Time for a new "Muppets at Walt Disney World Special"?

[Since1976]

The 1990 special "The Muppets at Walt Disney World" was supposed to signal a new era for the Muppets and our beloved park. Unfortunately, Jim Henson died a few days after it aired, as did the dreams for bigger things in the Disney/Henson collaboration.

I only saw the special once (until I found it again on YouTube), but I remember enjoying it thoroughly, despite the fact that it was a blatant ad for the parks. One of the things I find interesting about the special is that the Muppets don't really try to hide the fact that WDW is a business operation, with security guards, janitors, and even a laundry (which gets its own musical number, filmed in the seldom-seen bowels of MK!). The Muppets even make a big deal about getting to WDW and not having any money to buy tickets or food.

As a marketing tool, I thought it was *very* successful (I know *I* was pumped to go to WDW again -- it aired a month after my last trip), and I think Disney would do well to try something like that again. The brief looks at the park we see on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and AFV just don't cut it, in my opinion.

What do you think? Is another primetime Muppet adventure in WDW a good idea, given the current state of park attendance and tourism in general?

Here's the link to the special on YouTube (part 1) - Parts 2 - 6 can be found there as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTnc3eXJU_Q

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

:wave:
AHHH I LOVED that special! As a kid, I adored Disney and the Muppets, so having the two together was amazing! No one believes me that it existed because you can't find it/buy it anywhere! Thanks..now I'm going to look for it on YouTube!

They should do another one...with the gang on ToT haha, oh and MV3D. Granted the Muppets are not as popular as they were in the 1990s, but I think it would still be successful.

 

[D23]

I also think it is needed. I watch the 1990 version often I had it on video them transferred it to DVD. So those were the days.

I agree they need one, but I also feel one is coming. THey started the Studio D already and soon the new muppet movie will be ready to come out. So we have to remain patient.

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

I love that special! It is time for a new one for our new generation to enjoy.

 

[Mecha Figment]

it was also one of the last things Jim Henson ever worked on.

 

[erasure fan1]

I would love to see a new special too. It just doesnt look like Disney really wants to put in the effort with the muppets to raise their popularity. Oh well they will always be awesome to me.

 

[Ausdaddy]

I just introduced my kids to the old special on Monday! They loved it. Kind of weird how they all went in the MGM gate and, suddenly, were in all the parks. They need to do more of these specials, for sure.

 

[drew81]

I would love to see a new film made of the Muppets at WDW. I think Special Events could also do something with the Muppets like they do for Star Wars Wknds. Have the performers all come in, Brian Henson, special Q&A's etc.

 

[SirGoofy]

I would love to see a new special too. It just doesnt look like Disney really wants to put in the effort with the muppets to raise their popularity. Oh well they will always be awesome to me.

Except they are making a brand new feature length film written by Jason Segel.

 

[bgraham34]

I dont recall the video, but I will check around to see it myself. I just wish the muppets would be big again, but I dont have much hope for them.

 

[Dayma]

My 4.5 year old daughter has no idea about the muppets. I would enjoy it thought

 

[blackthidot]

Im going to go check that out now.

 

[Tinkwings]

OMGOODNESS! Must run to Target and pickup seasons 1,2,3 of Muppet Show on DVD.....we are patiently awaiting season 4......timeless fun!!!!

 

[matt88mph]

Personally, I'd like to see more general TV specials featuring the parks. It seems like now all we get is the Christmas Parade, when it seems like yesterday that we had both the Christmas and Easter Parades on TV, and that was just the annual stuff, and there were other specials during the year. Granted, the parks don't need a overly huge amount of publicity, but the TV specials got people interested, much like the Disneyland TV series did.

I'd love to see a new Muppet/WDW special, especially with all of the new attractions since 1990. (I can just imagine trying to calm Animal, especially when he thinks he owns one of the parks: "ANIMAL Kindgom!!! Ha ha ha!") It would not only attract people to the parks, but it would be a good stepping stone in bringing the Muppets back to the forefront in pop culture.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Personally, I'd like to see more general TV specials featuring the parks. It seems like now all we get is the Christmas Parade, when it seems like yesterday that we had both the Christmas and Easter Parades on TV, and that was just the annual stuff, and there were other specials during the year. Granted, the parks don't need a overly huge amount of publicity, but the TV specials got people interested, much like the Disneyland TV series did.

I'd love to see a new Muppet/WDW special, especially with all of the new attractions since 1990. (I can just imagine trying to calm Animal, especially when he thinks he owns one of the parks: "ANIMAL Kindgom!!! Ha ha ha!") It would not only attract people to the parks, but it would be a good stepping stone in bringing the Muppets back to the forefront in pop culture.

I agree...I used to love watching the Easter Parade...I wish they still aired it! I'm guessing they yanked it because of $$$.
I get so excited when WDW is on TV!

 

[Nixjem]

I would love that & so would my childern (2, 3 & 5). My 3 yr old and I love watching the muppet show together. My 2 yr old loves the muppet frog prince (thanks youtube) & my daughter likes Miss Piggy.
I resently went to a muppet event at dhs for passholders Dave Goelz was there & I had my picture taken with Gonzo. I heard that the event had extra times added do to popularity.

So hopefully if the muppet movie works out we will be seeing more specials or promos with/in disney. (Please)

Also in fall 2008 I saw a little more with muppets on disney channel (possible testing of waters). Miley & electric mayhem to be exact. Not much lately thou. Alright now to watch muppet on you tube agian.

 

[lilclerk]

In a nutshell: yes it is.

 

[Since1976]

On a related note, Aint It Cool News has a review of the script for the NEW Muppet Movie:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40492

A cross-promotional show with the parks would be a perfect tie-in to the movie.

 

[SirGoofy]

Wow, that script review has me even more excited for the film. I'm sure Segel will deliver.

 

[Disney4Eva]

Ahh, I still adore that special. Thank God we saved all our old VHS tapes and still have a functioning VCR
My favorite line is when Beureguard & Piggy are in front of BTMRR, and he says "Come on! Star Tours is just over this way!" :hammer::lol:

ANYWAY....back on topic. I think it'd be a fun little thing to watch. Lord knows it'd probably be a little more entertaining than the last few Muppet specials (No offense to those who enjoyed them :wave: They definitely had their moments)