MuppetVision 3D* has always been a must-do attraction. Walking into the courtyard, watching the pre-show, and stepping into the theater created a one-of-a-kind experience. The Muppets’ signature mix of humor and chaos made it unforgettable.
Step into the chaos! The Muppet*Vision 3D pre-show room sets the stage for wacky hijinks, featuring zany props, hilarious video clips, and the wild antics of the Muppet Labs crew!
Even when the theater wasn’t full, the show never lost its charm. It wasn’t just an attraction—it was an experience that brought the Muppets to life in a way only Disney could. Now, as we prepare to say goodbye, let’s look back at its history, the unrealized Muppet Studios plans, and what could have been.
Watch the Full Muppet Vision 3D Experience
Before we dive in, check out this Sam’s Disney Diary video! It includes a quick look at the attraction’s history and the full in-theater 4D experience. Relive the magic of this classic attraction—I just wish I could recreate the water and bubble effects!
The Origins of Muppet Vision 3D
Muppet*Vision 3D opened on May 16, 1991, exactly one year after the untimely passing of Jim Henson. Originally, the attraction was part of a much bigger vision for an entire Muppet-themed land at Disney-MGM Studios. Disney and Jim Henson had ambitious plans, including The Great Muppet Movie Ride, Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor, an interactive dining experience called The Swedish Chef’s Cooking School, and even a pickle factory! Unfortunately, these ideas never made it past the concept stage.
A glimpse into what could have been! 🎭 This concept art for Muppet Studios (or ‘Muppet Land’) envisioned a fully immersive Muppet-themed land at Disney-MGM Studios, featuring attractions like The Great Muppet Movie Ride, Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor, and The Swedish Chef’s Video Cooking School. Sadly, these plans never became a reality after Jim Henson’s passing in 1990. Does anyone know the source of this artwork? We’d love to track down its history – and give the appropriate credit.
Disney and Jim Henson had an agreement in principle for Disney to acquire the Muppets in 1989, but the deal was never completed before Henson’s passing in 1990. As a result, Disney had to negotiate and renegotiate licensing deals for the Muppets and extend agreements repeatedly until the acquisition was finally completed—13 years later, in 2004. In hindsight, it’s incredible that MuppetVision 3D happened. If the film hadn’t been completed before Jim’s passing, MuppetVision 3D may never have happened. Interestingly, while the film was finished, the pre-show was not—Jim didn’t work on the pre-show, which Frank Oz directed.
The Muppet Studios That Never Were
While MuppetVision 3D was a massive hit, it was just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. The original Disney and Jim Henson plan was for MuppetVision to anchor an entire Muppet Studios area at Disney-MGM Studios, complete with multiple attractions, dining experiences, and themed entertainment. Some of the concepts Imagineers developed included:
The Great Muppet Movie Ride – A hilarious take on The Great Movie Ride, where the Muppets would recreate classic Hollywood films… in their own chaotic way.
The Swedish Chef’s Video Cooking School – An interactive dining experience featuring The Swedish Chef.
Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor – A family-friendly, Muppet-filled eatery with live entertainment.
Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor. NY style pizza parlour restaurant that was to be in Muppet Land. The idea was that the rats have taken over the restaurant, helping to make the food. In the back, visible to the restaurant patrons, an audio animatronic Swedish Chef would making pizza. SOURCE LInkedIN: Marcelo Vignalii
Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor. NY style pizza parlour restaurant that was to be in Muppet Land. The idea was that the rats have taken over the restaurant, helping to make the food. In the back, visible to the restaurant patrons, an audio animatronic Swedish Chef would making pizza. SOURCE LInkedIN: Marcelo Vignalii
However, Jim Henson’s passing in 1990 disrupted the Disney-Henson deal, forcing Disney to abandon many of these ideas. Only Muppet*Vision 3D made it beyond the concept stage. Later, Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor transformed into Pizza Planet, and The Swedish Chef’s Video Cooking School evolved into Momma Melrose.
The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Today
MuppetVision 3D has entertained guests for over three decades, outlasting many attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, in November 2024, Disney announced plans to close the attraction to make way for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. Muppet*Vision 3D will run its final show on June 7, 2025.
