The lights are going dark on Muppet Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The attraction will close on June 7, 2025 after entertaining guests for more than 34 years. As the Muppets exit (and eventually head to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster), Disney is transforming the Muppets Courtyard area into a Monsters Inc. land.
It’s never easy to write about Disney closing an attraction. In the case of Muppet Vision 3D, it’s especially tough because of its long history at Hollywood Studios and its connection to Muppets creator Jim Henson. That said, we thought we’d share a few thoughts (rants?) as yet another piece of the old Hollywood Studios fades into the history books.
We’re big fans of Muppet Vision 3D – in case it wasn’t obvious. The concept of a 3D theatre show is relatively simple, but the brilliance in Muppet Vision 3D is how it takes a simple concept and elevates it. The Muppet spin and humor transforms the 3D film concept into something special.
The fun starts before you even walk into the theatre. Muppets humor starts outside the building, including a fun easter egg where the key from security is actually located under the mat. Much of that theming has been removed in recent years, unfortunately. Guests are then surrounded by Muppets puns and sight gags in the pre-show area just outside the theatre. There’s too much to take in with just one viewing.
There’s even a bit of movie history in the pre-show area – a tuxedo worn by Kermit!
After a short wait, guests head in and take their seats in the theatre. It’s immediately clear this isn’t your average 3D film thanks to some great animatronic figures. We obviously love Statler and Waldorf, but let’s not forget the penguin orchestra!
The theatre comes to life and goes from 3D to 4D thanks to bubbles, lighting effects, a very real appearance of Sweetums, and of course the grand finale that destroys the theatre. One of our favorite effects are the arrows that stick out of the theatre’s walls at the show’s climax. A great touch. Muppet Vision 3D is an experience you can love even if you’re not familiar with the characters. It’s just fun.
Muppet Vision 3D is loaded with that familiar Muppets humor that fits perfectly into Walt Disney World. There are puns, jokes, and some very clever writing that captures how the Muppets feel to guests who grew up with the movies and shows. We’ll concede that the 3D character Waldo isn’t the most endearing. However, we think the rest of the Muppets shine throughout a script that perfectly captures the essence of each one.
Some will point to Muppet Vision 3D’s low wait times and suggest it’s a failure or ripe for replacement. That’s silly. Not every attraction has to be an E-ticket. Not every attraction needs massive wait times. An attraction with good capacity, like Muppet Vision 3D, shouldn’t have big wait times.
A theme park shouldn’t be only made up of E-ticket rides. It needs to be a mix and offer options for guests of all ages. Muppet Vision 3D could be enjoyed by all ages. The fact it was also a chance to enjoy air conditioning in a comfortable seat was a nice bonus.
While the Muppets are going to get a new presence in Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, that’s not a perfect trade. Muppet Vision 3D was open to all guests while Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is not. The height requirement alone will keep the youngest guests away. That’s a shame. One spark of hope is Muppet Vision 3D could return in some capacity in the future should Disney decide to revisit a classic – it’s not that complicated of an attraction.
We want to see more Muppets, not less. We want new builds, not replacements. Alas, those are points we’ve preached for years that have fallen on deaf ears. We’re sure we’ll enjoy whatever is cooked up for the Monsters Inc. area, but we’re sad to see yet another classic close.
At least these two guys will be thrilled to leave.
