Movies

MuppetVision 3D’s Heartfelt Farewell: Fans Unite to Honor Jim Henson’s Legacy

BBG News

Parting ways always brings a tinge of sorrow, as it triggers memories of joyous moments shared. There’s so much more to express, yet trying seems futile. It’s now time for us to bid farewell.”

This line, sung by the late Richard Hunt in Muppets Take Manhattan , mirrors the sentiments of countless fans who gathered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the final day of MuppetVision 3D, a creation of the legendary Jim Henson.

In the face of Disney’s business decision to permanently close the beloved classic attraction and replace it with a Monsters Inc.-themed area, there was an outpouring of sincere affection and deep enthusiasm from fans.

Or:
Amidst Disney’s corporate choice to shut down the traditional attraction forever, replacing it with a Monsters Inc. themed area, fans displayed heartfelt love and passionate dedication.

On June 7th, 2025, MuppetVision 3D gave its last performance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Despite Disney executives moving on, the fans remain ardent, as evidenced by the overflowing queues and additional viewing areas filled with hundreds of people, expressing their affection for this final masterpiece created by a remarkable individual.

As a movie critic, I’ve had the pleasure of revisiting an extraordinary production – one that Jim Henson himself brought to life, making it one of his final creative endeavors. Over the years, this show has served as a hilarious homage to the iconic Muppets, beautifully embodying the warmth, imagination, and enchantment that have always been synonymous with these beloved characters, as well as with Henson’s unparalleled genius.

As it closed its doors for the last time, MuppetVision 3D served as an emblem of a widening rift: a gap between Disney’s executives and the guests who frequent their theme parks.

Fans Show Up While Disney Checks Out

People were lined up well beyond the theater entrance, as they waited for hours to catch a final viewing. Each performance echoed with cheers, laughter, applause, and even tears, making it no ordinary day at the park. Instead, it marked the farewell to one of the last remnants of Disney’s creative golden era.

Instead of merely gathering for the performance, guests were equally drawn towards the newly situated MuppetVision 3D pressed penny machines on Grand Ave. These machines were bustling with enthusiastic fans who wanted to collect an affordable keepsake representing their unique experience, as they feared its temporary nature might soon come to an end.

As a devoted cinephile, I found myself standing before the delightful Miss Piggy fountain, ready to capture those precious last moments with my camera – a heartfelt farewell photoshoot.

Even the Pizza Got Pulled Early

7th June was the last operating day for PizzeRizzo, a Muppets-themed eatery situated near the theater. Contrary to expectations, Disney chose to close its doors at 5 pm rather than extending hours to accommodate the unexpectedly large numbers of guests, even though the dinner hour hadn’t yet begun.

The doors to PizzeRizzo, closed FOREVER. #MuppetVision3D

— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) June 8, 2025

Visitors eager for a final piece with Rizzo found only shut doors, adding another instance to the mounting evidence that this transition was rushed and impersonal in its execution.

The Animation Courtyard Problem

If you’re curious about what’s taking over MuppetVision 3D, it’s speculated to be a Monsters Inc.-themed roller coaster, reportedly designed as a thrilling ride for young families. However, the manner in which this transition is being made suggests more about Disney’s focus areas than their advertisements might let on.

The surprising twist? The Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a play which lost its popularity during the time of the first Bush presidency, has just reopened in the Animation Courtyard at Disney. Indeed, Disney is replacing a beloved Muppet experience with this show that hasn’t made an impact since before the turn of the millennium.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed an interesting transformation in the heart of this entertainment complex. Star Wars Launch Bay, once bustling with excitement, now stands empty and devoid of purpose, overshadowed by the grandeur that is Galaxy’s Edge. Meanwhile, the former Disney Jr. Live on Stage has taken a back seat, making sporadic appearances only for toddler dance parties, a far cry from its previous daily performances.

Meanwhile, MuppetVision 3D—still pulling crowds with historical significance—is shuttered.

Park Hoppin’ Captures the Crowd

As I stood there, soaking up the magic of Disneyland, my fellow enthusiasts from Park Hoppin’ were right beside me, capturing every moment. Their footage reveals a spectacle that truly tells a story – one that echoes the enchantment only Disney can deliver.

The line for MuppetVision 3D extended as far as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, twisting its way through the region usually reserved for Rise of the Resistance. Such an occurrence would have seemed inconceivable only a short while back.

As I found myself standing in a seemingly endless queue, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer number of fellow enthusiasts eagerly awaiting their turn – a sight that, surprisingly, surpassed the wait times for the much-hyped Rise of the Resistance attraction. This unexpected phenomenon serves as a testament to the profound impact and enduring appeal of this classic, even as it quietly fades away from our screens.

It’s quite rare, but right now, the wait for MuppetVision 3D is actually longer than for Rise of the Resistance!

— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) June 8, 2025

It was the first and only time MuppetVision 3D outdrew the park’s marquee attraction.

A Legacy Discarded

MuppetVision 3D wasn’t merely a 4D spectacle with some jokes; it was an homage to Jim Henson, a historical artifact, and one of the rare attractions that seemed to be crafted with emotion rather than computer algorithms. It deserved more recognition. The fans understood this. The attendance numbers confirmed it. Yet, Disney, apparently, didn’t seem to mind.

1. They opened the incorrect production instead.

2. They failed to restore the appropriate structures.

3. They abandoned a project that the public was still interested in.

4. The performance they resumed was not the intended one.

5. Instead of the designated buildings, they restored others.

6. They ceased work on something that people continued to desire.

And the doors to #MuppetVision3D have closed for the final time. 💔

— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) June 8, 2025

Although the Muppets are no longer present in this particular part of the park, it’s clear that their legacy endures, as evidenced by our observations on June 7th. Disney has announced plans to incorporate a Muppet theme onto Rockin’ Rollercoaster in 2026, but it won’t replicate the original charm. The iconic MuppetVision 3D once showcased the talents of Jim Henson, Jerry Nelson, and Richard Hunt, all of whom have sadly passed away. Additionally, it starred Steve Whitmire, who was selected by Henson as Kermit’s successor, and Jim’s longtime collaborator Frank Oz. Regrettably, both Whitmire and Oz were removed from The Muppets by Disney following disagreements over creative choices.

Just like in The Muppets Take Manhattan, they said, ‘I sense we’ll cross paths again, though I’m unsure of the place or the time. For now, you stay in my thoughts; farewell until we meet again.’

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2025-06-08 17:57

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