Disney Hollywood StudiosNews

Is Disney Bringing Back This Abandoned Land to Hollywood Studios?

It’s been a long time since Disney fans dared to dream of this land at Walt Disney World. But that dream might just be inching closer to reality—and it all starts with one surprising update: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is officially being rethemed to feature the Muppets. Yes, that means Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and the whole chaotic crew could soon be zipping through loops in true Muppet fashion.

But this might not be just a one-off makeover. When you start connecting the dots, it feels like something bigger is brewing.

The entrance to Muppet*Vision 3D when it was still sponsored by Kodak.
Credit: rickpilot_2000, Flickr

Muppets in the 80s and 90s

If you’re a longtime Disney fan, you may remember that this idea isn’t new. Back in the late 1980s and early ’90s, Disney had plans to create a Muppet Studios section at what was then called Disney-MGM Studios. They had everything lined up: a parody of The Great Movie Ride, stage shows, character dining, themed restaurants—the works.

Only one piece of the original vision made it: MuppetVision 3D. While we enjoyed this classic for many years, the rest of the land never came to be, mostly due to the untimely passing of Jim Henson. After that, the project slowly faded into Disney’s growing catalog of “what could’ve been.”

But here we are, more than 30 years later, and suddenly the Muppets are back in the spotlight.

Kermit and Fozzie in Muppet*Vision 3D
Credit: Disney

Why Fans Are Buzzing Again

So what’s changed? For starters, Disney’s choice to re-theme Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster with a Muppets overlay has everyone talking. And it’s not just because we’re losing Aerosmith—though let’s be honest, it’s probably time for that. It’s the fact that Disney is handing a major attraction over to the Muppets, which suggests a level of confidence and commitment to the brand we haven’t seen in years.

Then there’s the coaster’s location. It just so happens to sit right next to MuppetVision 3D. Coincidence? Maybe. But in a theme park where real estate is gold, having two Muppet-themed experiences side by side feels like the early formation of a new land—especially with other nearby areas, like Star Wars Launch Bay, feeling underused and outdated.

A colorful illustration of The Muppets characters playing musical instruments and singing joyfully under bright stage lights, with palm tree shadows in the background.
Credit: Disney

What Could a Full Muppet Land Include?

If Disney does decide to expand this into a proper Muppet area, there’s plenty of material to work with. Here’s what a modern Muppet Studios could bring to life:

  • A brand-new version of The Great Muppet Movie Ride where guests ride through spoofy versions of iconic movies—imagine Gonzo as Indiana Jones or Miss Piggy as Marilyn Monroe.

  • An interactive Muppet Labs experience, complete with Beaker-related mayhem and guest “experiments.”

  • A restaurant hosted by the Swedish Chef, serving up chaotic creations and silly effects.

  • Live music performances from Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, because who doesn’t want to rock out with a Muppet band?

  • A lounge-style hangout spot featuring Statler and Waldorf, where the two old-timers provide sarcastic commentary while guests enjoy snacks or drinks.

It’s easy to picture how these kinds of attractions would fit right into Hollywood Studios—and shake things up with some much-needed humor and creativity.

The Disney Hollywood Studios entrance at Walt Disney World Resort.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Time to Give the Muppets Their Moment

There’s something about the Muppets that appeals to nearly everyone. They’re goofy and unpredictable, but they also have heart. And Disney’s been sitting on this goldmine of potential for years.

If the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster makeover is well-received—and let’s face it, it probably will be—it wouldn’t be surprising if Disney went all in on bringing Muppet Studios back from the dead. This time, maybe we’ll get to see the idea come to life.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles