The Jim Henson Company Releases Statement on the Future of MuppetVision 3D at Walt Disney World

3 hours ago in "Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D"

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Posted: Saturday November 23, 2024 1:50pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Jim Henson Company has released an official statement regarding the future of MuppetVision 3-D, following the recent announcement of its closure at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

MuppetVision 3-D Overview

The Official Statement

"Jim Henson's final project was MuppetVision 3D, now regarded as a true theme park classic. Innovation was always Jim Henson's north star, and his trailblazing career led him to a unique challenge: a truly immersive Muppet experience where audiences are part of the happy chaos of the iconic Muppet Show. Originally debuting in 1991, MuppetVision 3D combined 3D technology with real-world practical effects, alongside animatronic and live Muppet characters. The result was a one-of-a-kind Jim Henson experience, and an unforgettable capstone to Jim's magnificent career. As we learn of the show's upcoming closure in its current form at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we look forward to Muppet*Vision 3D's next act."

A Tribute to Jim Henson's Vision

Debuting in 1991, the show embodied Henson's signature blend of humor, creativity, and technological innovation, combining 3D visuals with real-world elements to create an unforgettable, immersive experience. For many fans, MuppetVision 3D is more than a theme park attraction; it is a tribute to Henson's life work and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of entertainment.

Jim Henson was known for always looking towards the future, and the statement underscores that innovation was central to his career. With MuppetVision 3D, Henson took on the challenge of creating a theme park show that would immerse audiences in the world of the Muppets like never before. The result was an attraction that blended animatronics, practical effects, and 3D film in a way that was ahead of its time—an experience that allowed guests to feel like they were part of the Muppet Show itself, surrounded by the happy chaos that defines the Muppets.

What's Next for MuppetVision 3-D?

While the closure of MuppetVision 3D in its current form at Disney's Hollywood Studios is blow for fans, The Jim Henson Company's statement hints at a promising future. The phrase "we look forward to MuppetVision 3D's next act" suggests that this beloved attraction is not gone forever, but rather poised for an evolution—perhaps in a new format, location, or even as part of a digital experience.

A Legacy That Lives On

Jim Henson's influence on entertainment is immeasurable, and MuppetVision 3-D stands as a testament to his creative genius.

The Muppets' joyful chaos, brought to life through Henson's vision, will live on in whatever form MuppetVision 3D takes in its next iteration.

MuppetVision 3-D's Future: Potential Disney Park Venues and Apple Vision Pro Immersive Experience

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Karakasa29 minutes ago

It feels like a good place to put it. Can move PhilharMagic over to Disneyland, build a theater to replace the Fantasyland Theater if they really don't want to keep doing live shows. To be fair, the theater is like, riiiiiiight before the cutoff of where I'd expect Pandora's entrance/exit to go if it's towards the front of the park like some speculate I'd assume Coco will be near Pixar Pier, but who knows.

The Leader of the Club34 minutes ago

I’m not gonna hold my breath for that until we know where Pandora and Coco are going.

JSouth251 hour ago

Holding out hope that it might come back to DCA, the theater’s already made to hold Muppet Vision 3D.

Miru1 hour ago

Hoping Stitch gets his own proper dark ride some day. Laugh Floor will not be as missed as MV3D though, lacking even the historic relevance of ESS, though I have a feeling the Imacticians (my name for the higher up in modern continental Imagineering) will treat Laugh Floor with kid gloves compared to ESS.

The Leader of the Club1 hour ago

Oh, I think Tomorrowland is next once they’re done with Frontier/Villains. I think Buzz & MILF are not long for this world. Heck, Buzz is already being rethemed in Hong Kong & Tokyo. If we get a Space retrack, updated Carousel, and replacements for Buzz, Laugh Floor, SGE, & Speedway I’ll be happy.

yeti1 hour ago

TW: Scott's Tot's reference from The Office: "We can't pay for your college keep Muppet Vision 3D around, but you don't have to go to class to be in class Hollywood Studios to experience Muppet Vision 3D. Online courses ride POVs are a viable option to a traditional college ride experience. And the best way to access those courses POVs is with your own personal laptop Apple Vision Pro headset, which is rendered useless without batteries $3500... Hold on, hold on: they're lithium!"

Miru2 hours ago

I just realized this might also seal the fate of Laugh Floor in the near future; especially how Laugh Floor hasn’t been updated recently to accommodate new phone technology or even add content from University/Monsters at Work to it.

lazyboy97o2 hours ago

The theater is a shell intended to hold different content. The Villain show is within the scope of its purpose.

TrainsOfDisney3 hours ago

They are completely rebuilding the interior of Sunset to accommodate Villians….. That’s kind of my point, they could be rebuilding so they could easily add Muppets at a later date - that could have been part of the plan all along.

Miru3 hours ago

Most likely Family Guy & other more intense shows will just have small references rather than even getting a restaurant. Maybe an M&G at best.

lazyboy97o4 hours ago

Muppet*Vision 3D isn’t just in a theater. It’s a custom facility hosting multiple animated figures, in-theater effects and unique cast access, none of which is present at Sunset Showcase. Nor does it have the circulation. It’s also smaller which means what exists is of even less use as a basis of design. Even the floor would have to be ripped out or built up for the raked seating. You’re basically looking at designing a whole new facility with the hassle of keeping some extra bits as a constraint.