Disney Honored MuppetVision 3D in New Muppets Special With Sabrina Carpenter
Even though MuppetVision 3D has officially closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the beloved attraction hasn’t disappeared entirely. In fact, it recently resurfaced in an unexpected place, hidden in plain sight, during Disney’s newest Muppets project.
The recently released The Muppet Show 50th anniversary special, which premiered on ABC and Disney+, includes a subtle nod to the retired attraction that longtime Disney fans quickly recognized. While casual viewers may have missed it, the reference serves as a quiet acknowledgment of MuppetVision 3D’s legacy, even as Disney moves forward with new projects and park expansions.
A Familiar Sign Makes a Surprise Appearance
During a Muppet Labs segment in the anniversary special, a sign reading “Muppet Lab Techs Only” can be seen hanging on the wall behind the characters. This is not a newly created prop. The sign originally came from MuppetVision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
In the park, the sign was located near a staircase outside the attraction that guests could not access, meaning most visitors never noticed it during the ride’s decades-long run. Its appearance in the new special brings that piece of park history to a much wider audience, including viewers who never experienced the attraction or were unaware of its behind-the-scenes details.
The reuse of the prop appears intentional, especially given the care taken to celebrate Muppets history throughout the anniversary production.
The End of Muppets Courtyard
MuppetVision 3D officially closed in 2025 as part of Disney’s plans to replace the former Muppets Courtyard with Monstropolis, a new Monsters, Inc.–themed land. The upcoming expansion will include a suspended roller coaster inspired by the door vault scene from the 2001 Pixar film, marking a major shift in the area’s tone and purpose.
For many fans, the closure was particularly emotional. MuppetVision 3D was one of the final projects Jim Henson personally worked on before his death in 1990, giving the attraction a level of historical importance beyond its runtime. Its closure marked the loss of the last dedicated Muppets-themed land at Walt Disney World.
Celebrating 50 Years of The Muppet Show
The anniversary special commemorates 50 years since The Muppet Show originally premiered in 1976. The original series ran for five seasons and featured a wide range of celebrity guest stars, helping solidify the Muppets as pop culture icons.
The new special stars pop singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter, whose Disney Channel background and modern appeal helped bridge generations of fans. The production was executive-produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and Carpenter herself, with longtime Muppet performers returning to bring the characters to life.
Critics responded positively to the special, which debuted with a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and has remained in the high 90s since release. Reviews praised its balance of classic Muppets humor and contemporary sensibilities.
Why This Easter Egg Stands Out
While Disney frequently reuses props and costumes, the inclusion of a recognizable MuppetVision 3D element feels more meaningful given the attraction’s recent closure. For fans who noticed it, the sign functions as a quiet tribute rather than a coincidence.
It also reinforces the idea that MuppetVision 3D remains part of official Muppets history, even though the physical theater is gone. The reference connects the theme park experience to current Muppets media, suggesting continuity across formats.
What’s Next for the Muppets at Disney Parks
Although MuppetVision 3D is no longer operating, the Muppets are not leaving Disney’s Hollywood Studios entirely. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is scheduled to close permanently in March 2026 to be rethemed into a Muppets-themed attraction, expected to open later that year.
This marks a shift from a theater-based experience to a high-thrill ride, offering the characters a new way to connect with park guests. Still, some fans continue to miss the charm and intimacy of Muppets Courtyard as a dedicated land.
A Small Moment with Big Meaning
The hidden MuppetVision 3D reference may be brief, but it carries weight for longtime fans. As Disney continues updating its parks and media offerings, moments like this show that past attractions aren’t being erased entirely.
While MuppetVision 3D may be gone from the park map, its influence lives on — sometimes in the most unexpected corners of a Muppets laboratory set.
