So basically we’re losing MuppetVision because Disney decided to wait until the 11th hour to prepare for Epic Universe? Wonderful. Sure do love how Iger’s ego didn’t consider EU a threat until last minute
That’s not what was said. They want to see it done within a certain timeframe as a result, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t going away regardless.
So after years of inactivity and delay, NOW Disney is worried about EU. Better remove some more beloved attractions to make up for all that lost time!
Yeah, but if they're choosing Muppets over Animation Courtyard because it's faster, then if they hadn't waited until last minute to plan a response to Epic, then they wouldn't need one less year of construction time. We could've had a fully authentic Monsters Inc land AND MuppetVision if they started even just a few years ago.
They DID start a few years ago as Disney definitely knew about EU and its potential impact. They most likely didn't take it 100% seriously as when Disney knew, Universal was kinda turning out quite a few flop rides so it looked like Harry Potter waa a fluke.
I'm not saying Monsters would've still been Phase 2 in that scenario, they could've had it done by the time Phase 1 was open/still new. Iger claims he's known about Epic Universe for a decade- that's more than enough time to prepare massive expansions and lands. When you look at the last "decade", which I really doubt was all preparation for Epic (Pandora was 100% a response to Wizarding World, not Epic Universe), it's not a lot. Iger also said something along the lines of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure being their answer to Epic Universe...
If we go back hundreds of pages I think the original concept art for Monsters in Muppets Courtyard looked like the Door Coaster show building and part of courtyard in front were over top of the MV3D building meaning there would be no room for a show for Monsters in that location unless they eliminated one of the restaurants. The talk of 2 attractions was mostly focused on the AC location since there was more space and also the potential of either Disney Jr or LM show area being repurposed to Monsters. That concept art also showed the slide which implied maybe a play area.
It gives them food and beverage ease with Mama's becoming Harry's. That was a big factor.
They considered a plan to switch their plans and develop AC first, but they didn’t ultimately do that because it didn’t fit the timeline they wanted. It likely would have meant “AC first, Muppets second” instead of the reverse, not that Muppets would then be off the table. You’d just see whatever is currently under consideration for AC retooled to fit the other space.
I think the way to look at it is we are losing MV3D in favor of whatever will eventually go into the AC location. Monsters was happening either way. If they kept Muppets Courtyard and put Monsters into AC then there Would be less room for something else in that location. Right now it’s hard for me to view this as a win since whats there now is Launch Bay and some office space and there’s no guarantee we get anything in that location for years, maybe a decade. In the long run once something goes there it will be easier to judge the total picture. If we end up with Monsters in place of Muppets and then Zootopia or Springfield in place of Launch Bay that seems like a decent option. I guess what I’m saying is I think Monsters fits fine in the current location and doesn’t really need the larger space. The 2030 version of me would rather save that space for something more substantial.
Even if that is true. Still the far better plan because AC area is pathetic esthetically in upkeep and content. Now the park suffers a content and a stronger venue attraction loss in this downtime.
Chapek's reign truly was awful, but not for nothing, Iger is still pretty responsible too. Chapek was his pick, he was still with the company while Chapek was in charge, and he swooped in after he was booted and did nothing to fix all the awful "Chapek" decisions. If Iger is being honesty when he said they knew for "five years before [Epic Universe] was publicly announced", that's still mostly his time in charge. Iger had from 2014 to 2020 and then 2022 to present to get projects moving and instead he did nothing major in that time aside from Pandora and Galaxy's Edge, which again was 100% in response to the Wizarding World.
I agree with this assessment. I think it is pretty likely they have a few "land" ideas on the table and it is just figuring out which ones to use, and where they go. Monster's at Muppets courtyard is likely the cheapest and easiest to do while still "fitting" relatively well.
Alternatively, just rebuild MuppetVision in the Sunset Showcase and say they're making the "first ever true Muppets land". If the choices are no MuppetVision or MuppetVision on the other side of the park, I'd take that. As nostalgic as Muppets Courtyard is, it's been neutered for years, so I'd rather a fresh build that can go full Muppet mayhem.
That's fair. I suppose it's better to save the AC for something big, though I really hope it's something original. Another clone land would be super disappointing, DHS desperately needs more unique offerings- I believe right now the only exclusive attractions are MuppetVision, Rock n Rollercoaster, and Tower of Terror?
Yeah….probably true. That being said, what do the masses know?
MV3D was a work of art, a fun show and a classic for the park. It isn’t the first classic attraction we will lose and it won’t be the last but it still hurts. I’m very disappointed to see it go and hold out hope they move it to another 3D theater.
That's my feeling. I would rather Monster's go into the smaller space and save AC for something a bit more, even if it means we have to wait a little longer. It seems like the Monsters land was always mostly about the Door Coaster with everything else being minor (playground, a show). I'd rather that go in Grand Avenue's smaller usable space than AC.
