Included an new article from WKMG News is a video of the original opening-day footage of MuppetVision 3D, which was previously thought to be lost.
MuppetVision 3D Opening Day Footage
Orlando News channel WKMG has posted two YouTube videos from the original opening day media press kit for MuppetVision 3D. The show first opened on May 16, 1991, which was specifically chosen as the premiere date because it was the first anniversary of Jim Henson’s passing. Henson was actively working on the show and had just finished the majority of principal photography when he died, making MuppetVision 3D his final Muppets project.
Now, just over 34 years later, Disney has announced MuppetVision 3D will be performing for the final time. The last day for guests to experience the show is June 7, 2025, while a special showing exclusively for Disney Cast Members is scheduled to take place on July 10. The area currently housing MuppetVision 3D, as well as PizzeRizzo, will be reimagined as Monstopolis from “Monsters Inc.”
The first of the two videos posted by WKMG includes more of what is a general overview of the opening day celebrations in the form of a news segment. The first clips include shots of a parade with several of the Muppets characters from the show such as Bean Bunny, Miss Piggy, and Kermit the Frog. The video’s narrator explains that at the time, the film included “some of the most dramatic 3D effects ever created.”
This first clip concludes with interviews with some of the opening day guests who experienced MuppetVision 3D for the first time, and they are asked to choose their favorite part of the roughly 15-minute show. The answers range from the water effect from Fozzie’s flower to the total destruction of the theater by the end of each performance.
The second half of the media press kit videos includes some more relaxed outdoor footage of MuppetVision 3D from its opening day. The video definitely highlights some of the many exterior features that are no longer present, such as the large Kermit hot air balloon on top of the theater building and the painted mural of Miss Piggy on the side of the facade. Many of these details were removed when the area was renamed from Muppets Courtyard to Grand Avenue in 2017. Other locations, such as the Stage 1 Company Store, never reopened following the 2020 park closures. One more interesting comparison includes the presence of a Kodak sign below the main attraction billboard, since the show was originally sponsored by Kodak.
The video returns back to more footage from the opening day parade, which also included Animal, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo on their own vehicles. Dr. Teeth and members of the Electric Mayhem were all featured together on a large float alongside their musical instruments. The group of Muppets characters all gathered in front of the theater to shoot off some fireworks alongside Mickey and his friends.
If you want to take a longer tour of all the Muppets areas closing today in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we have one post with the Stage 1 Company Store, PizzeRizzo, and Gonzo’s Royal Flush as well as a separate photo tour dedicated specifically to the MuppetVision 3D theater and queue.
While MuppetVision 3D will soon be closed permanently, Disney did announce that the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be closing for its reimagining in 2026, with the new Muppets version of the ride also expected to open sometime in the same year.
What are some of your favorite MuppetVision 3D memories? Let us know in the comments.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.