Kermit the Frog Hot-Air Balloon to be Removed for Star Wars Land at Hollywood Studios

December 8, 2017January 9, 2017 by Tom Corless

The MuppetVision fountain at Hollywood Studios was temporarily turned into a planter to accommodate the Star Wars themed-land construction nearby, but it seems the galaxy far, far away will have a long-lasting impact on the look of the 1991 Hollywood Studios attraction.

The Kermit the Frog hot air balloon as it has looked since it was repainted in 2008 to remove references to the Jim Henson name.

It appears as if the iconic Kermit the Frog hot air balloon (which has loomed over the Muppets Courtyard for nearly 26 years) will be removed at some point over the next few weeks. Disney has not stated if the balloon will be reused somewhere else, but it doesn’t sound like the balloon will be returning as of this time.

kermit the frog hot air balloon to be removed for star wars land at hollywood studios — The balloon as it appeared from 1991 until 2008.

The balloon is being removed because it would be visible from inside of the Star Wars-themed land that is being constructed.

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Author

Tom Corless

Tom has been regularly visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort from the time he was 4 months old. While he has made countless visits in the last 28 years, he did not become a truly active member in the Disney fan community until the summer of 2007, when he decided to launch the WDW News Today website and podcast. Tom has since become an Orlando-local and is a published author on Walt Disney World. Contact Tom at to[email protected].

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12 thoughts on “Kermit the Frog Hot-Air Balloon to be Removed for Star Wars Land at Hollywood Studios”

Pingback: Iconic Kermit The Frog Hot Air Balloon being Removed from Muppets Courtyard
DJ

January 9, 2017 at 1:33 PM

It would look rather out of place from inside the Star Wars area.
JimV

January 9, 2017 at 2:32 PM

Will MuppetVision get an update? Barely watchable today.
- Ryan B
  
  January 9, 2017 at 2:37 PM
  
  JimV, you must be the guy in the Goofy mask.
  - Waldorf
    
    January 9, 2017 at 9:01 PM
    
    That’s no mask.
  - JimV
    
    January 10, 2017 at 1:04 PM
    
    So you’re happy with the same show for 20 years? Lame.
    - Statler
      
      January 11, 2017 at 12:01 AM
      
      Sorry lady!
Ricky Lee Kirkland

January 9, 2017 at 4:10 PM

Why not paint a Death Star on the Side facing Star Wars Land !!!
- Ralph
  
  January 9, 2017 at 4:53 PM
  
  Because that would be stupid?
yensidw

January 9, 2017 at 8:59 PM

Since Star Wars land won’t be open for a few years why the rush to remove the balloon? SMH
- Michael Clute
  
  January 10, 2017 at 11:26 AM
  
  My guess is they intend to replace it with something that will visually work from both sides and they are going to start work on it soon.
  - Walt Disney Imagineering
    
    January 10, 2017 at 12:23 PM
    
    Yes, on the Muppets side it will be a constantly changing parody billboard lampooning current events as only the Muppets can. On the Star Wars side, we felt it would be best to encapsulate the true goal that Walt Disney Imagineering has set out to achieve when given the task of bringing the Star Wars universe to life. That is why we we’ll be featuring a billboard for Imperial Credits that can be purchased and used as real currency within Star Wars Land so that you’ll truly feel like you’re a part in the Star Wars Universe!
    
    Please Note: Imperial Credits can only be used within Star Wars land and can not be used in any other parts of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or other retail locations within the Walt Disney World Resort. A minimum purchase of $200 is required and Imperial Credits are non refundable.