Disney Permanently Demolishes Classic “Muppet” Staple at Hollywood Studios

Something feels off at Hollywood Studios. You may not notice it instantly, but longtime fans absolutely do. Construction crews have permanently removed a longtime Muppet element, and for many guests, that removal feels like the true end of an era.

The structure wasn’t just set dressing. It told you exactly where you were headed. It promised chaos, comedy, and that unmistakable Muppet charm before you even stepped inside. Now the space sits open. No tribute. No farewell moment. Just an empty area where a beloved piece of park history once stood.

For regular visitors, that kind of change hits hard.

Why the Muppets Matter So Much

To understand the reaction, you have to rewind. Jim Henson didn’t build the Muppets to feel polished or corporate. He gave them personality. They were clever, unpredictable, and always a little self-aware.

From The Muppet Show to films like The Muppet Movie (1979) and Muppets Most Wanted (2014), the characters became part of pop culture. Kermit wasn’t just a frog. Miss Piggy wasn’t just a diva. They were icons with heart and humor.

When the Muppets found a home inside Walt Disney World decades ago, it felt natural. Hollywood Studios leaned into showbiz satire and playful storytelling. The Muppets fit that identity perfectly. They didn’t feel like an add-on. They felt like they belonged.

Muppet*Vision 3D Carried Real Legacy

When Muppet*Vision 3D opened at Hollywood Studios in 1991, it brought more than a standard 3D show to the park. It carried emotional weight. As one of the final projects Jim Henson worked on before his passing, it represented a closing chapter in his creative legacy.

Inside the theater, the humor was never held back. Statler and Waldorf delivered their commentary from above. The Swedish Chef created culinary chaos. Bean Bunny nearly met explosive ends. The show embraced silliness while staying completely self-aware.

Outside, the landmark did its own storytelling. You could see it from a distance. It framed the entrance and set expectations. Even as Hollywood Studios evolved around it, that Muppet corner remained steady.

That stability made the eventual removal feel even more dramatic.

Monstropolis Changes Everything

Disney later confirmed that Muppet*Vision 3D would close to make way for a new Monstropolis land inspired by Monsters, Inc. (2001). The announcement signaled a major transformation.

Monstropolis promises immersive streets and new attractions. From a business standpoint, the shift makes sense. Pixar properties carry strong appeal and wide recognition.

Still, fans struggled with the tradeoff. The Muppets weren’t forgotten because people stopped loving them. They represented a different era of Hollywood Studios — one built on parody and personality.

Now that the chapter is physically disappearing.

The Landmark Comes Down for Good

Construction crews have now dismantled the iconic Muppet landmark outside the former Muppet*Vision 3D entrance. They removed it piece by piece until nothing remained.

There’s no scrim hiding the absence. No temporary covering suggesting refurbishment. The sign is gone.

This wasn’t a relocation. Disney permanently removed the structure as part of the construction of Monstropolis. Guests walking through the area can clearly see the difference.

For many fans, that visual change makes the closure feel final in a way announcements never could.

Two updates from Muppets Courtyard:

• Muppet*Vision sign has been completely covered.
• Gonzo has been removed from the clock tower. pic.twitter.com/rmkKWPxagh

— ParkTwister🎡 (@ParkTwister) September 10, 2025

Hopes for Preservation Fade

When the closure first became public, many guests believed the landmark might survive somewhere else. With the Muppets set to take over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster in 2026, some hoped the sign would relocate nearby or reappear elsewhere at Walt Disney World.

So far, that hasn’t happened.

There are no visible signs of preservation. No relocation announcements. No tribute display. Right now, it appears the landmark is gone for good.

The Muppets will return in a new attraction. They’ll bring their humor to a different space. But the symbol that marked their original Hollywood Studios home no longer stands.

And sometimes, that physical absence says more than words ever could.