One of the biggest surprise announcements from this year’s D23 Experience Showcase was the Monsters, Inc. land for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the door coaster we’ve always wanted. But, does it come at a price for us Muppet fans? As Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to evolve, rumors about the potential closure of Muppets to make way for Monsters have sparked some passionate debates. It’s essential to consider the unique value the Muppets bring to the table. While the addition of Monstropolis is an exciting development, there are other areas of the park to build upon instead of removing an entire beloved franchise.
It’s been a few months since that initial announcement, and I’m still fearful the end is near for our precious Muppet*Vision 3D, that iconic Miss Piggy fountain, and the surrounding area. In an effort to combat the closure, here’s why I feel Disney should carefully evaluate the impact of such a decision.
Jim’s Legacy
Jim Henson was a huge Disney World fanatic, it was a dream of his to bring his cast of characters to life here. Striking the theme-park deal with Disney was the next chapter of creativity he was genuinely excited about before his untimely passing. Devastatingly, Monsters, Inc. moving into Muppets Courtyard would kill the final project Jim Henson ever worked on.
Muppets Courtyard (now known as Grand Avenue) is charming and whimsical, celebrating the beloved characters created by Jim Henson. This area isn’t just a land; it’s a tribute to a legacy of creativity and humor that has touched generations. The Muppets’ distinct blend of irreverence and heart has a special place in the Disney canon, and removing it diminishes that legacy.
Fan-Favorite
Despite focal changes of Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the years, Muppets Courtyard remains a popular and beloved section of the park. Muppet*Vision 3D continues to draw crowds with its special effects, humor, and that pre-show!
For many visitors, the area represents a nostalgic return to their childhoods. The Muppets have been a significant part of family entertainment for decades, and the land offers a tangible connection to this cherished past. Preserving this nostalgic experience is crucial for maintaining a broad appeal to guests of all ages.
SAVE KERMIT
Did Josh D’Amaro avoid sharing closure details at D23 to save time, or to avoid live, negative feedback? Can we please stop replacing things and ADD capacity if room allows? The parks feel busier than ever, they need more – not the same, not less. Especially at the cost of an entire beloved franchise.
Disney acquired The Muppets franchise in 2004. Twenty years and a few cancellations of new Muppet series later, it feels like they’re not sure what to do with Kermit and the gang. They have to know they’re popular. On the theme park side of things, they’ve employed The Muppets to help usher in [non-Muppet] theme park news at 2023’s Destination D23 event, a sweet rendition of Rainbow Connection plays on Spaceship Earth during each run of EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, they incorporated in-the-felt Kermit and Miss Piggy at last year’s inaugural Jollywood Nights and this year’s 35th anniversary celebration of the park, and randomly release merchandise collections throughout the year. Curiously, the Stage 1 Company Store has remained closed since 2020, with rare [non-Muppet] merchandise events utilizing the space.
Disney, don’t let this be a Great-Movie-Ride-sized mistake. Introduce Monstropolis, please, but don’t take away our Muppets. What are you doing with that empty Animation Courtyard anyways? Hasn’t Star Wars been launched already?
The Muppets celebrate 70 years in 2025 — Honor Henson and keep them at the parks. Better yet, (*gasp*) how about revitalizing the land?! Bring on Muppet encounters or meet and greets, maybe start “moving earth” for the Great Muppet Movie Ride that has been conceptualized. We can start with re-opening the Stage 1 gift shop with Muppet merchandise you know will sell out.
If there truly is zero possibility of Monstropolis taking up the mostly-unused Animation Courtyard, expanding the park’s perimeter, or moving ANYWHERE ELSE, could the Muppets move somewhere else in the park? Perhaps an Electric Mayhem takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster, which could also accommodate key props and scenic pieces from the current Grand Avenue area, such as that Miss Piggy Fountain. Please.
While that blue sky idea would mean the end of Muppet*Vision and its iconic preshow, the Muppets would still have some sort of permanent theme park presence – and ultimately, that’s what Jim wanted.
I don’t know if I can take saying goodbye to both dinosaurs and Muppets in Walt Disney World. I am at my limit. What is even happening.
TL/DR: Find another spot. Thank you.
