Someone get Statler and Waldorf on the phone because we need some experienced hecklers. Despite the outcry of many, ourselves included, over the possibility Walt Disney World might get rid of Muppet*Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios, the Mouse House is doing just that. Disney has formally announced its big Monsters, Inc. land coming to the park will replace Muppets Courtyard. That means the beloved Muppet*Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios will close.
But the news isn’t all bad for Jim Henson’s iconic clan. The Muppets are not leaving Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios entirely. Instead, they’re taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster from Aerosmith.
Disney announced a major Monsters, Inc. expansion for Hollywood Studios at this year’s D23. From the moment the company revealed its plan, we knew what the cost might be. A prime suspect for the area’s unannounced location was Muppets Courtyard. That’s home to the long-running attraction Muppet*Vision 3D, one of the oldest in the park and the last Muppets project Jim Henson ever worked on. Now, sadly, it’s official. Disney has said Mike, Sully, and friends will replace Muppets Courtyard on the south side of the park, and Muppet*Vision 3D will close.
While we’re very sad to lose Muppet*Vision 3D, Disney says it’s looking for ways to keep it alive in different ways. They wrote, “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 company also says it’s going to put a “whole new” Monsters, Inc. show into the current Muppets Theater that houses Muppet*Vision 3D. The building’s inclusion can be seen in new concept art for the upcoming area.
No matter what fate ultimately awaits Muppet*Vision 3D (or PizzeRizzo), The Muppets aren’t leaving the park entirely. They are moving to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, an absolutely perfect spot for them.
The re-themed attraction will be The Muppets’ first-ever ride. (Fulfilling a very old promise.) Here’s what Disney said about the updated Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster:
To make way for the monsters, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! But there’s more to the story: The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!
We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster. Plus, as the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, there’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard!
With apologies to Aerosmith, that’s going to be a huge upgrade.
Before any of these changes happen, Disney says there’s plenty of time for guests to enjoy both Muppet*Vision 3D and Aerosmith’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. And that means we also even have time to get Statler and Waldorf to heckle Disney about not putting Monsters, Inc. land in Animation Courtyard. Not only does that area actually need replacing, it would have meant we kept Muppet*Vision 3D and got a Muppets roller coaster.
