It was recently announced that the hairy, scaly, and eccentric cast of Pixar's Monsters Inc. will be taking over the Muppet Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. While it's always exciting to see new experiences at the parks, many fans mourn the loss of an iconic attraction.
ABC News shared the following shortly after the new developments were announced.
"MuppetVision 3D is officially closing its doors at Disney's Hollywood Studios to make way for the forthcoming Monstropolous attraction. But the familiar characters won't be going too far, as the Muppets have a new home replacing Aerosmith as the star of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at the nearby Sunset Boulevard section of the park."
Naturally, there has been much wailing and gnashing of teeth from die-hard Disney buffs and Henson aficionados everywhere, but there might be hope for the attraction yet. While the parks were built on Walt's maxim of "keep moving forward," there might be a way to preserve this piece of the past.
Moving out the Muppets
Muppet*Vision 3D has been a staple of Disney's Hollywood Studios since 1991 and was one of the last productions Jim Henson officially had a hand in creating before his death. Since then, the 3D film and its cornball humor and environmental effects have become a campy fan favorite beloved by many.
Because of both its massive cult following and its connection to the legendary Henson, many fans are rightfully upset that Disney would ever touch such a massive piece of Muppet history. However, fans might not have to say goodbye just yet.
Although there have been talks about Apple and Disney preserving the attraction as a Vision Pro VR experience (seen here), it might only be a matter of relocation. As much as the Muppet Theatre is an icon of the franchise, downsizing might be the easiest way to keep the show rolling.
While the attraction is certainly one of the most beloved at Disney's Hollywood Studios, part of its appeal is (say it with us now) "cheap 3D tricks." That said, there might be a way to preserve the core experience without completely closing it down.
There are multiple 3D/4D attractions on Disney property, but few have the reputation that Muppet*Vision has. Bottom line, it would make sense for Disney to make an effort to keep it alive, even if in a smaller venue. Luckily, the answer might only be a bus ride away.
Although EPCOT recently went under some massive changes, bringing the Muppets over might not be the worst idea in the world. After all, Bunsen and Beaker were previously seen during the Food and Wine Festival promoting the infamous pickle milkshake. But can all the Muppets get in on the act?
If you're a regular Park-Hopper like this writer, you'll know your way around EPCOT. You'll also know that the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival has a small but delightful 3D theater currently showing a trio of Disney and Pixar cartoons, and they are all currently available on Disney+.
Instead of doing away with the last piece of Henson's magic, why not preserve it at EPCOT similar to how Disney resurrected Michael Jackson as Captain EO in 2009? It would certainly make a whole host of Muppet maniacs ridiculously happy.
Granted, this wouldn't be the same experience, and scenes with the animatronics and Sweetums would have to be filmed and spliced, but it could work. It's not like Disney hasn't worked similar magic before.
Yes, it's dated. Yes, it's corny. Yes, it's still stuck in the '90s. Even so, that's still part of the whole Muppet*Vision charm. Fans don't visit the attraction because it's cutting edge, they do it to surrender to the absurdity. After all, wasn't that Jim Henson's vision for the attraction in the first place?