Disney Shifts Gears on the Muppets Weeks Before Shutting Down Muppet*Vision

For fans of The Muppets, the past few years have been marked by a frustrating mix of nostalgia and neglect. Despite their iconic status and cross-generational appeal, the characters created by Jim Henson have long seemed relegated to the sidelines of the Disney empire—a source of fondness, not forward motion. Now, in a surprising twist, the company may finally be rethinking that stance.

This renewed attention comes at a complicated time. Muppet*Vision 3D, the beloved attraction that has anchored The Muppets’ presence in Walt Disney World for over three decades, is officially closing on June 7, 2025. The closure is part of a larger plan to make way for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land—despite outcry from fans who’ve pointed out that underused venues like Star Wars Launch Bay remain intact.

Originally opened on May 16, 1991, Muppet*Vision 3D was the final project directed by Henson and premiered exactly one year after his death. Combining 3D film with live-action effects, animatronics, and in-theater gags, the show captured the anarchic charm that made The Muppets a cultural mainstay.

Muppets Take to the Sky

The decision to close MuppetVision* seemed to confirm what fans had long feared: that Disney no longer saw The Muppets as relevant to its modern brand. And yet, just weeks ahead of the ride’s final performance, the company has unveiled a surprising homage.

Newly wrapped Disney Skyliner gondolas now feature Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Sam Eagle, and Statler and Waldorf—set against The Muppet Show’s iconic red curtain and theater archway. The move coincided with the 70th anniversary of Sam and Friends, Jim Henson’s early television show that introduced a prototype version of Kermit and laid the foundation for everything that followed.

get me on the muppets skyliner immediately

get me on the muppets skyliner immediately pic.twitter.com/cTSlCeWiSR

— you’ll always be twittеr to me (@_embersonfire) May 9, 2025

“Get me on the Muppets Skyliner immediately,” one fan wrote, echoing the widespread excitement over the unexpected update.

The timing is noteworthy. While the new wrap doesn’t make up for the loss of Muppet*Vision 3D, it suggests that Disney is not quite ready to shelve the characters entirely. For longtime fans, it’s the first public-facing sign of respect in years.

A Complicated Legacy for Muppet*Vision 3D—and a Possible Reboot

In recent years, Disney’s track record with The Muppets has been mixed at best. The company pulled The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History from Magic Kingdom in early 2020. That show, a live retelling of U.S. history performed by Muppets in Liberty Square, was also the final performance by longtime Muppet performer Steve Whitmire, who was dismissed shortly afterward.

Still, signs of revival are emerging. Disney has confirmed that The Muppets will soon take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, replacing the long-running Aerosmith theme with a new experience that places the puppet troupe front and center. Although few details have been announced, it marks a bold shift—moving The Muppets from nostalgic side characters into a headlining role.

The company also plans to record Muppet*Vision 3D for archival purposes, signaling an awareness of the show’s significance, even as it makes room for newer IP.

Whether this new visibility amounts to a true resurgence or another momentary nod remains to be seen. But as the Skyliner glides overhead and fans prepare to say goodbye to MuppetVision*, the question isn’t just whether Disney values The Muppets. It’s whether they’re finally ready to let them lead.

What should Disney do with The Muppets next?