Happy post-Muppet-announcement Monday, friends. How are we feeling?
With Disney’s recent decision to close Muppet*Vision 3D for the future Monsters, Inc.-themed land, their having “creative conversations” for preserving the film, AND with The Jim Henson Company’s follow-up statement “we look forward to Muppet*Vision 3D’s next act”; us Muppet fans are eager to find out where our beloved show could end up next, if anywhere.
While the sad news was accompanied by the surprise of the eventual Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster… we need more. Not to mention the large demographic of Muppet fans who may not be able to enjoy a high-speed thrill ride this inherently cuts out. For a franchise that spans generations, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster isn’t the most accessible, nor the first choice for young kids or older folks. I’m looking forward to what is next for the Muppets at Walt Disney World, but also dreaming up what could be next for Muppet*Vision, all of the preshow props such as the net full of Jello, those giant Kermit statues, that Miss Piggy fountain… UGH.
Here are some ideas on where Muppet*Vision could end up next at Walt Disney World:
- Sunset Showcase – the previous home to Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is conveniently located just beyond Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and seems like the ideal location for the Muppet move. The new Disney Villains show opens summer 2025 here, but who knows how long that will last. It’s tucked back into a border of the park, and could accommodate plenty of set pieces to better theme the surrounding area leading from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. I just want that Miss Piggy fountain, okay?!
- Another potential Disney’s Hollywood Studios re-home could be the Mickey Shorts Theater. This is another “flexible” theater space within the park that could accommodate the Muppet move, but maybe on a less grander scale than what Sunset Showcase could ultimately be.
- Another possibility that’s being thrown around by fans is the Pixar Film Festival at EPCOT, as it’s located in the Imagination Pavilion and has hosted several 3D presentations over the years. This would certainly add another welcomed feature of Muppets at EPCOT. Maybe we’ll see the return of the Muppet Mobile Lab? Perhaps playing up Muppet Labs even further at Food & Wine? Great, now I’m hungry for some Regal Eagle BBQ…
Do you have something to say? There’s no harm in adding your voice to fight the good fight. What’s done is done, Monstropolis is moving into Muppet Avenue, but we don’t know the fate of Muppet*Vision’s future just yet. I highly encourage you to share your feelings on this iconic legacy from Jim Henson, the closure, and the possibilities for the future of Muppets in theme parks by emailing [email protected].
