Muppet fans are aghast at the idea of Muppet*Vision 3D disappearing forever, however, there may be a way to preserve the classic attraction. The question is, is it even possible?
Muppet*Vision 3D has been one of the most beloved attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the last 30 years. The film — which was originally planned to be the anchor of a much larger Muppets Land at the park — was the final project that Muppets creator Jim Henson worked on before his death, which is part of why so many fans wish to save it from the incoming invasion of the monsters…
After announcing that a Monsters, Inc. land was coming to Hollywood Studios at last summer’s D23 Ultimate Fan Event, Disney confirmed in the fall that the new expansion would be replacing the Grand Avenue area of the park, which would include the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D.
However, Disney also announced that the Muppets would live on at the park, by taking over the Rock ’n’ Roller coaster, whose theme would be changed from an Aerosmith concert to an event where the Muppets “team up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!” In addition, Disney announced that there would be “plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard!” It was that latter part of the announcement that ignited hope in some for Muppet*Vision 3D’s survival.
Once it was confirmed that there would be some sort of Muppet presence beyond the coaster itself, some began speculating that Disney could save Muppet*Vision 3D by transferring it across the park. Now, there is a venue in the area of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, however, there are several problems with the idea.
The theater, which was once the home of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, is scheduled to see the premiere of a new show starring the Disney Villains – – Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After – – on May 27th. While some speculate that this show could simply be a placeholder until Disney wants to move the Muppets over, that A. seems unlikely and B. ignores other potential issues.
Specifically, while the theater could conceivably be retrofitted to show a 3D film, it seems highly unlikely that Disney would transfer over all of the practical physical effects and theming currently housed in the Muppet*Vision theater, the lack of which would significantly lessen the experience. What’s more, Disney just announced that the Villains show will have a completely new stage with the latest tech — and it feels like putting that much money into a show means it is not going to be temporary.
These same issues would be present, and even more cost prohibitive, if Disney were to build a new venue for Muppet*Vision near the Sunset Boulevard section of the park.
While Disney could conceivably save Muppet*Vision 3D by transferring the film to the other side of Hollywood Studios, it seems unlikely that the full experience would be replicated on the other side of the theme park. Moving Muppet*Vision 3D across Hollywood Studios may be a dream scenario to save the beloved attraction, but there may be too much work involved for Disney to pull it off. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Hollywood Studios’ changes.
The Muppets Planned to Have a Ride DECADES Before Taking Over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
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Would you like to see Disney move Muppet*Vision 3D? Let us know in the comments below.
Too much work for Disney?? I’ve never heard of such a thing. If they can dream it, they can do it. 🙂
Move the muppets to the Magic Eye Theater in Epcot. The Pixar Short Film Fest is attended by about 3 people and the theater is already set up for 3D. It wouldn’t take a lot of work to move most of the animatronics and set pieces from the Muppet Theater there and they could just film a new ending that included Figment.
I would think if Disney thought it was worthwhile to save Muppets 3 D, I imagine they would have. But their offering to Muppet 3_D fans is to say ” Hey look over here. We have a lot of Muppets merchandise for you to buy.” One of the things Disney has been known for is to have the ride themed merchandise in a shop as you come off the ride. Sell it to them while its fresh in their minds marketing. Now they’ve decided: why the need for the ride? Sad. Very sad.
Get rid of the Hall of Presidents. Create a new Muppet show for that location.