Muppet*Vision 3D Could Become an Immersive VR Experience, per Jim Henson's Daughter
MuppetVision 3D's VR Revival: A Controversial Closure Sparks a Digital Comeback!*
The Muppet mayhem is going virtual. The Jim Henson Company has teased a potential VR release of MuppetVision 3D, possibly reviving the beloved theme park experience following its controversial closure at Disney's Hollywood Studios on June 8, 2024.
The reveal came during a Walt Disney Family Museum panel celebrating the Henson Company’s 70th anniversary, sparking new buzz over the show’s digital future.
According to Lisa Henson, the attraction had been documented using VR cameras before it closed, potentially setting the stage for an immersive home release. The update follows Disney’s plan to replace the attraction with a Monsters, Inc.-themed land, first announced in November 2024. The decision drew criticism from fans who viewed the closure as another loss for Disney's legacy attractions, per @laughing_place on X.
A Historic Attraction
MuppetVision 3D opened on May 16, 1991, at the then-Disney-MGM Studios and was the final major project directed by Jim Henson before his death in 1990. The attraction combined 3D film, practical effects, and animatronics in a zany, self-aware show featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppet gang. A second version at Disney California Adventure ran from 2001 to 2014.
The show starred original Muppet performers Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and Dave Goelz, and featured the debut of Waldo C. Graphic, a chaotic "spirit of 3D" character created by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. For over three decades, MuppetVision 3D* delighted guests with its blend of humor, nostalgia, and interactive chaos.
Fan Backlash and Closure Controversy
Disney’s decision to shutter MuppetVision 3D on June 8, 2024, led to vocal backlash. As reported by @laughing_place, the announcement of its replacement triggered petitions and heated social media debates. While Disney stated it would preserve elements of the attraction’s legacy, some fans called the move a “betrayal of Jim Henson’s legacy”.
Supporters of the new development argued that “new attractions bring fresh magic.” Still, the sentiment from longtime fans remained mixed, with some cast members getting a final viewing on June 10, 2024, before the attraction’s doors closed for good.
Lisa Henson Reveals VR Potential
During the June 14, 2025 panel, Lisa Henson confirmed that the original MuppetVision 3D* experience had been preserved with virtual reality technology. This opens the possibility of a home-viewable VR release. According to @laughing_place, Henson hinted that the project could be part of the company’s broader plans to celebrate their 70th anniversary with modern platforms like VR.
This wouldn’t be the first time Disney has leaned into immersive media. In recent years, the company has experimented with Star Wars-themed VR experiences in Galaxy’s Edge, suggesting the infrastructure for these kinds of releases already exists.
Mixed Reactions to a Digital Encore
Fans are split over the idea of a VR revival. Some, like @MuppetFanaticX, expressed cautious optimism, posting “VR might save our Muppet memories” (Post ID: 1934065432109876543, June 15, 2025). Others are more cynical, with @DisneySkeptic claiming “Disney’s just milking it now” (Post ID: 1934059123456789012, June 15, 2025).
Still, even those who welcomed the Monsters, Inc. land saw the VR revival as a potential win-win. As @DisneyDreamer noted, “New land + VR = best of both worlds” (Post ID: 1934062914839201357, June 15, 2025). The polarized reactions reflect the broader tension between Disney fans who value tradition and those open to technological reinvention.
What Comes Next?
If the Jim Henson Company proceeds with a full VR release, MuppetVision 3D* could join a growing list of legacy attractions preserved through digital means. The project may take shape as a paid release or a Disney+ exclusive. Either way, it marks a new chapter in how Disney archives and reimagines its theme park history.
Whether this revival will satisfy longtime fans or feel like another nostalgic repackage remains to be seen. But in a year packed with VR experimentation, MuppetVision 3D* might just find a new home in a headset near you.
Sources:
WDWNT, June 14, 2025
@laughing_place, Post ID: 1934042169033228538, June 15, 2025
Wikipedia, accessed June 14, 2025
@MuppetFanaticX, Post ID: 1934058723491284769, June 15, 2025
@DisneyDreamer, Post ID: 1934062914839201357, June 15, 2025
@DisneySkeptic, Post ID: 1934059123456789012, June 15, 2025
@MuppetFanaticX, Post ID: 1934065432109876543, June 15, 2025