As Muppet*Vision Nears Closure, Disney Abruptly Changes Course on the Muppets

For years, The Muppets have teetered on the edge of Disney’s sprawling empire, celebrated by fans but often sidelined by the company itself. The banter between Kermit and Miss Piggy may be timeless, but the franchise has struggled to find its place in the modern Disney machine. Until now, their presence in the parks has been more nostalgic than strategic.

In 2024, that sidelining became official. Walt Disney World announced plans to permanently shutter Muppet*Vision 3D, the only remaining Muppet attraction in the parks, to make room for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. Despite pleas from longtime fans and the continued existence of the redundant space that is Star Wars Launch Bay, Disney stuck to its decision.

The attraction’s scheduled closing date of June 7, 2025, sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Opened on May 16, 1991, the show premiered exactly one year after Jim Henson’s death and marked his final directorial work. Combining 3D film with animatronics and in-theater effects, Muppet*Vision 3D was a chaotic, heartfelt tribute to the troupe he built.

A Change in the Air—Or at Least, on the Skyliner

Now, with less than a month to go before that final curtain, Disney appears to be walking back its stance on The Muppets—at least a little.

Walt Disney World recently unveiled a new Muppet-themed wrap for the Disney Skyliner gondolas. The design features Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Sam Eagle, and Statler and Waldorf, framed by the red curtains and archway made famous by The Muppet Show. The update arrived just in time to celebrate a major milestone: the 70th anniversary of Sam and Friends, the 1955 sketch series that launched Jim Henson’s career and introduced the world to a proto-Kermit.

get me on the muppets skyliner immediately

get me on the muppets skyliner immediately pic.twitter.com/cTSlCeWiSR

— you’ll always be twittеr to me (@_embersonfire) May 9, 2025

“Get me on the Muppets Skyliner immediately,” wrote one enthusiastic fan, echoing the sentiment of many who’ve long wanted to see the franchise receive the attention it deserves.

It’s a small gesture, but a symbolic one—especially in contrast to Disney’s recent cuts. In addition to shutting down Muppet*Vision 3D, the company also canceled The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History, a well-loved live show in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. That production, which ended in early 2020, was also the final Muppets performance by Steve Whitmire, the longtime voice of Kermit, following his dismissal from the role.

What’s Next for the Muppets?

Despite retiring their only major attraction, Disney insists that The Muppets aren’t going anywhere. Alongside news of Muppet*Vision 3D’s closure, the company confirmed plans to bring The Muppets to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, replacing the long-standing Aerosmith theme.

The new version of the ride hasn’t been detailed publicly yet, but it represents a significant shift in how Disney might integrate the Muppets going forward—moving them from static theater shows into fast-paced, marquee experiences. In the meantime, Disney says it will record Muppet*Vision 3D for archival purposes.

Whether this signals a true Muppet renaissance or another fleeting flirtation remains to be seen. Still, it’s the most prominent attention the franchise has received from Disney in years.

The red curtains may be closing on Muppet*Vision 3D, but for Kermit and company, the spotlight could finally be coming back on.

Do you think Disney is making the right move by The Muppets?