed leaving their home in Hollywood Studios’ Muppets Courtyard to make way for the newly announced “Monsters, Inc.” the world.
On the Disney Parks blog, Disney shared that “Monsters, Inc.” the world was added “south of Disney’s Hollywood Studios” and that they “have creative talks and ways to explore the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.”
This is a great way to say that Muppet Courtyard, and Muppet*Vision 3D, is closing to make way for Monstropolis. It’s hard for fans of both attractions again the visionary creator of the Muppets, Jim Henson. Muppet*Vision 3D was one of the last projects Henson worked on, although he died in 1990 before the attraction premiered on May 16, 1991, the first day of Henson’s death.
There aren’t many details on the new world yet, but Disney revealed at D23 that it will be the home of the first coaster set up in a Disney park. The coaster will take passengers inside a warehouse, just like in the original “Monsters, Inc.” the movie. Visitors will also be able to visit the laughter factory that powers the city and meet their favorite cuddly characters.
Work on the “Monsters, Inc.”-themed world is scheduled to begin in 2025.
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But it’s not all bad news for Muppet lovers.
As part of the announcement, Disney also shared that “Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and some of their friends will be moving to Sunset Boulevard” and taking over the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
The current theme of the tour includes music and a story based on Aerosmith, a band that was popular with older generations but my kids have never heard of. They are very familiar with the Muppets, and I, for one, think this is a change for the better.
With the Muppets on board, the ride will now feature the Muppets “joining the biggest rockin’ music festival stars!” (Maybe we can’t count out Aerosmith just yet!) Disney assured guests there was still time to experience Muppet*Vision 3D and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster before they closed.
No matter, this rewritten theme will breathe new life into Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Muppet Courtyard (may he rest in peace). Losing Muppet*Vision 3D is hard. It’s one of the park’s longest-running attractions and has more meaning than just being a silly 3D movie.
But the change also means Hollywood Studios will be home to the first Muppets-themed roller coaster again the first suspended coaster at a Disney park. We’re not losing the Muppets, they just found a new home – a very happy one.
Stay tuned for future updates as we learn more about when these attractions will open.
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