Muppet*Vision 3D is one of Dad’s favorite attractions in all of Disney World. In fact I’m singing The Muppet Show song right now.
“It’s time to play the music, It’s time to light the lights …”
Doesn’t Dad sing good?
The Muppet Show was one of the top TV shows of the late 70’s and one of Dad’s all time favorites. It featured the lovable creatures created by Jim Henson. In the late 80’s and early 90’s the Muppets teamed up with Disney and wowser, what a result.
It’s time to play the music… Photo by Cliff Wang
Location
Muppet*Vision 3D is located in Disney Hollywood Studios. It’s tucked way back in the back across from PizzeRizzo.
The Preshow
Before you enter the theater, you head to a big waiting area that is decorated with props from the old Muppet show. There is also a net full of Jello (in honor of one of Disney’s first Mouseketeers). There are also several TV monitors that show a funny video with the rules of the show and reminders to pick up your 3D glasses.
As you enter the theater, you’ll notice that it looks just like the one from the TV show. (If you’re old enough, or lucky enough, to have seen the TV show.)
It’s time to play the music… Photo by Matthew Cooper
The Attraction
You enter the theater, sit down, put on your 3D glasses and the band starts playing (a penguin band in the pit) and show begins. Gonzo and Kermit show up and Kermit gives you a tour of the Muppet*Vision 3D labs.
All of the Muppet characters are introduced and the fun begins. Fozzie is the first to spray things on you. The heckling begins from the old guys in the balcony (Statler and Waldorf) and you start a tour of the new 3D process developed by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker.
Of course, everything goes wrong. The machine spits out a 3D character named Waldo. The machine breaks and everything goes to pot. It’s all great fun. As the show winds down a chase ensues through the audience. And of course, because it’s the Muppets – there’s a bunch of music!
This can be a little scary to young ones, Sweetums – who is a big hairy Muppet (about 7 feet tall) runs through the audience with a cannon pointed at him which fires and mayhem ensues. The theater blows up. Kermit apologizes for technical difficulties and the show ends.
It’s time to play the music… Photo by Brett Svenson
The Postshow
There is no postshow. You walk out into the bright sunshine.
The Video
Grab your 3D glasses to watch this video. Yes it gets a little out of focus once and a while but it’s fun to watch.
Fun Facts
Here are some interesting tidbits –
- The theater seats 584 guests.
- There is a sign in the queue that says there is a key under the mat. There really is. It’s bolted to the floor, but it’s there.
- Here are some of the characters in the show:
- Kermit T Frog
- Miss Piggy
- Scooter
- Gonzo
- Fozzie Bear
- Sam the Eagle
- Dr. Bunsen Honeydew
- The Swedish Chef
- Beaker
- Sweetums
- Rizzo the Rat
- Waldorf & Statler
History
Muppet*Vision 3D opened at Disney Hollywood Studios in May of 1991. It was a joint effort of the Jim Henson Productions, Walt Disney Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering. It was one of Mr. Henson’s last projects before his untimely death. (Disney has since purchased Jim Henson Productions.)
- Jim Henson (the voice of Kermit and others) died in 1990. He had completed almost all of the work on the project before his death.
- For a while Disney marketed this as a new type of show. They crossed out the 3D and over wrote it with 4D. That’s why sometimes you see this attraction referred to as Muppet*Vision 4D.
The Fine Print
Here’s some small print information
- Reflective Captioning, Video Captioning, Assistive Listening Receivers and Translation Devices are all available for this attraction. Contact Guest Services for assistance.
- Guest may stay in the wheelchair, motorized scooter or ECV to enjoy this attraction.
Dad’s Bottom Line
Muppet Vision 3D has always been one of Dad’s favorite shows. If you liked the Muppet Show, you will enjoy this special treat.
