Disney World sets closing date for MuppetVision 3D show
Walt Disney World has announced the closing dates for the MuppetVision 3D attraction and two nearby restaurants as Disney’s Hollywood Studios prepares to introduce a “Monsters, Inc.”-themed land in that area.
The final day for visitors to see MuppetVision in action will be June 7, Disney announced Friday. The show, which debuted in 1991, features Jim Henson’s Muppets putting on a production and uses several special effects, including a pie to face, water-spraying flower, a musical number that goes wrong featuring Miss Piggy and a patriotic finale that also goes wrong. Animatronics of Statler and Waldorf comment from a side balcony throughout, and a live-action Sweetums makes an appearance.
June 7 will also be the final day for PizzeRizzo, the two-story, mostly Italian, themed restaurant across the plaza from MuppetVision.
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will operate through May 10, Disney says.
The Muppets eventually will have a new home at Hollywood Studios, taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster from Aerosmith, which has been featured on the enclosed ride since it opened in 1999. No timeline for that transition was announced.
The changes were revealed during a D23 event in August. Upcoming “Monsters, Inc.” elements will include a suspended-vehicle roller coaster that goes through the 2001 film’s laugh factory. Construction of that attraction was slated to begin in 2025. Renderings of the refurbished area appear to retain the buildings for MuppetVision (with a marquee that reads “Monstero”) and PizzeRizzo.
Other announcements out of the D23 session included a villains-themed land and two “Cars” attractions for Magic Kingdom as well as a new nighttime parade there called “Disney Starlight,” which is expected to roll out this summer.
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