In January, Walt Disney World Resort announced the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D on June 7, 2025, as part of an expansion to make way for a new Monsters, Inc. (2001) area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While this news marks the end of an era for one of the park’s beloved attractions, it’s important to reflect on the history of Muppet*Vision 3D and how it was almost lost to Disney Parks fans decades ago.
When Muppet*Vision 3D opened in 1991, it was a true labor of love from Jim Henson, who directed and starred in the film as Kermit the Frog. At the time, The Muppets were not yet part of Disney–the acquisition did not take place until 2004. But Jim Henson’s collaboration with Disney began years earlier.
The Disney and Henson Partnership Announcement
The story of Muppet*Vision 3D’s creation started in 1989 when Disney CEO Michael Eisner appeared on Good Morning America alongside Jim Henson to announce that Disney planned to acquire Henson Associates, the company behind The Muppets. Just weeks later, Henson and Kermit the Frog immortalized their handprints at Walt Disney World Resort’s new theme park, Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios).
Sadly, Jim Henson passed away unexpectedly from pneumonia in May 1990, just months before Muppet*Vision 3D was scheduled to open. The Walt Disney Company had not yet completed the deal to acquire Henson Associates at the time, but Disney was determined to keep the momentum going.
“We plan to proceed with everything as [Jim Henson] would have wanted us to, in the show business tradition of ‘The show must go on,’” said Disney spokesperson Edwin Okun, just a day after Henson’s passing.
A Legal Battle Over Muppet*Vision 3D
After Jim Henson’s death, things took an unexpected turn. In December 1990, The New York Times reported that Disney was no longer pursuing the purchase of Henson Associates, citing failed negotiations. Meanwhile, Henson Associates was reportedly negotiating with other buyers, including Time Warner and MCA, which could have sent The Muppets to rival theme parks like Universal Studios and Six Flags.
In April 1991, Henson Associates filed a lawsuit against Disney, accusing the company of attempting to exploit The Muppets by using the characters at Disney-MGM Studios before the acquisition deal was finalized. Brian Henson, Jim’s son, demanded that Disney not debut Muppet*Vision 3D, and the attraction’s press preview was canceled. The grand opening was delayed until May 24, 1991.
Disney countersued, arguing that Muppet*Vision 3D was completed before Jim’s death and that the project was part of a pre-existing agreement. On April 30, both parties reached a settlement. The result: Muppet*Vision 3D opened as planned, and Disney was granted theme park rights to the Muppets east of the Mississippi River. This meant that Disneyland Resort was not allowed to build Muppet-themed attractions.
The Muppets Are Saved
The settlement paved the way for Muppet*Vision 3D to officially open on May 16, 1991. The Muppets remained a Disney staple for the next several years, with more Muppet-themed projects and films, including The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) and Muppet Treasure Island (1996), both directed by Brian Henson. The Muppets would eventually make their way to Disneyland Resort, with a clone of Muppet*Vision 3D opening at Disney California Adventure Park in 2001, though it was closed permanently in 2014.
In 2004, Disney finally purchased The Muppets from The Jim Henson Company, bringing the characters fully under the Disney umbrella. Since then, The Muppets have continued to bring laughter and joy to audiences, and “The Muppets Studio” now resides under Walt Disney Imagineering.
Muppet*Vision 3D Says Goodbye
At D23 2024, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, made a major announcement: a Monsters, Inc. door coaster and themed land would open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Early concept art suggested that the Monsters, Inc. attraction would replace Muppets Courtyard or Animation Courtyard.
Fans immediately expressed their concerns and voiced their desire to preserve Muppet*Vision 3D. On November 22, 2024, Walt Disney World Resort confirmed that Muppets Courtyard and Muppet*Vision 3D would close to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. expansion.
Despite the closure, Disney issued a statement emphasizing its desire to preserve Muppet*Vision 3D: “As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.”
The Muppets’ Future at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Though Muppet*Vision 3D may be closing, The Muppets are far from leaving Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that The Muppets will soon take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. However, the exact closing date for the roller coaster’s retheme is yet to be announced.
This summer, “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” a brand-new show, will replace Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in the Sunset Showcase Theater next to Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster. Some fans have speculated that Muppet*Vision 3D could return once the Disney Villains Land opens at Magic Kingdom Park.
Is it time for Muppet*Vision 3D to go, or would you like to see it stay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.
I want it to stay but not as a roller coaster ride. Especially that roller coaster. There are a lot of people young and old that do not do that roller coaster. It’s sad they are doing this.
I’ve always loved the Muppets show… for different reasons at different times… It always made me smile. I was a great chance to get out of the sun and heat. It was even a good place for a nap if one needed a few minutes! The pre-show was fun, as was the preshow space…”a bag fun a cel lo” a bag full of jello!!! Hope it stay somewhere for the next generation of kids to enjoy.
I LOVE Muppet vision 3D! I hope it stays, but not as a coaster. That would rule out the very young and the very old, both of whom enjoy the Muppet “schtick”!
Put them elsewhere, as others i cannot ride roller coasters due to vertigo, i will miss them