In a significant move, on Friday Disney officially confirmed the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D as part of a redevelopment plan at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This announcement comes after reports in August, which we previously reported on, suggested that the iconic Muppet-themed attraction might be on the chopping block.
The redevelopment will not only involve the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D but will also see a transformation of nearby dining establishments such as Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano and PizzeRizzo, along with the surrounding shops. While Disney has not yet provided a specific closing date for Muppet*Vision 3D, it was previously revealed that construction on a new area themed around Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. is set to begin in 2025.
In a statement regarding the changes, Disney said, “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.”
The upcoming area will immerse guests in the world of Monsters, Inc., taking place after the events of the original film. Guests will be invited to experience the factory itself. The main attraction in the land will be a suspended roller coaster—a first for a Disney park—recreating the door vault scene. The Monsters, Inc. land will also feature dining, shopping, and a new theater show.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared brief details about the roller coaster in August: “Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
Additionally, Disney made another announcement on Friday, revealing that the Muppets will take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios, where they will be “teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!” This means that the ride will shift its theme away from Aerosmith and instead feature the Muppets.
“There’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard,” Disney revealed in an official post.
Disney has not yet announced the closing dates for either attraction, merely stating that “there’s still enough time to catch a super-stretch limo to the Forum to enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and catch Muppet*Vision 3D again before their final curtain calls.” The company, however, previously confirmed that construction on the Monsters, Inc. land is slated to begin in 2025.
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