Hollywood Studios looked more like a full-on fan convention than a Disney theme park Saturday as MuppetVision 3D took its final bow — and things got weird fast.
Fans showed up early and in droves, packing the Muppet Courtyard for one last ride on the 3D classic, which shut down for good June 7 after a 34-year run. Disney extended the show’s hours until close, and the final performance was limited to cast members only — but not before a full day of fanfare, tears, and yes… drama.
Puppets, Performances — and Park Security?
Let’s get to the headline moment: Multiple guests say they were warned by Disney security — and even threatened with a one-year ban — for using Kermit and Gonzo puppets to act out parts of the show in the theater.
No, really.
Kevin Heimbach shared a video of the guest with the Kermit puppet explaining what had happened, “Disney Security Is THREATENING TO BAN Guests For A Year If They Use A Kermit Puppet In The Park.”
Disney Security Is THREATENING TO BAN Guests For A Year If They Use A Kermit Puppet In The Park. pic.twitter.com/LYdWH4o5Bg
— Kevin Heimbach (@kevinHeimbach13) June 7, 2025
“They weren’t causing a scene,” one guest told Disney Dining. “They were doing little voice-alongs with Kermit — quietly — and holding up a puppet. Then security stepped in and told them to stop immediately or risk a yearlong ban.”
Social media lit up Saturday afternoon as reports of the security crackdown spread. Many fans were shocked by the heavy-handed approach, especially given the occasion — the final day of a Jim Henson original.
“They let people scream on roller coasters, but a guy with a puppet gets threatened? C’mon,” one parkgoer posted.
Diehards Did Not Hold Back
Controversy aside, the Muppet fandom came ready. There were fans in full cosplay — including one wild Gonzo complete with a flower pot on their head — and another guest who streamed their final visit for over five hours.
Lines stretched far beyond the usual entrance as longtime guests returned for farewell marathons. One couple reportedly rode it as many times as possible from open to close. The emotional weight of losing the last original Muppet attraction? Very real.
And just in case you forgot: This was the final project Jim Henson worked on before his death.
What’s Next: Muppets Get a Coaster, Courtyard Gets Monsters
Now that MuppetVision is gone, what’s taking its place?
The Muppet Courtyard — including Pizza Rizzo — is getting bulldozed for a new Monsters Inc.-themed land. Expect a family-friendly area with a first-ever suspended coaster that’ll take guests through the movie’s iconic door factory.
Meanwhile, the Muppets aren’t completely out of the picture. Disney announced they’re revamping Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster into a music-fest-themed thrill ride starring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the crew — alongside real-world musicians. The current Aerosmith version will be phased out in the next year or so.
But let’s be honest: A triple-inversion coaster isn’t exactly the spiritual successor to Sam Eagle’s dry deadpan or Fozzie Bear’s bad puns.
Fans said goodbye in the only way Muppet fans can — with weird costumes, nostalgia-soaked livestreams, and puppet performances that may or may not have gotten them in trouble.
So long, MuppetVision 3D. You went out in full-on chaos… just how the Muppets probably would’ve wanted it.
Wow, before you know it nothing of Walt is going to be left. I’ll never get to take my youngest to the most magical place on earth because it no longer exists. 🙁