MuppetVision 3D, Jim Henson’s final work will hold its final showing within days. Yet Disney is determined to block fans from enjoying a historic moment, and perhaps out of fear for protests and negative PR.
Walt Disney World has announced the permanent closure of MuppetVision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with its final public showing scheduled for June 7, 2025. The attraction, which debuted in 1991, is notable as the last project directed by Muppets creator Jim Henson before his death in 1990. Now, Disney is sharing new details of how the end will happen, and it’s clearly set up to try to hide any backlash for the company.
Fans and media are not invited to Jim Henson’s final performance.
A screenshot of Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios via DocumentDisney YouTube
Following the public closure, Disney will host a private farewell event exclusively for Cast Members on June 10, 2025. This event will feature the final showing of MuppetVision 3D, along with food, games, and access to PizzeRizzo, which will also close to the public on June 7. While this is disguised as a special event for Cast Members, one must wonder if it is a sneaky way to clear the Muppet Courtyard of guests before the park closes and also hide when the last showing of the day occurs.
The decision to limit the final showing to Cast Members has raised questions among fans and observers. Some speculate that this move is intended to minimize public demonstrations or protests over the attraction’s closure, given its significance as Henson’s final work and its long-standing presence in the park.
A screenshot of Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios via DocumentDisney YouTube
In conjunction with the closure, Disney is reportedly recording a full performance of MuppetVision 3D for archival purposes. The company has stated that it is exploring ways to preserve the film and other elements of the experience for future enjoyment by fans. So far, that appears to be limited to recording the show with video cameras. There are no apparent plans to move the attraction anywhere else, despite how much it would benefit Epcot inside the Imagination Pavilion theater, which currently plays Disney+ animated shorts. The idea that Disney won’t even move Jim Henson’s final project to Epcot is just ludicrously awful from a PR standpoint.
The area currently housing MuppetVision 3D will be transformed into a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land, featuring Disney’s first suspended coaster inspired by the film’s iconic door vault scene.
Concept art for Monsters Inc. Land via Disney Parks Blog
While the Muppets will no longer have a dedicated attraction in this location, Disney has announced plans to re-theme the nearby Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to feature the Muppets, ensuring their continued presence in the park. These will be Disney’s version of the Muppets, however, meaning the joy of Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Richard Hunt, Steve Whitmire, and so many others, will finally go silent at Disney Parks.
As the curtain falls on MuppetVision 3D, fans are left to reflect on the end of an era and the lasting impact of Jim Henson’s creative legacy within Disney’s theme parks.
Are you surprised Disney is barring guests from the final showing of MuppetVision 3D? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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