It’s been confirmed that Disney is planning to close MuppetVision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which was the final project Jim Henson worked on before his passing in 1990. Adored by fans for its unique charm and creativity, the attraction will officially cease operations on June 7, 2025, to pave the way for a Monsters Inc.-themed area.
Starting May 10, Mama Melrose’s Italian Restaurant will bid farewell to its guests, while Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will close their doors on June 7. These changes are being made as Disney prepares to develop a Monsters, Inc.-themed area within Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) January 24, 2025
In a move that’s undeniably disappointing for Henson’s lasting impact, Disney is replacing the beloved Muppets’ iconic status with an unwanted expansion that seems unnecessary to many.
Based on Scott Gustin’s reports, the closure will also affect Mama Melrose’s Italian Restaurant and PizzeRizzo. Construction barriers are set to be erected behind the Coca-Cola stand on June 8, effectively sealing off the entire Muppets Courtyard. Mama Melrose will bid farewell to its guests first, closing down on May 10.
The news has provoked anger from fans, who view it as another demonstration of Disney’s corporate avarice and apparent disrespect towards the creative enchantment that underpins their empire.
MuppetVision 3D is not just an amusement; it’s a valuable historical artifact. It was the last time Jim Henson appeared as Kermit the Frog, showcasing his exceptional talent and ingenuity. The attraction boasts an engaging pre-show, the classic humor of Statler and Waldorf, and a warmth that contemporary Disney seems unable to recreate. However, this doesn’t seem to matter to the leadership of Disney’s Parks and Experiences, headed by Josh D’Amaro, who appears determined to trade Henson’s work for a glitzy but emotionless Monsters Inc. endeavor.
The sadness deepens due to Disney’s decision not to expand into less sensitive areas of the park, such as the Animation Courtyard, which houses the now defunct Star Wars Launch Bay and an underutilized Disney Junior theater. It seems that the Monsters Inc. land could have been accommodated here without wiping out a significant piece of Disney and Muppet history. However, whispers suggest that Disney executives rejected this idea to shield their adjacent offices, thereby sacrificing Henson’s cherished masterpiece in the process.
Instead of addressing the problem of the Muppets’ absence, Disney has chosen to exacerbate the issue by placing the updated, less dynamic versions of the Muppets onto Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. This transformation, dubbed by Disney as “the first-ever Muppets ride,” will star the underwhelming modern renditions of Kermit, Miss Piggy, and their companions, leaving longtime fans disenchanted.
This action seems more about appeasing fans who love the Muppets, rather than nurturing the franchise’s quality, potentially leading it towards mediocrity.
Disney’s management of the Muppets has been disappointingly poor, according to Frank Oz, a long-term collaborator and voice behind iconic characters like Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear, who has openly criticized the company for their apparent lack of comprehension and appreciation for the Muppets. After forcing out Oz and dismissing Steve Whitmire—Henson’s handpicked successor as Kermit—Disney opted to bring in new performers whose performances have been met with indifference by fans.
It seems like the choice to swap MuppetVision 3D with a Monsters Inc. themed land appears to be missing the mark in terms of what guests are asking for. Although Monsters Inc. is well-known, its impact and fanbase don’t seem large enough to justify such a drastic change. Instead, many guests have been hoping Disney would focus on improving underdeveloped areas of the park, like Animation Courtyard, rather than removing established attractions. It’s as if Disney is more concerned with immediate profits than with providing long-term value to its guests.
The upcoming territory offers a suspended roller coaster modeled after the doorway vault scene from Monsters, Inc., along with new dining and shopping opportunities. Yet, considering Disney’s recent history of underwhelming attractions and cost-cutting measures, there’s not much faith that this will adequately compensate for what fans are giving up.
Closing down MuppetVision 3D isn’t merely shutting down an attraction; it feels like obliterating a piece of Jim Henson’s artistic legacy. Disney opting to develop Monsters Inc. instead of maintaining the Muppets’ historical site in Hollywood Studios seems disrespectful to fans and a somber indication of the company’s current focus. Even though Disney boasts about preserving its history, decisions like this expose a corporate entity that prioritizes financial gains over the artistic essence that once characterized it.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but echo the words of Jim Henson: “Life is like a movie, craft your own finale.” However, it’s with a heavy heart that I acknowledge Disney has decided to rewrite the ending for MuppetVision 3D. Truly, it feels like a loss to see such an iconic tale being altered in this way.
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2025-01-24 20:55