The Muppets are already packing up and getting ready to move to a new home in just a few months
Muppet Vision 3D has long been one of the most iconic 3D theaters at Disney World. I still remember watching it back in 1994 during a visit to what was then MGM Studios and having a great time. I was never a huge Muppets fan, but I knew about Kermit, Miss Piggy, that funny brown monkey whose name escapes me, and the Muppet with the weird nose. Sorry, as I told you, my Muppet knowledge is limited.
That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate their impact. The Muppets hold a special place in the childhood memories of many guests, making the news of MuppetVision 3D closing to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. Land bittersweet. While we’ve known for some time that MuppetVision 3D would be closing, today we finally have the exact date to say goodbye.
Disney has just announced that Muppet Vision 3D will permanently close on June 7, while the nearby restaurant, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, will shut its doors on May 10.
Muppet Vision 3D was Jim Henson's final major project and film, making it an especially meaningful attraction for fans. Fortunately, Disney plans to release the 3D movie for purchase later, preserving this piece of Muppet history.
I actually think it makes sense for Disney to close Muppet Vision 3D. The attraction struggled with low popularity, often seeing wait times of just 5 minutes. While the 3D movie was enjoyable, it also felt very dated. I know Muppets fans may not want to hear this, and I do appreciate the charm of this classic Hollywood Studios attraction, but sometimes it’s better to move on and make way for something new.
The Muppets aren’t disappearing entirely, though, as they’re getting a new gig. They’ll be replacing Aerosmith at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. As I’ve mentioned before on Famvia, this change opens the door for an incredible new soundtrack for the ride. Imagine racing through the track to songs from Metallica, Iron Maiden, or other legendary heavy metal bands.
Now that’s a job for Animal.
