Muppet*Vision 3D‘s days are numbered, and we’ve just heard word of a Cast Member-exclusive event where Disney is planning to digitally preserve the show’s film portion.
According to social media posts from Disney Live Entertainment Cast Members, a special “Filming Event – Archiving MuppetVision 3D!” is scheduled for mid-May at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Cast Members are being invited to register for the event, where they will likely serve as the in-theater audience for the recording. The event seems to be part of Disney’s internal initiative to preserve the attraction ahead of its final performance on June 7th.
This follows Disney’s earlier statement when Muppet*Vision’s closure was initially announced, that the company is “having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.”
It remains unclear whether this archived recording of Muppet*Vision 3D will ever be released to the public, or remain solely within Disney’s internal archives. Nonetheless, the filming has reignited speculation that the show could find new life in digital form, including a Disney+ release or a reimagined virtual reality experience through platforms like Apple Vision Pro.
What Do You Think?
To be frank (and maybe a little sassy), what is the difference between a digital recording of a three-dimensional show and a 4K recording on YouTube? I’m hoping even more physical preservation is in store for the Muppets’ future park presence — perhaps including props and elements from the preshow, or the 19 animatronics featured. If Disney simply must use this space for new developments, how about moving the attraction to another area at Walt Disney World? EPCOT already has an under-utilized 3D theater next to Imagination, or the massive empty Wonders of Life pavilion. Not to mention the large footprint of today’s unnecessary Star Wars Launch Bay in Animation Courtyard. It just feels like a deeper cut to completely remove such an iconic piece of the park when there’s room elsewhere. (Here I go again)
Muppet*Vision 3D, which debuted in 1991, was the last project personally overseen by Jim Henson. It’s since been a beloved fixture at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for over three decades. Its upcoming closure will pave the way for a new Monstropolis-themed land, featuring a Monsters, Inc.-inspired door coaster and a reimagined central courtyard.
While the Muppets will eventually make their way over to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, neither an opening date nor a closing timeframe for the current version starring Aerosmith have been announced.
Muppet*Vision 3D closes on June 8th, 2025, with its last performances happening on June 7th. Go visit Kermit, Bean Bunny, Sweetums and friends while you can!
