Hope for Muppet*Vision 3D? Henson Family Confirms Disney Could Reopen Attraction
After more than three decades in the park, Muppet*Vision 3D has officially closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The announcement, while expected, was met with disappointment from longtime fans who had hoped the Muppets might still have a future in the park.
But before the attraction’s final curtain call, Disney took a quieter step — one that may signal the company hasn’t said goodbye entirely.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
Muppet*Vision 3D holds a rare position in theme park history. Debuting in 1991, the 3D attraction was one of the last creative projects developed by Jim Henson himself before his death in 1990. Working with the original Muppet performers, Henson crafted a show that blended classic Muppet humor with then-cutting-edge 3D effects and in-theater gags.
Set inside the fictional Muppet Labs, the attraction followed a chaotic demonstration of the Muppets’ latest technological breakthrough — a 3D sprite named Waldo, whose antics spiraled out of control. The film starred Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the full Muppet ensemble, and was accompanied by physical effects, animatronics, and the familiar banter of Statler and Waldorf from the theater balcony.
The experience was as efficient as it was beloved. “From the get-go, they designed it so that 500 people could go through every 25 minutes,” said Brian Henson, son of Jim Henson, in a recent interview. “It was one of the most highly experienced attractions, I think, that Disney ever made.”
That history has earned the show a devoted fanbase, many of whom were blindsided when Disney confirmed its closure in 2024 to make way for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land.
“They Could Bring It Back”
Disney’s statements regarding the closure struck a bittersweet tone. “We are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future,” the company said.
That promise appears to have been upheld — at least in part — during a special event held on May 14. Called “Archiving Muppet*Vision 3D,” the internal cast member event reportedly included a full high-definition capture of the show and documentation of its key elements.
According to Brian Henson, the process went further. “They wrapped it up in the way Disney does, where everything is recorded for historical purposes and all the animatronics are packed away perfectly,” he told TheaterMania. “So, theoretically, they could bring it back out if they wanted to at some point.”
Disney has not publicly committed to reintroducing the attraction, but fans have speculated that Muppet*Vision 3D could return in some form — possibly via Disney+, virtual reality, or a relocated experience elsewhere in the parks. California Adventure, which once hosted the show from 2001 to 2014, has been floated as a potential option.
What’s Replacing It
Meanwhile, construction on the new Monsters, Inc. area is already underway. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District recently released filings detailing the layout of the upcoming land, which will span roughly 10 acres and include the highly anticipated Door Coaster — a suspended ride that will be the largest building at Hollywood Studios.
The attraction will surpass even Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in size, second only to EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind resort-wide. The land will also include a themed restaurant, retail space, and a new show venue. The status of Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom remains uncertain.
The new area is expected to open in 2027 or 2028, making it clear that Disney’s vision for Grand Avenue is now firmly focused on Pixar’s future — not the Muppets’ past.
Do you think Disney should bring back Muppet*Vision 3D?
