Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has some untouchable attractions because of their connection to company founder Walt Disney.
The Carousel of Progress, for example, predates the theme park as a version of it appeared at a World’s Fair, but it has been outdated for decades. Its progress stops in the early 80s and does not cover events like the arrival of smartphones or the internet.
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Walt Disney (DIS) the company has seemingly ignored this ride, leaving it in place without making even basic efforts to update it to the present.
Many rides with ties to Walt Disney, the man deserve their place at Magic Kingdom. Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are classics that hold up. The same can be said for Pirates of the Caribbean or The Haunted Mansion, but Disney does not have the same nostalgia at its theme parks for other legendary creators.
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Walt Disney holds a revered place in the company and any change at Magic Kingdom, which he had a large roll in creating, is highly debated. Disney has diverted from Walt’s plans, like its decision to add alcohol to Magic Kingdom, but it continues to honor its founder with many of its choices.
The same cannot be said of how it treats another legendary creator whose legacy the Mouse House owns.
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Walt Disney owns Jim Henson;s Muppets.
Image source: Steve Slocomb/Getty Images
Disney closing Muppet attraction
Disney’s legacy as steward of Jim Henson’s Muppets has been mixed, The company has been able to revive the brand with movies on multiple occasions, and has used them as theme park attractions.
The Muppets have popped up at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but have had a permanent home at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Muppet*Vision 3D has honored the classic “Muppet Show” since its opening in 1991.
“Take your seat in a perfect replica of the Muppet Theater from the classic television series, ‘The Muppet Show’. As the curtain rises, Kermit, Miss Piggy and the whole Muppets menagerie appear in eye-popping 3D. They’re taking you on a zany tour of their lab and showing off their new movie-making invention: Muppet*Vision 3D.,” Disney shared on its website.
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That ride, as well as the PizzeRizzo restaurant, themed to Henson’s Muppet rat Rizzo, will close June 7. Disney shared a blunt statement on the shut down on is website:
“The last day to experience Muppet*Vision 3D is June 7. The attraction will close permanently on June 8 to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” it posted.
Monsters Inc. owes a lot to the Muppets
The Jim Henson company shared a statement about the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D.
“Jim Henson’s final project was Muppet*Vision 3D, now regarded as a true theme park classic. Innovation was always Jim Henson’s north star, and his trailblazing career led him to a unique challenge: a truly immersive Muppet experience where audiences are part of the happy chaos of ‘The Muppet Show.’,” the company posted on its Facebook page.
The company called the show a “one-of-a-kind Jim Henson experience and an unforgettable capstone to Jim Henson’s career.” It also holds out hope that this will not be the end for Muppet*Vision 3D.
“As we learn of the show’s upcoming closure in its current form at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we look forward to Muppet*Vision 3D’s next act.
The iconic show will be replaced by a Monsters Inc. attraction and anyone who has seen that movie can see the debt, the Monsters Inc. characters owe to the Muppets.
“The news was shared during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, with a little help from Disney Legend Billy Crystal, took to the stage to reveal plans to build a living, breathing, and not-at-all-scary “Monsters, Inc.” inspired area where you’ll be able to stroll the streets alongside some of your favorite monsters,” according to the Disney Parks Blog.
Disney shared some basic information about the attraction.
“Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself. You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door,” it shared.
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