Big news for Disney park enthusiasts! Just after a major announcement at D23 in Anaheim—Disney’s ultimate fan event—whispers of a beloved attraction facing closure have surfaced. According to insider sources, Walt Disney Imagineering must decide within weeks whether to close Muppet*Vision 3D, an iconic attraction that debuted in 1991, just a year after Jim Henson’s untimely passing. Initially, this closure was to be revealed during D23, but plans changed at the last minute.

Muppet*Vision 3D, set in the whimsical Muppet Labs, has long been cherished by fans for its blend of Henson’s zany humor and innovative 3D effects. This 15-minute attraction has seen generations enjoy its anarchical Muppet spirit, but its future looks uncertain amid Disney’s grand expansion plans. During the D23 event, new concept art for a “Monsters, Inc.” land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was unveiled, featuring a thrilling door chase coaster and themed shops and eateries. However, fans were quick to notice hints in the artwork suggesting this new area might replace Muppet*Vision 3D.

Reactions from fans have been nothing short of passionate. Social media erupted with pleas to save the attraction, emphasizing its cultural and nostalgic value. Kevin Perjurer of the Defunctland series highlighted its unique blend of Henson and Disney humor, noting, “Muppet*Vision treats Mickey Mouse as a celebrity. It treats the parks with reverence.” Fellow content creator Dan Becker lamented the potential loss, calling the attraction “a living relic of a media empire.”

The historical significance of Muppet*Vision 3D cannot be understated. It was the brainchild of Henson and Disney during an ambitious collaboration in the late ’80s. Tragically, Henson’s unexpected death led to the project becoming his final, memorable creation. The site stands as a tribute to Jim Henson’s legacy, making the looming threat of closure all the more poignant for longtime fans.

While Disney’s parks are known for their constant evolution, the potential shuttering of Muppet*Vision 3D would be a significant change, marking the end of an era. To lose this attraction would be akin to saying a profound goodbye to Jim Henson himself. Fans are left to hope for a last-minute reprieve, clinging to the magic that Muppet*Vision 3D has brought for over three decades.

What are your thoughts on this potential closure? Share your memories and join the conversation in the comments below!

Source: Drew Taylor