BEFORE: Muppets Courtyard Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios, as seen from satellite image about 2019
AFTER: Monsters Inc Land, Concept art that matches Muppet Courtyard Satellite image.
That doesn’t mean the Muppets are leaving the park! Disney confirmed that Kermit, Miss Piggy, and The Electric Mayhem will take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, transforming it into a brand-new Muppet-themed thrill ride. While details on the overlay remain secret, fans can expect plenty of musical mayhem when it debuts.
Lights, camera, chaos! 🎬 Gonzo and Kermit kick off Muppet Vision 3D* in true Muppet fashion—expect the unexpected!
Beyond the ride itself, the queue and pre-show areas could deliver even more Muppet humor. Imagine Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker testing new ‘safety’ enhancements, or Rowlf the Dog adding comedic musical commentary while guests wait. The queue may also feature hidden Easter eggs and nods to past Muppet productions, creating a fully immersive experience from start to finish.
Fun Facts About Muppet Vision 3D
The attraction’s pre-show features a net full of Jell-O, a punny tribute to original Mouseketeer Annette Funicello.
Waldo C. Graphic, the 3D character in the film, was the first computer-generated Muppet created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
“All these people think I’m talking to them… but I’m really talking to YOU!” Waldo C. Graphic breaks the fourth wall in true Muppet fashion!
The pre-show area contains references to past Muppet productions, including crates labeled for Fraggle Rock and Pigs in Space.
A sign in the queue humorously warns guests: “Back in 5 minutes – Key is under mat” – and yes, there really is a key under the mat!
The in-theater Sweetums interact live with the audience, making it one of the few Disney attractions to feature a mix of film and live-action elements.
The original Muppet Courtyard fountain featured Miss Piggy as the Statue of Liberty, surrounded by Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and other Muppets.
In this dated image, about 2010, Miss Piggy takes center stage in the Muppet fountain, a playful nod to the Statue of Liberty! With Pizza Planet Rocket in the background
The film includes a cameo by Jim Henson’s voice—he can be heard as one of the penguins in the orchestra!
The script featured ad-libs by the Muppets, with many of the jokes improvised during recording sessions.
The Legacy and Future of the Muppets
MuppetVision 3D* means so much to so many Disney fans. Beyond its technical achievements, it stands as Jim Henson’s last major project, a testament to his creativity and humor. Some fans even believe MuppetVision 3D* deserves recognition as a national heritage site due to its deep connection to Henson’s legacy.
With the attraction closing, what’s next for the Muppets? Will Disney find another home for MuppetVision 3D*? Could the original Muppet Studios concept finally become reality?
One thing’s for sure—MuppetVision 3D* will always remain a cherished part of Disney history. I hope my latest video helps preserve the memory of this legendary attraction. And like Statler, I’d love to see it move to Pittsburgh!
What’s your favorite MuppetVision 3D* memory? Share in the comments!
📺 Watch more Disney history and behind-the-scenes stories on Sam’s Disney Diary.
Muppet Vision 3D Photo Archive!!!
Miss Piggy shines in the spotlight! The iconic fountain outside Muppet*Vision 3D glows under the night sky, capturing her diva-worthy presence in true Muppet fashion.
A rare sight—an empty MuppetVision 3D theater, moments before the mayhem begins!
Step into the chaos! The Muppet*Vision 3D pre-show room sets the stage for wacky hijinks, featuring zany props, hilarious video clips, and the wild antics of the Muppet Labs crew!
The grand entrance to Muppet Vision 3D, featuring Kermit’s classic marquee and the iconic Muppet Courtyard fountain.*
Lights, camera, chaos! 🎬 Gonzo and Kermit kick off Muppet Vision 3D* in true Muppet fashion—expect the unexpected!
Miss Piggy, always ready for her close-up, prepares for her grand musical performance in Muppet Vision 3D
“Did you say, Cheap 3D tricks?” You bet! Fozzie’s got paddle balls, pies, and plenty of puns to throw your way!
Who needs high-tech effects when you have a squirting flower? Fozzie gives the audience a truly interactive experience!
