The Muppets At Hollywood Studios: 5 Shocking Changes After The Muppet*Vision 3D Closure

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The landscape of Disney’s Hollywood Studios has changed dramatically in 2025, marking the end of a beloved era for Muppets fans. After decades of laughs, exploding penguins, and 3D shenanigans, the iconic Muppet*Vision 3D attraction, along with the entire Muppets Courtyard and PizzeRizzo restaurant, officially closed its doors forever on June 7, 2025. This major overhaul is making way for a brand-new Monsters, Inc. Land, a bittersweet transformation that has left many guests wondering where they can now find Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy in the park.

This article will break down the most current and essential updates for 2025 and 2026, detailing the complete demolition of the Muppets’ former home and revealing the exciting, high-speed future for The Electric Mayhem. While the classic 3D show is gone, the Muppets are set to star in a major new thrill ride, ensuring their legacy at Walt Disney World continues in a thrilling new way.

The End of an Era: Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Muppets Courtyard Closure

The closure of the Muppets Courtyard area was a significant event, officially taking place on June 7, 2025. This entire section of the park, formerly part of the Grand Avenue area, is now behind construction walls as Disney prepares the site for its new identity. The closure was not a temporary refurbishment but a permanent removal to facilitate the construction of a new themed area dedicated to the characters from Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.

  • Muppet*Vision 3D: This was the final curtain call for the classic 3D attraction, which was one of the last remaining pieces of Jim Henson’s original creative work in the park. The show, starring Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the entire cast, was known for its in-theater effects and the hilarious heckling from Statler and Waldorf.
  • PizzeRizzo: Rizzo the Rat’s namesake quick-service restaurant closed simultaneously with the 3D show. This New York-style pizza joint was a staple for many guests, and its closure means one less dining option in the area.
  • Muppets Courtyard Demolition: Not only did the attractions close, but the beloved Muppets Fountain, the Stage 1 Company Store (the Muppets gift shop), and all the surrounding themed facades have been or are being demolished. This marks a complete clearing of the land for the upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land.

For guests visiting Hollywood Studios in late 2025, the area is simply a construction zone. The historical charm and nostalgic atmosphere of the Muppets’ old home are now just memories, making way for the park's future expansion. The closure of these long-running elements underscores Disney’s commitment to refreshing its parks with new intellectual properties and experiences.

The Muppets' High-Speed Future: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (2026)

The biggest and most exciting news for Muppets fans is their guaranteed return in a major way. The Muppets are not leaving Hollywood Studios; they are simply moving to a much bigger stage: the former Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.

The iconic indoor launch coaster, which has been closed for a major reimagining, will officially reopen in Summer 2026 as the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. This is a massive upgrade in terms of park presence, replacing a single 3D show with a high-capacity, high-thrill attraction.

What to Expect from the New Muppets Roller Coaster

Based on concept art and official announcements, the new attraction will be a celebration of the Muppets' musical talent, specifically focusing on the house band, The Electric Mayhem. The premise centers around the band—Dr. Teeth, Animal, Janice, Zoot, and Floyd Pepper—who will be providing the "tasty tunes" for the high-speed journey.

The ride’s backstory is expected to involve guests being rushed to a major concert, with the Muppets providing the soundtrack and the chaos. Key elements of the reimagining include:

  • New Music and Soundtrack: The ride’s soundtrack will feature classic Muppets songs, potentially re-recorded or remixed by The Electric Mayhem, replacing the Aerosmith hits.
  • Advanced Audio-Animatronics: The pre-show and main ride are rumored to feature new Audio-Animatronics of Muppet characters, including Dr. Teeth and Animal, creating a more immersive and character-driven experience.
  • Updated Theming: The exterior and interior queue will be completely revamped to reflect the colorful, chaotic, and rock-and-roll aesthetic of the Muppets, moving away from the dark, studio-centric atmosphere of the previous version.

This reimagining is a clear signal that Disney is investing heavily in the Muppets franchise, positioning them as a major draw for the park's future. The new coaster is anticipated to be one of the park’s premier attractions when it debuts in Summer 2026.

The Current Muppets Presence and Merchandise in 2025

With the permanent closure of the Muppets Courtyard, the current presence of the Muppets at Hollywood Studios is minimal in late 2025, but fans should remain hopeful for new merchandise.

The Stage 1 Company Store, which was the primary source for Muppets merchandise, is no longer operational, having been removed as part of the demolition. However, Disney is known for synchronizing merchandise releases with new attraction openings. Therefore, a massive wave of new Muppets-themed merchandise, particularly items featuring The Electric Mayhem, is highly anticipated to arrive in late 2025 and throughout 2026 in anticipation of the coaster’s debut.

While character meet-and-greets featuring Muppets characters are not currently scheduled in the park following the Courtyard closure, fans should keep an eye on the Disney Parks app. Character appearances can often be temporarily relocated or reintroduced as mobile sightings in other areas of the park, such as the nearby Echo Lake or Grand Avenue sections that remain open. For now, the focus is entirely on the 2026 coaster opening, which will bring with it a revitalized Muppets presence.

The Muppets at Hollywood Studios: 5 Shocking Changes After the Muppet*Vision 3D Closure
disney world hollywood studios muppets
disney world hollywood studios muppets

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