Disney Announces Closing Date for MuppetVision 3D Ahead of Monsters, Inc. Land Transformation

Jan 24, 2025 in "Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D"

MuppetVision 3-D Overview
Posted: Friday January 24, 2025 11:24am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has announced the phased closing schedule for attractions in the Grand Avenue area of Disney's Hollywood Studios as preparations begin for the new Monsters, Inc. land. The closures will pave the way for the transformation of the area into Monstropolis, with new attractions, dining, and entertainment inspired by the successful Pixar film.

Phase 1: Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano Closing

The first step in the redevelopment will be the closure of Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. The popular dining location will serve its final guests on May 10, 2025.

Phase 2: Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo Closing

Following the closure of Mama Melrose’s, two other Grand Avenue staples will also shut their doors. The last day to experience MuppetVision 3D and dine at PizzeRizzo will be June 7, 2025. MuppetVision 3D, which has been a fan-favorite since its debut in 1991, will make way for the Monstro Theater, a new attraction that Disney says will bring the humor and excitement of Monsters, Inc. to life.

Disney said today that "As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future."

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

Disney Sets MuppetVision 3D Closure Date, Stays Silent on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Timeline

What’s Next for Grand Avenue?

With the phased closures complete, construction will begin on transforming the Grand Avenue area into the world of Monstropolis. The new land will include Harryhausen’s Restaurant, a flying door rollercoaster housed in the iconic door warehouse, and the reimagined central courtyard featuring a Mike Wazowski statue.

Disney has not yet announced a specific timeline for when Monsters, Inc. land will open, but the expectation is for 2027 and beyond.

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    TheMaxRebo18 minutes ago

    I hope they put it a few places - Fortnite, DisneyPlus, maybe like the POV thing they are doing for Galaxy's Edge, maybe Apply Vision Pro, etc. I think just D+ would minimize all what made up the experience. I think just Fortnite would be limiting because, and maybe I am just an old fuddy duddy, but feel like a lot of Muppet Fans aren't going to want to deal with Fortnite

    YouMakeTheWorldGoRound13 hours ago

    I will be there on June 7th, a sombre goodbye to the greatest 3D film of all time

    Moth1 day ago

    Fortnite Creative (UEFN) is a very sophisticated and in-depth system that'll definitely lend itself well to being a digital recreation of it. It wouldn't be the same as physical, real life AAs and the like, but I think it'd benefit more from trying to recreate those effects digitally versus uploading a MP4 to Disney+.

    Sirwalterraleigh1 day ago

    There are a ton of rumors Most are 🐎💩 Don’t believe pods and vloggers. They just want money for clicks instead of job 😎

    mattpeto1 day ago

    If you want MV3D to return, you better root hard against the rumored HoP makeover. There is no shot they have Muppets RnR, HoP with Muppets and MuppetVision 3D.

    Sirwalterraleigh1 day ago

    Agreed I think general perception has turned on the “replacement” strategy. It’s pretty obvious a bait and switch tactic…and even the public who doesn’t hang around here has begun to notice and grumble

    TrainsOfDisney1 day ago

    If that was the plan all along - why not build a mayhem family coaster in muppets courtyard and make rock’n a monsters inc coaster?

    SageOfTime1 day ago

    I mean, at least in Fortnite, as ridiculous as that would be, they would be able to re-create the full queue/preshow/theatre experience with the animatronics and effects, rather than just having the film flat on D+. I still would be shocked if they did end up making it a Fortnite exclusive, but I feel like the experience could actually potentially be more complete than just throwing the movie itself on streaming.

    jmuboy1 day ago

    This is my long term hope for the muppets. Add a Swedish Chef food truck and a small merchandise cart. And the little area would be perfect

    Eric Graham1 day ago

    The Center for Puppetry Arts is such a wonderful place! I've taken my nephew there before to see all of the wonderful puppets and they put on really great puppet shows throughout the year such as Rudolph at Christmas. And Jim Henson himself collaborated on it too! Hopefully, they'll be able to have the MuppetVision 3-D in some capacity. My favorite of all time Muppet movies were the Muppets with Jason Segal and the Muppet Christmas Carol. I've also really enjoyed the Muppet Show a lot. I also thought the Muppet store was a lot of fun too! And I have a couple of pieces from the Muppets in my Disney room. One I had framed that I purchased from one of the festivals too!

    Epcot82Guy1 day ago

    I'm not holding my breath, but that would be great.

    HairyLegPirate1 day ago

    My gut says IF there is intention to eventually recreate/reopen MuppetVision in a new location, it comes back in the Sunset Showcase theater after Villains Land opens and Unfairly Ever After becomes redundant. Turns that entire back corner of the park to a mini Muppet land, creates a new Muppet Courtyard.

    Matthew2mrt8 days ago

    Even though I’m excited about the new Monsters, Inc. Land & its door roller coaster, I’m still very sad that it had to replace Muppet Courtyard. Plus, Muppet*Vision 3D was the very last project Jim Henson himself was involved before he passed away and the attraction pays a beautiful tribute to the man who helped make Kermit the Frog & the Muppets come to life. But, I’m still glad that The Muppets are not really leaving Hollywood Studios as Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem {along with Kermit the Frog & Miss Piggy} are going to take over Rock n’ Roller Coaster which is going to be interesting and exciting {even though we’re had to say goodbye to Aerosmith on that ride}. Also, since Disney saids that they’re exploring the ways to preserve the Muppet*Vision 3D film & other parts of the experience, I really hope that it will have a new life somewhere in the park {maybe in Sunset Boulevard, replacing the Anaheim Produce area}.

    Cmdr_Crimson9 days ago

    I'm sure it's going to utilize the Laugh Floor tech for the show where it's interactive in some sort of way..Which then means that Monsters will leave Tomorrowland hopefully...

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