Muppet Labs is open for business! Dr. Bunsen Honeydew introduces his latest invention—Beaker looks very concerned.
“Mee-mee-mee!” Beaker nervously activates the Inflatomatic—what could possibly go wrong?
“I’m real! I’M REAL!” Waldo C. Graphic, the Spirit of 3D, makes his grand debut thanks to the brilliant minds at Muppet Labs!
“All these people think I’m talking to them… but I’m really talking to YOU!” Waldo C. Graphic breaks the fourth wall in true Muppet fashion!
Kermit: “And now, for Miss Piggy’s big musical number…… That’s you Penguins!” 🎤🐷
Spotlight on Miss Piggy! She sings her heart out while Bean Bunny scrambles to keep up with the chaos!
A true diva never misses her moment—Miss Piggy shines in the spotlight like only she can during Muppet Vision 3D
Miss Piggy’s Muppet Vision 3D performance gets an extra touch of elegance—thanks to Bean Bunny’s perfectly timed 4D bubble magic!
Miss Piggy (soaked and furious): “Good Riddance!!” after the Water skiing end to her musical performance
Muppet mayhem continues! Bean Bunny tries to run away, but someone always spots the bunny in the balcony! 🏃♂️🐰
From their balcony seats, Statler and Waldorf continue their relentless heckling, much to Fozzie Bear’s dismay. 🎭🐻
Kermit, Gonzo, and Fozzie hatch a plan—what can Bean Bunny do to help? Fozzie: “Maybe, maybe, maybe Bean can light the fireworks…”
Muppet mayhem escalates! 🎆 Bean Bunny may be lighting the fireworks, but Waldo C. Graphic wants to help… and that can only mean trouble!
The grand finale begins! Sam Eagle proudly presents a “two-and-a-half-hour salute to all nations… but mostly America!”
The grand finale begins! Sam Eagle proudly presents a “two-and-a-half-hour salute to all nations… but mostly America!”
What was supposed to be a grand, dignified finale has erupted into total chaos—fireworks misfire, props tumble, and Sam Eagle is not amused! 🎆🔥
Miss Piggy, utterly humiliated by Waldo’s antics, fumes as she declares, “You’ll hear from my lawyer!” 🐷
Waldo C. Graphic confidently taunts, “You couldn’t hit me with a cannon!”—only to realize… there’s an actual cannon! 🎭
The cannon blast leaves a gaping hole in the wall, and amidst the smoke and chaos, Kermit emerges—stretched out on a ladder from the Muppet Labs Fire Dept! 🎭
The cannon blast leaves a gaping hole in the wall, and amidst the smoke and chaos, Kermit emerges—stretched out on a ladder from the Muppet Labs Fire Dept! 🎭
The cannon blast leaves a gaping hole in the wall, and amidst the smoke and chaos, Kermit emerges—stretched out on a ladder from the Muppet Labs Fire Dept! 🎭
Waldo C. Graphic makes one last transformation—morphing into Mickey Mouse with a sly grin: “They’ll never find me now!” 🐭
In this dated image, about 2010, Miss Piggy takes center stage in the Muppet fountain, a playful nod to the Statue of Liberty! With Pizza Planet Rocket in the background
A rare look at the seldom-seen outdoor extended queue, featuring classic Muppet movie posters packed with puns and humor!
A rare look at the seldom-seen outdoor extended queue, featuring classic Muppet movie posters packed with puns and humor!
A rare look at the seldom-seen outdoor extended queue, featuring classic Muppet movie posters packed with puns and humor!
A rare look at the seldom-seen outdoor extended queue, featuring classic Muppet movie posters packed with puns and humor!
🚨 WANTED: NEW GIG! 🚨 The Electric Mayhem was on the hunt for their next big break… and they found it at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster!
The legendary security desk—home to one of Muppet Vision 3D’s best hidden gags. Yes, the key really is under the mat!
Muppet security at its finest—complete with wanted posters for the usual suspects, Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy
Welcome to the Muppet Vision 3D World Headquarters—where organized chaos is the official business model!
