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

18 days ago in "Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D"

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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celluloid4 days ago

That kind of thing and Sweetums as a bit getting the Les Paul in the preshow type angle would be great, but I don't think we are getting that level. If we see those two, heckling it would be more likely on the final brake run, and great if not in screen form, because of access to them is not currently designed in RnR's launch area and I think they want a six month or so turnaround. Not to mention the voices now...ouch. What really needs to be sure to happen is a sign in the opening alleyway or somewhere that references "LOST? Have you tried Harry Krishna?" if they could be so bold.

Touchdown4 days ago

Oh I have my expectations low, I’m betting the tribute is Statler and Waldorf over the RnRC launch heckling you before you blast off.

celluloid4 days ago

You guys see the part about not likely, and the ones that are not World's Fair-based. It leaves you with very few, like Mickey Mouse Revue and sort of flat rides. Not the same company anymore. Just setting expectations to not be disappointed in how things are preserved, it won't be the attraction as a whole if it is demoed.

peter114354 days ago

There are a few examples of attractions being moved over the years. Not many. But more than zero.

celluloid4 days ago

Shorts festival costs much less to operate and maintain. Hopefully it is almost gone too because unlike Muppets it is odd for a park to keep. An original park show has not been designed for that theater in over 30 years.

Touchdown4 days ago

While an attraction hasn’t moved, there are many that have been rebuilt (coasters like Space Mt CA, Big Thunder etc.). It could happen, particularly if someone has a soft spot for it. I’ve got to assume MV3D has better stats then the shorts festival. I think however if it is moved, they will alter something to make Sweetums not be live any more.

celluloid4 days ago

I want everyone to realize how unlikely it is that an attraction that is not a live entertainment venue travels and gets rebuilt. It has not often happened outside of the World's Fair era attractions and so much has changed. I want Muppets to remain and be kept too, but if it was worth doing that physically at WDW for the company, then we would not be losing it so Monsters Inc could have another smaller show venue in its space.

TinkerBelle88784 days ago

I think the only solution would be to bring it to Epcot and put it in the former space of Honey I shrunk the audience. The muppets are themselves the spirit of imagination so where better than to permanently move the Muppet theater, the Piggy statue and everything else from DHS? Maybe with that will come a retheme to Imagination and restoring Figment to his former glory with some tie in to his friends the Muppets.

The Leader of the Club4 days ago

The thing that I keep coming back to with VR is that only one person would realistically use it at a time. You no longer even have the communal aspect of watching something on tv. I think you’d lose a lot just from not having the audience reacting to MuppetVision around you.

Brian5 days ago

Looks like CNET and @wdwmagic had the same idea.

wdw71fan7 days ago

The reality is that the film is likely to sit on a shelf in some archive and never be seen again.. They knew the outcry over the closure would be strong, so the prepared "investigating a place for it to go" statement was released. In 5 years when fans are clamoring for 'where's MUPPETVISION 3D?!?!?!" Disney will likely put out a "With all of our other projects, we don't currently have the resources to give the Muppets the attention they deserve." Fast forward another 10 years, and it'll change to "We've looked into it, and there doesn't seem to be enough fan interest in presenting the film, and it doesn't make economic sense to invest in a new presentation for the foreseeable future" Translation is that it's lip service.. It ain't coming unless you see a backhoe digging a hole to build it, and even then.. It ain't coming.

Cmdr_Crimson13 days ago

Yes...Sesame Place, Busch Gardens and Sea World are owned by United Parks and Resorts.

muddyrivers13 days ago

I think it also needs to be made available in both 3D and 2D. Because if they just release the 2D footage, that would be a huge disservice to the attraction and its fans. Also, how do you incorporate the interaction with the animatronics in the film?