On January 24, Disney confirmed that MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo would officially close their doors on June 7, 2025. Both attractions are making way for the long-awaited Monsters Inc. land, which will overhaul the Grand Avenue section of the park. The closures are part of a phased project that will begin with removing the Muppets-focused attractions this summer.
Meanwhile, the timeline for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith remains conspicuously absent. Although Disney previously announced that the ride would be rethemed with a Muppets overlay featuring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, no firm closure date has been provided. Instead, Disney has assured fans that they’ll have “plenty of time” to experience the ride’s current Aerosmith-themed version before the retheme begins.
This delay creates an awkward reality for Disney’s Hollywood Studios: once MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo close in June, the park will be left completely without a Muppet-themed attraction for an unspecified period. The absence of any closing date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has left fans in limbo as they await further announcements.
The Future of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
When the retheme finally does take place, it will mark a major milestone: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will become the first Disney ride to prominently feature The Muppets. A promotional image released in 2024 teased the new direction, showing Dr. Teeth, Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, and other beloved characters.
The updated attraction will also bring changes to Sunset Boulevard, where the current Rock Around the Shop gift shop will be revamped to feature Muppets-themed merchandise. Disney has also teased that the ride will feature brand-new music, likely composed to highlight Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem’s signature style.
But until Disney sets a firm closure date, fans of the Muppets are left wondering just how long they’ll have to wait for this exciting transformation.
Preserving the Legacy of MuppetVision 3D
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Disney has made efforts to address fan concerns about the closure of MuppetVision 3D. In an updated statement, Disney reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the iconic attraction, specifically mentioning plans to ensure the MuppetVision 3D film and other elements of the experience are saved “for generations to come.”
This updated language marks a shift from Disney’s original November 2024 statement, which only promised to explore ways to preserve parts of the attraction “for the future.” The new wording suggests a longer-term plan, though it remains unclear exactly what Disney intends to do.
Options could range from uploading the film to Disney+ to creating a more permanent exhibit elsewhere. However, Disney’s statements seem to suggest that only select elements of the experience—not the entire attraction—will be preserved.
What Comes Next for Hollywood Studios?
While fans of the Muppets wait for updates, Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers plenty of other options for entertainment and exploration.
- Toy Story Land
Families can immerse themselves in the playful world of Toy Story with attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania! - Live Shows and Performances
Enjoy stage performances like Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular or sing along with Anna and Elsa in For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. - Dining Experiences
Treat yourself to a meal at fan-favorite locations like the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater or The Hollywood Brown Derby for a uniquely themed dining experience.
A Muppet-Sized Gap in the Park
The closure of MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo is bittersweet for many longtime fans, and the indefinite timeline for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s transformation leaves lingering questions about when The Muppets will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
While the promise of a brand-new ride is an exciting prospect, the absence of any Muppet-focused attractions in the interim is a tough reality for fans. How long do you think Hollywood Studios can go without a Muppet presence? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
