I can shed light on this. Let me start off by saying, that, if Jim Hill says it was planned, (Muppet Wise) you can consider it to be fact. Why for? Well, oh boy, I'm starting to sound like Jim himself. Heh heh. Jim Hill has more connections to the Disney-Henson Projects then Disney, Henson, or even Hill will admit to. Hill actually was involved in the planning of Muppet Studios. Not in the largest way, but he was. Where on earth you're going to find evidence to support this, that's up to you. For now, you'll just have to believe what I say. And these stories, they aren't from CMs. They are from current and former Imagineers I know.
There is a lot of proof if you just walk around Muppet Studios as it stands right now. The Studios buildings in that area of the park are all based on the Muppets. There's even an archway as you enter the Muppet Studios where the sign for the land once stood. (Yes, the sign was installed there at one time during the construction phase. When WDI realized that there would only be one Muppet attraction there, it was taken down.) The area of the studios is all done in brick work, and is all built like it done just for the Muppets. Muppet Vision 3-D's Line Cue uses quite a bit of the posters that were created for the Muppet Studios. Most of them actually relating to real scenes in the Muppet Movie Ride. The large Fountain in front of Muppet-vision also has the Muppets in their movie making places, with Fozzie at the camera.
But it goes deeper folks. There is real proof that Muppet Studios was planned. Do yourself a favor, and the next time you go on Muppet-Vision 3-D, take a good look at the crates at the front of the Pre-show. You'll find the words "Muppet Studios." Yep. It's all real folks. Right down to Gonzo's Pandomium Pizza Parlor. Every bit of Jim Hill's stuff on Muppet Studios is 100% correct. No, that's not true on his other stuff... though the Green Matterhorn is true as well... the one that was in Disneyland, but that's another story.
Now, what other Muppet stuff can you find? Well, spend an hour just walking around Muppet Studios. You'll make more connections then you ever thought possible. From the props used in Muppet Vision... (yes, the Gazebo background and the firetruck are there) to things that just pop out at you if you know your Muppets. It's all there.
Now, this all brings us to the question, "Will it happen?"
And the answer:
Well, some will. WDI is currently working on other projects, such as Everest, Stitch, and Gemini. But, most Imagineers still want to do Muppet Studios. And since Eisner's on his way out, and he knows it, Eisner may greenlight this project... as Eisner really, truly is obsessed with the Muppets. And Eisner would be remembered as a good guy... one who got us the Muppets... and built Muppet Studios.
With that said, a lot will be changing in that area of the Studios, so don't be suprised if Muppet-Vision closes for a rehab soon. Along with that whole side of the park.
Okay, now, on to Indy. Current Expansion plans call for the Indiana Jones Adventure to be built on the site of the Backlot Express and/or the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. The Indy Stunt Show may see "The End of Days" very soon as CA's governator would like to put it. And Eisner... He will be "ERASED."
