MuppetVision 3D will be closing in the near future at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to make way for a new “Monsters Inc.”-themed land, Disney confirmed Friday.
Ever since the “Monsters Inc.” reveal at August’s D23 Expo, speculation has been rampant about whether the new land would replace MuppetVision 3D or go into the Animation Courtyard area of the park.
Concept art for “Monsters Inc.” land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Disney)
MuppetVision 3D has been at the park since 1991 and holds the distinction of being the last Muppets project overseen by their creator, Jim Henson, before his sudden death in 1990. While it rarely attracts long waits these days, it is still much more beloved than what sits in Animation Courtyard: Star Wars Launch Bay, a walk-through of “Star Wars” models, displays and character greetings; the soon-to-be-relaunched “Little Mermaid” stage show; and the “Disney Junior Dance Party.”
Disney, however, chose to give MuppetVision the axe, as has been rumored for years. The Disney Parks Blog post announcing said that “the new land will include the coaster we’ve all dreamed of – a suspended ride recreating the door vault scene – plus dining and shopping and a whole new theater show.”
Disney added: “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.”
However, the Muppets will have a new home in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Alongside the announcement of MuppetVision’s closure, Disney revealed that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be rethemed to star the Muppets, replacing Aerosmith.
Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster art (Disney)
Disney said in its Park Blog post: “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.”
The post did not mention exactly when MuppetVision 3D or the current Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster would be closing, saying only that “there’s still enough time” to experience them again “before their final curtain calls.”