A Fond Farewell to Muppet*Vision 3D
Take a listen to the entire show in the jukebox as you read.
🌟 A Brief (but Wondrous) History
Opening Day & Creative Origins
Muppet*Vision 3D premiered on May 16, 1991, at Disney‑MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios), with Disney California Adventure following suit in 2001, though that version closed in 2014.
This attraction was notably Jim Henson’s final major project, completed just after his passing in 1990.
Attraction Details
The experience was a unique 3D film combined with in-theater 4D effects, including animatronic cameos, bubbles, water sprays, smoke, and playful projection magic.
Guests journeyed through the whimsical chaos of Muppet Labs and into the goofy mayhem of Muppet Studios.
🎵 The Soundtrack – Muppet Style
The show opened with the iconic “The Muppet Show Theme”, composed by Sam Pottle and Jim Henson, setting a nostalgic tone right from the start. Inside the theater, lovable characters like Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and their kooky pals delivered musical mayhem, Fozzie’s zany 3D tricks, Sam the Eagle’s heroic tune, the Swedish Chef’s cacophonous projector skit, and a penguin band finale. It culminated in an unforgettable sensory romp.
Take a listen to the entire show in the jukebox!
🎭 The Final Act
Last Curtain Call
The public goodbye occurred on June 7, 2025, with the attraction officially closing on June 8.
Special wristbands, queues, and an emotional atmosphere underscored the day. Among the audience was Heather Henson, Jim’s daughter, who became the last person to enter and leave the theater.
A Celebration of Community
Fans live‑streamed, shared stories online, and even vocalized a collective rendition of “Rainbow Connection” by the fountain as part of the farewell . Reddit and news outlets alike marked the day with heartfelt tributes .
🏗️ What’s Taking Its Place?
Monsters, Inc. Land
The Muppets Courtyard, including Muppet*Vision and nearby eateries like PizzaRizzo and Mama Melrose’s, will make way for a brand-new Monsters, Inc.–themed land, slated for opening between 2026 and 2028.
Muppets on the Move
Disney confirmed that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster on Sunset Boulevard will be rethemed to feature the Muppets in a fully refreshed experience, complete with “laughter, screams, and new tunes”, after the Monsters, Inc. expansion.
Legacy & Preservation
Disney archived the entire show on May 14, 2025, capturing it digitally for future reference or revivals, though no definitive plans beyond archiving are in place. Hey, maybe we will eventually get a “Yesterland”. Ha, fat chance.
📝 Final Thoughts
Muppet*Vision 3D wasn’t just a ride, it was a lively celebration of Jim Henson’s whimsical spirit, blending heart, humor, and pure Muppet chaos. For over three decades, it enchanted guests with its mix of comedy, spectacle, and warmth.
Now, as Monsters, Inc. readies to take center stage and the Muppets find a new comedic home at Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, there’s a bittersweet sense of evolution in Disney. One door closes, but iconic characters, spirited tunes, and the spirit of Henson’s creations will continue to ring through Hollywood Studios for a new generation of fans.
I am looking forward to see what they do with a Muppets coaster. I love the Muppet humor. I’d love to see Statler and Waldorf greet guests to the entrance of the attraction, similar to what Buzz and Woody do in Toy Story Land.
Farewell, Muppet*Vision 3D.
You brought laughter, wonder, and a touch of improvisational magic to our days, and that legacy will forever leave us saying, “It’s the show that never ends.”
6 Comments
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starbee
I am not okay
Nascfan
Me neither.
BacksideOfWater
BacksideOfWater
Saw a video of the last showing. the entire theater yelled out WE SURRENDER! WE SURRENDER! and gave a standing ovation
warrsm
loved watching all the posts from the last day. Friends were there and said it was sad but so fun to see everyone so involved in the whole show. I will miss it for sure.
Yesterland would be awesome!!!!! love the idea of Statler and Waldorf heckling everyone as they enter the coaster.
jman410_89
Very nice article Steve.