"One More Reason Not To Go to Hollywood Studios." Disney Adults React to Permanent Closure of Muppet Vision 3D

It’s been a big week for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney made headlines earlier this week by announcing that Muppets Courtyard would be replaced by the new Monsters, Inc. Land, which means that Muppet*Vision 3D will be no more. But the Muppets aren’t going away completely — the Muppets and guest artists (whose identities aren’t known at this time) will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster! With all those big announcements, we knew there’d be some conflicting feelings, so we took to Facebook to ask our readers how they felt about the news.

We asked our readers on Facebook, “How do you feel about this change? Are you excited for the Monsters, Inc. addition, or will you miss the Muppets in their old spot?” and fans did NOT hold back.

Sentiment #1: Confused, Angry, and Upset

Many of our readers are NOT a fan of these changes. And by not a fan, we mean comments from fans like AllEars reader Joyce, who said:

“This is an awful move that is unnecessary. There is place behind the Muppet space to add Monsters. They do not need to get rid of Muppets. ROCK…hello? You have Aerosmith and rights to Queen in North America. Why put Muppets in RnR?! The design of this “rollercoaster” for Monsters looks BORING. I liked Monsters but it’s outdated and we have Monsters Inc at MK. We don’t have Muppets anywhere else. This is Jim Hensons legacy. I’m about DONE with Disney. Just booked my May trip and I’m at Universal for 4 days…not sure I’m going to add Disney time.”

Or Mark, who said:

“I am not happy. This just gives me one more reason to not go to Hollywood Studios. Very little left there I can ride or do. Disney needs to take Hollywood Studios and just rename it Disney’s IP Park. Nothing original, just Disney IP all the time. Not even the IP I like and watch. Oh well. Just means I spend more time at EPCOT, MK and Animal Kingdom. Or go enjoy other places that are not theme parks.”

Some readers pointed out that many guests cannot ride roller coasters, so not everyone is interested in the new suspended coaster proposed for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A new land themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Taking place after the events of the film, Monstropolis need humans’ laughter to power the city. Guests can even ride on a door like Mike and Sully in the iconic scene from the film with Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster.

Others are asking why Disney can’t relocate Muppet*Vision 3D to the old home of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Note that Disney previously confirmed that a new Villains Show is slated to arrive in this section of the park. Despite people’s reactions, we’ll be interested to see how things develop since Disney has said they’re looking for a way to preserve the Muppet*Vision 3D and Jim Henson’s Legacy beyond the retheme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Sentiment #2: Conflicting Feelings

The majority of our readers, though, appear to be having mixed feelings about the changes. Like Ken, who said:

“I’m of very mixed feelings, Muppet Vision was one of, if not absolutely, the last Muppet project Jim Henson worked on and voiced Kermit for. On top of that, it was a nice way to get out of the sun and grab some a/c while enjoying a fun movie. It was good for all ages. I’m glad the Muppets aren’t gone completely and see some potential for the retheme. However, not everyone can ride Rockin’ Rollercoaster due to height, physical condition (bad back, neck, pregnant, etc) or just don’t care for roller coasters at all, let alone one that takes you upside down, unless they redo the whole thing to be more family friendly. So not everyone can, or will be able to, enjoy the Muppets with this change and the Muppets are for everyone.

Jim also brought up a good point, saying:

“At least there’s talk about preserving parts of the show…there are plenty of places available to do that, and the fountain could be relocated as well. We’ll see…re-theming the coaster is pretty smart, actually. It might expose more guests to Muppets than MV3D has in many years.“

It seems a lot of our readers are thrilled the Muppets aren’t going away forever but are a little hesitant about what the retheme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will look like. Many are also looking forward to seeing how Disney will preserve the show and are really hoping the Miss Piggy Fountain will be moved to be part of the new retheme (and we’re hoping the same; we love that fountain)!

Sentiment #3: They’re Ecstatic

A smaller, but still present, section of our readers are beyond thrilled about this change. Michelle said:

“It’s ok! His spirit will live on in the new ride, and we still get Muppets, so this is a good thing! Better than no more Muppets ever.”

Jennifer is ecstatic, saying:

“We asked they answered… YES!!! I am sooo down for this!!”

Our team is also pretty mixed on this news — some couldn’t be more excited for the changes and are really looking forward to seeing how it all works out, others are on the fence but hesitantly hopeful it’ll all come together, and others are devastated to lose Muppets Courtyard. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World updates that come out, so stay tuned to AllEars!