While one era ends at Walt Disney World, another is about to begin—for both Monsters and Muppets alike.
After more than 30 years of entertaining guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Muppet*Vision 3D presented its final performance on June 7, 2025. The attraction, a cornerstone of Muppets Courtyard, served as a tribute to Jim Henson’s final Muppet project. The day after its closing, the courtyard—including PizzeRizzo and the Stage 1 Company Store—was completely sealed. Rolling planters now block the area, and the space has been removed from park maps.
The closure sparked an outpouring of appreciation across social platforms. Fans shared memories, organized meetups, and wore Muppet-themed outfits to give the characters a proper farewell.
By early August, demolition efforts had already made progress. The Stage 1 Company Store was among the first to be dismantled as work began to transform the area into an immersive land themed to Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. The new space will include the highly anticipated Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster, a suspended thrill ride making its Walt Disney World debut soon.
Although the PizzeRizzo building and original Muppet*Vision theater will remain standing, they’ll be rethemed and integrated into the upcoming Monstropolis expansion. Still, this isn’t the end of the Muppets’ story at the resort.
Disney has announced that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will return in 2026 with an entirely new Muppets overlay. It’s a new direction for the characters, offering fans a different type of adventure, one that’s high-speed and high-energy.
In the meantime, Muppets fans can gear up for a festive celebration as Disney kicks off the Muppets’ 70th anniversary in a very active way. This December, the Muppets are the stars of the runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas event. General registration opens August 19, with the full experience priced at $267.
According to the official runDisney page, participants can “bring your friends and family together for the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational holiday event.” The event includes three 4K races—each themed to a different pair of Muppet favorites: Miss Piggy and Foo Foo, Gonzo and Camilla, and Kermit and Robin. Runners can complete each 2.49-mile segment between December 1 and December 31.
This virtual race can be done from anywhere and at any time, with digital tools like themed race bibs, finisher certificates, and other customizable features. Every participant will receive exclusive Muppets 70th-anniversary medals, three for the individual races and a fourth for completing the full challenge. Each medal also doubles as a collectible ornament.
As the site says, “sprint like Animal or strut like Miss Piggy” this holiday season. “Join this year’s virtual run—bursting with more cheer, more fun, and just the right amount of wocka wocka!”
The Muppets may have exited one stage at Walt Disney World, but they’re already stepping into new roles across the resort and beyond.
