DHS MuppetVision 3-D's Future: Potential Disney Park Venues and Vision Pro Immersive Experience

[bmr1591]

Can someone explain to me what elevates MV3D into a permanent fixture beyond every other entertainment experience?

I understand rides being refreshed into permanency, but 35 years strikes me as well after its best before date.

That’s not to say it’s bad, far from it. Nor that it’s top of the list of crusty WDW entertainment. But it’s kind of well overdue for a new film (which could have still been muppets). It seems the broader consensus is that even the film shouldn’t ever be changed.

Is that just because of Jim - or because they actually waited too long to redo it. None of this fanfare occurred out West.

Jim Henson's last project he worked on. That's the big hangup for people.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Even those are subject to updates. But like I said those are rides, this is entertainment.

I’m not really sure I’m following you. Many attractions don’t change significantly. The classics are enjoyed. Tiki room is the same with virtually no updates.

The only thing that really needs an update is Waldo.

 

[BrianLo]

I’m not really sure I’m following you. Many attractions don’t change significantly. The classics are enjoyed. Tiki room is the same with virtually no updates.

The only thing that really needs an update is Waldo.

I guess a complete remaster would achieve somewhat the same effect? But I really can’t think of any other film entertainment that’s had the preservation call to this degree. Sometimes there is bemoaning that the 1.0 versions were more cohesive (Star Tours, Soarin), but there isn’t anger before hand that they were going to try a replacement.

The pure animatronic ones are an interesting exception, though I like new Country Bears.

I guess it’s the Jim factor as far as the film itself goes. Or I’m also far too flippant.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Sometimes there is bemoaning that the 1.0 versions were more cohesive (Star Tours, Soarin), but there isn’t anger before hand that they were going to try a replacement.

Those aren’t replacements though. And Soarin 1.0 often returns at least at DCA.

An update to muppets would be another discussion - they did update the pre-show for a while to tie in with most wanted.

 

[Figments Friend]

I am just going to leave this here….

…as a friendly reminder as to why MuppetVision 3D is important.

This is not just a theme park show with ‘cheap 3D tricks’.
This was the last major project by a creative guy who was hoping to have his creations live on long past his time in the hands of the Disney Company.

 

[WorldExplorer]

I’m not really sure I’m following you. Many attractions don’t change significantly. The classics are enjoyed. Tiki room is the same with virtually no updates.

The only thing that really needs an update is Waldo.

The "Spirit of 3D" being cheap CGI always felt right to me in a way I can't really explain. Especially when the movie has a dim view of the 3D concept and Waldo himself.

Not that I would be against updating it, but it never bothered me like the bad CGI on Figment.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Oh for sure - Waldo works in his own way. But it’s the part I would update if given a chance.

I’ve mentioned moving muppets to Epcot and swapping Waldo with Figment - give gonzo a new scene with him for fun “he sounds terrific! What a nice voice” - fun Easter egg and a nice tie in to figment.

 

[BrianLo]

Those aren’t replacements though. And Soarin 1.0 often returns at least at DCA.

An update to muppets would be another discussion - they did update the pre-show for a while to tie in with most wanted.

I think that’s what you weren’t following. I get why there’s upset about a replacement, but it seems like there is near equal opposition to a new film… not that it’s on the table anyways.

My question was more rhetorical, but it’s more why people are seeking out this film in particular, needing to be shown, and I think the answer is Jim.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I think that’s what you weren’t following. I get why there’s upset about a replacement, but it seems like there is near equal opposition to a new film… not that it’s on the table anyways.

My question was more rhetorical, but it’s more why people are seeking out this film in particular, needing to be shown, and I think the answer is Jim.

Muppets 2.0 without any major change to the theater allowing tribute shows would not be particularly painful.

If would be a shame to do that without Steve - we need the real Rizzo! And I much prefer his Kermit. But as you said…. Not on the table.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I think is is a few things

- People feel the Muppets are already underrepresented by Disney (in the parks, films, etc) so can be protective of what is there

- They are redoing this area of the park while Animation Courtyard remains empty/underused/should be a higher priority to work on

- It was Jim Henson's last project

The last one is probably the biggest - it basically feels like a historic site. I think if from the start they said they would be rebuilding it somewhere - not just having the film on D+ or something but the full experience, be it replacing the Villains show eventually or somewhere else (Henson Studios (If it wasn't sold/being sold), Disney Springs, Marceline, whatever) - it would be a bit easier to accept.

I view it similar to Carousel of Progress - it doesn't necessarily need to be an attraction at WDW forever, but should exist in some form, somewhere always for this historical context

 

[Agent H]

Can someone explain to me what elevates MV3D into a permanent fixture beyond every other entertainment experience?

I understand rides being refreshed into permanency, but 35 years strikes me as well after its best before date.

That’s not to say it’s bad, far from it. Nor that it’s top of the list of crusty WDW entertainment. But it’s kind of well overdue for a new film (which could have still been muppets). It seems the broader consensus is that even the film shouldn’t ever be changed.

Is that just because of Jim - or because they actually waited too long to redo it. None of this fanfare occurred out West.

