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

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

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Full Walkthrough of Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studios

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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.

The Monstro Theater

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."

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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.

Monsters Inc. Land Concept Art

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

Wide view of the Monsters Inc. Land

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Agent H2 days ago

Sorry if this has been posted already.

EagleScout6102 days ago

Was told salvage crews have arrived today at MuppetVision. I expect we'll start seeing things vanishing off the building sooner than later.

CoastalElite643 days ago

Did we discuss if MV3D could be moved to a Disney cruise ship? Not the same but I think it would be nice.

Tha Realest3 days ago

So…not the same as a custodial CM then? More costly?

WorldExplorer3 days ago

It seems very unlikely it was just a part of the attraction's rotation at any point. All else aside, they would need to only put people tall enough to play him at that attraction.

TrainsOfDisney3 days ago

Can’t speak for all of time - but in recent years it was a character performer “puppeteer” - puppeteers do get a higher rate. (Other shows include Lion King and Mermaid)

lazyboy97o3 days ago

You need media, which does not currently exist, to actually play on those screens. And people would probably expect 3D media, which is going to get complicated with a bunch of different viewing angles to a bunch of different surfaces. You also then need projector space for each of these surfaces. Animated figures themselves aren’t hard to bolt down, but you still need to build a structure to support them. You need physical access so people can safely get to them. When they’re elevated that means stairs. It also means room for lifting equipment. Data and power needs to be run. Computers to operate them need to be housed somewhere. You’re missing a lot of information if you’re looking at the guest facing portion of a theater and trying to work out what it can support. At least for awhile it was just one of the Cast Members assigned to the attraction as part of their rotation. I think one of the brothers who did WEDway Radio ( but also likely another podcast like Progress City Radio Hour because I’m pretty sure brothers were involved) worked there for their college program and talked about it once upon a time. Given the clear certainty of this recollection, a few grains or pounds of salt should be taken.

TrainsOfDisney3 days ago

Wouldn’t it be scheduled like other characters? For example “meet Mickey” obviously has several CM’s rotating in and out throughout the day.

Disgruntled Walt3 days ago

I really hope somebody answers these questions! I've wanted to know this for years.

MrPromey3 days ago

And? It's costs money in CMs for any attraction with a queue*. *except Swiss Family Treehouse

andre853 days ago

Does anyone know how they scheduled it? Is there only one Sweetums at a time? Is there a backup if someone calls in sick? Are they in costume the whole time? Do they do anything between shows?

BasiltheBatLord3 days ago

Considering how tight the labor market has gotten overtime, I actually think it's pretty amazing they were successfully able to keep CMs in that role 12 hours a day for 30 years.

TrainsOfDisney3 days ago

Right. Just like it costs $$$ to pay CM’s to greet guests, start the show, sweep the floor, etc. - it’s part of the cost of operating a theme park. Haha.