The summer crowds at Walt Disney World Resort are used to queuing up for thrill rides, character meet-and-greets, and new snacks — but today, the longest line at Disney’s Hollywood Studios wasn’t for a roller coaster or churro stand. It was for a souvenir that fits in your pocket.
Disney fans, some tearful and many in Muppets-themed shirts, packed into Grand Avenue for a send-off decades in the making.
After 34 years, Muppet*Vision 3D officially closes its curtains today. First opened in 1991, the zany 3D show was one of Jim Henson’s final projects and served as a rare tribute to the Muppets inside a Disney park. It combined filmed footage with Audio-Animatronics and practical effects to bring the Muppets’ signature chaos to life — from Fozzie’s corny jokes to Sweetums running through the audience.
Its closure comes as Disney prepares to overhaul the surrounding area with a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land, complete with the company’s first-ever suspended coaster.
A Surprising Muppets Send-Off: Penny Press Frenzy Draws Huge Lines
In the absence of farewell merchandise, fans found another way to hold on to Muppet*Vision 3D — literally.
Two pressed penny machines, located just outside the now-retired theater, became the day’s unexpected centerpiece. One machine features designs of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear; the other includes a PizzeRizzo logo alongside Frozen and The Incredibles. Guests can choose individual designs for $1 or all three for $3.
The line for the Penny Press machine outside of MuppetVision 3D is wiiiild!
The line for the Penny Press machine outside of MuppetVision 3D is wiiiild! pic.twitter.com/iE5IiuerF7
— Dax 🇺🇸 (@daxtweetsthings) June 6, 2025
“The line for the Penny Press machine outside of MuppetVision 3D is wiiiild!” one fan posted on social media, where videos showed an extended queue winding down Grand Avenue. Ground markings were added to manage crowd flow, and cast members stayed stationed nearby to supervise what quickly became a hot commodity.
The machine has been relocated several times over the years, but currently sits just to the right of Grand Avenue, near the path leading into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Meanwhile, the quick-service Muppets-themed restaurant, PizzeRizzo, maintained its usual 5 p.m. closing time, leaving some fans disappointed they couldn’t linger longer.
What’s Next for the Muppets at Disney
Disney has not said whether the penny machines will be removed following the closure, which has left fans speculating whether today is truly their final chance.
In a more official move, Disney announced this week that the upcoming Muppets-themed overlay of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will debut in 2026. The existing version, which stars Aerosmith, is set to close earlier that year.
The Muppets overlay will mark the first time the franchise headlines a major ride at any Disney park. Based on concept art and early announcements, the roller coaster will be transformed into a rock music festival featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem — including Animal, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Lips, and Zoot. Additional Muppets are expected to appear throughout the queue and pre-show areas.
So while fans said goodbye to one attraction today, they also got a glimpse of what’s next — even if it means waiting another year to see it.
Until then, it seems, a few pressed pennies will have to do.
Did you get a chance to say goodbye to Muppet*Vision 3D?