I feel like it’s mostly because it’s Jim Hensons last project. It’s like if Disney deleted the Jungle book a la song of the south even though it was the last film Walt had a direct hand in.

 

[ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ]

I feel like it’s mostly because it’s Jim Hensons last project. It’s like it Disney deleted the Jungle book a la song of the south even though it was the last film Walt had a direct hand in.

You mean the last animated feature movie Walt Disney worked on - the one that doesn't have a namesake attraction or adequate IP representation in all of Walt Disney World or Disneyland?

Yeah, weird isn't it.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Did my final goodbye viewing of MuppetVision the other day, and, well, it was a little depressing. Theater was like 2/3rds full, but dead silent. Occasionally you'd hear an adult like trying to laugh at the jokes, but they're probably like me and have seen it many times already. As a kid I remember the audience, especially kids, being absolutely dazzled by the effects, but the kids in this audience clearly didn't really get it or care and were bored.

But, I get it, times and people change, I guess.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

But, I get it, times and people change, I guess.

Audiences vary a lot - last time I saw muppets it got a great reaction with lots of laughs.

Same with tiki room - sometimes guests are clapping and singing along. Others they are looking at their phones the whole time/

 

[Fox&Hound]

Three better options:

1. move this next to Figment (some cost associated)

2. Make it a Muppets/Monster courtyard. Keep MV3D where it is, Gonzo’s bathrooms and the fountain. Then (not sure of the transition) but you take out the store and Rizzo’s, Mama Melrose, and backstage becomes Monsters.

3. Or at the very least keep MV3D in a new Monster’s land and say it is a touring exhibit.
If Epic can recreate Wizarding World Paris from the unpopular Fantastic Beasts films and yet still make a ride from the original Potter films ( Ministry of Magic) that does not fit the land at all, Muppets can stay.

 

[ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ]

Muppets Landing > Muppet Studios entryway facade > E-ticket Muppets RnRC > C-ticket MuppetVision3D > A-ticket Muppet Babies Splash Play Area > themed food trucks and kiosks

 

[Tha Realest]

I think is is a few things

- People feel the Muppets are already underrepresented by Disney (in the parks, films, etc) so can be protective of what is there

- They are redoing this area of the park while Animation Courtyard remains empty/underused/should be a higher priority to work on

- It was Jim Henson's last project

The last one is probably the biggest - it basically feels like a historic site. I think if from the start they said they would be rebuilding it somewhere - not just having the film on D+ or something but the full experience, be it replacing the Villains show eventually or somewhere else (Henson Studios (If it wasn't sold/being sold), Disney Springs, Marceline, whatever) - it would be a bit easier to accept.

I view it similar to Carousel of Progress - it doesn't necessarily need to be an attraction at WDW forever, but should exist in some form, somewhere always for this historical context

Yes. I agree mostly with all of this. I’ll add a few other points/views:

1) Muppets, while endearing to many, do not have the sort of success or cultural penetration as other more popular IPs in Disney’s stable. (I guess one of the more recent films did good. But the Disney attempts to revitalize the property have largely been unsuccessful. That said, the Monsters Inc D+ series kind of came and went without much social media or cultural penetration too)

2) The show, while great, may have outlived its useful lifespan. I also have zero confidence that Disney can produce anything within any IP it holds that will have as much charm or endearment as this film experience does.

3) Closing this, and redoing that area of the park, and then reskinning RNRC, seems a wasteful use of space and resources with little benefit to improving capacity, especially when there are entire sections of the park being underutilized as is. Of course, that’s not stopping them with ROA and Dinosaur

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yes. I agree mostly with all of this. I’ll add a few other points/views:

1) Muppets, while endearing to many, do not have the sort of success or cultural penetration as other more popular IPs in Disney’s stable. (I guess one of the more recent films did good. But the Disney attempts to revitalize the property have largely been unsuccessful. That said, the Monsters Inc D+ series kind of came and went without much social media or cultural penetration too)

2) The show, while great, may have outlived its useful lifespan. I also have zero confidence that Disney can produce anything within any IP it holds that will have as much charm or endearment as this film experience does.

3) Closing this, and redoing that area of the park, and then reskinning RNRC, seems a wasteful use of space and resources with little benefit to improving capacity, especially when there are entire sections of the park being underutilized as is. Of course, that’s not stopping them with ROA and Dinosaur

Agree with your points to to point 3 the door coaster is a true addition so will directly affect capacity. Agree it there are other areas that should be a higher priority to address though

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Muppets, while endearing to many, do not have the sort of success or cultural penetration as other more popular IPs in Disney’s stable.

I don’t think this is accurate at all. Kermit the frog and Miss Piggy are up there with bugs bunny, snoopy, and Mickey Mouse as being some of the most recognizable characters of all time.

 

[Tha Realest]

I don’t think this is accurate at all. Kermit the frog and Miss Piggy are up there with bugs bunny, snoopy, and Mickey Mouse as being some of the most recognizable characters of all time.

Recognizable? Sure. But their popularity have substantially waned from where it was a few decades ago. They don’t carry the same cache they once did, as evidenced by the box office performance and TV series cancellations.