BAY LAKE, Fla. – Plans are moving right along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios following the big announcements from last summer’s D23 Disney fan event.
Muppet fans have been bracing for news that Monstropolis could be taking over the beloved Muppets Courtyard, and on Friday, Disney World confirmed it to be true.
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According to a news release, humans will be able to “enter the world of Monsters, Inc. when it is added to the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.” The new land will include Disney’s first-ever suspended roller coaster plus dining and shopping and a whole new theater show.
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So while the shows are numbered at Muppet Vision 3D, The Muppets will be hitting the road on a rollercoaster, as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of the gang will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith on Sunset Boulevard.
From the look of the concept art, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem will have a significant role in the storyline. According to Disney, the Muppets will be “teaming up some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.”
Opened in 1991, Muppet Vision 3D is one of the oldest attractions at Disney Hollywood Studios and was one of the last projects Jim Henson worked on before his death.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has undergone changes over the years and the band itself retired from touring in August.
The coaster retheme marks the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets.
Next door, Disney is also transforming the Sunset Showcase and the former site of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy to a show featuring Disney Villains.
The Monsters Inc. takeover also means the closure of the Grand Avenue area, which houses Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano and PizzaRizzo.
Disney has not revealed when it will be permanently closing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Muppet Vision 3D, but said there is still time to enjoy the attractions before the final curtain call and to expect more announcements next year. Disney also said it’s looking to preserve the Muppet*Vision 3D film and other parts for fans to enjoy in the future.
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