Five Things to Know About Muppet*Vision 3D

Muppet*Vision 3-D is a theater show that’s inspired by the humor and engaging appeal of – you guessed it – the Muppets. It’s a unique attraction and multi-sensory experience, blending live-action, audio-animatronics, and 3D film elements. The result is a fun and immersive experience that everyone will enjoy! If you prefer to skip the details and head straight for the whys, wheres, and whats, here’s your shortcut.

1. It’s got a great pedigree.

Muppet*Vision 3D was inspired by the characters and humor of The Muppet Show. After more than a decade of appearances on Sesame Street, the Muppets got their own variety show – the Muppet Show – that ran from 1976 to 1981. In between comedy sketches and musical numbers, there would be backstage plots taking place to thread the show together. Kermit the Frog acted as host and emcee. Created by the late Jim Henson, the show was instantly popular.

When the attraction opened at Walt Disney World, it was called “Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D.” Using the same on-stage/backstage format as the TV show, it was a partnership between Disney and Jim Henson Productions. It holds a special place in Muppet history since it was the last film released directed by Jim Henson and the last to feature his voice as Kermit the Frog. Sadly, Henson died May 16, 1990, and didn’t see the completed project – which opened on the first anniversary of his death, May 16, 1991.

A twin version of Muppet*Vision 3D opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001 and ended operations in 2014.

2. You’ll laugh it up in the queue.

The experience really begins as soon as you enter the Grand Arts Theater. The first thing to do is to take a little time to read some of the gags on the directory board hanging under the words “Production Offices.” Each is a perfect example of classic Muppet humor. Being a bit of a curmudgeon myself, I particularly like the listing for the “Institute of Heckling and Browbeating, Statler and Waldorf Curmudgeons in Chief”. Their room location? “Box A Mezz” which is where you’ll find Statler and Waldorf seated in the theatre for the main performance!

Even the room numbers on the directory are gags. Miss Piggy’s for instance is “Very Suite 4444.” There are at least a dozen other gags on this sign alone, which should let you know/tip you off as to what you’re in for. As you proceed down the hall. So, unless the show is imminently starting, take a little time to stop here and enjoy!

Along the hallway, you’ll find that each door and every sign you pass has another joke. One even lets you get in on the gag: the sign hanging outside the Security Office says they’re out to lunch, but the key is under the mat. Especially if you’re with kids, have them go ahead and check. Yup, there’s a key under the mat. While you’re there, look at the wanted posters hanging inside the Security Office. You’ll see that Fozzie is wanted for “impersonating a comic,” and Miss Piggy is wanted “by practically everyone”!

As you walk down the hallway leading to the preshow, read each door you pass. You’ll find gags like “Division of Fashion Technology – making tomorrow a prettier place to be,” and “Institute of Advance Chronology – Staying ahead of the times.” Pure Muppet humor.

3. And wocka-wocka this way to the preshow.

The hallway leads to a pre-show area resembling a Muppet-themed warehouse. You’ll grab a pair of 3D glasses and stand in air-conditioned comfort to watch a 12- minute pre-show video on overhead monitors. There’s absolutely nothing essential in this pre-show; it’s just to keep you entertained — so don’t worry that you’ve missed something if you arrive in the middle.

The video is filled with typical Muppet humor. The warehouse space itself is packed with visual gags of all types, both obvious and not-so-obvious. One that is cited most often by bloggers is the net filled with boxes of Jell-O. If you say “a net full of Jell-O” older folks like me will immediately think of Annette Funicello, one of the original Mouseketeers on the Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950’s. The beauty of this gag is that it works on so many levels: you have to see it, say it, and then realize it’s a nod to Disney history delivered perfectly with Muppet-style humor.

Look around before the video begins and you’ll see crates and crates and crates and trunks and trunks of clothes for Miss Piggy, plus props for the Great Gonzo and much more. Look up, too, because a lot of the gags might go over your head (see what I did there?). When the lights come up, it’s time to enter the theatre; if you didn’t already get a pair of 3D glasses then make sure to grab one on the way in.

4. It’s not quite as seen on TV! But pretty darn close!

If you’ve ever seen the Muppet Show, you’ll immediately recognize that the theatre is a remarkable replica of the one on TV, right down to Waldorf and Statler perched in their “peanut gallery”.

The 13-minute 3D movie’s plot involves the Muppets attempting to offer you a tour of Muppet Laboratories to introduce their special new 3D technology. Naturally, Fozzie Bear seizes the opportunity to include a few corny 3D gags. Things go haywire when Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker set a disastrous string of events in motion! And there’s the big finale Sam the Eagle described as “a salute to all nations, but mostly America.” Hilarity ensues, Muppet-style!

A few more strategically placed audio animatronics add to the fun on the screen. We’ve already mentioned Statler and Waldorf; in the back of the theatre is an audio-animatronic Swedish Chef who makes an appearance towards the end of the show. (Without giving too much away, I guess you say that he brings down the house.) In addition to the 3D effects, you can count on “4D” effects including bubbles, smoke, sprays of water, and more delivering a gentle full sensory experience.

5. The nuts and bolts.

Muppet*Vision 3D is located on Grand Avenue in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, across from PizzeRizzo. It often closes before the park, so make sure to take note of the operating hours when working it into your plans.

The comfortable padded chairs seat 584 guests for each performance, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. However, if you sit near the front you can see the audio-animatronic penguin orchestra better. And you’ll also have a close-up view of the Sweetums character walking around the theatre!

There are no height requirements, no health or safety advisories. Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to experience this show. Video captioning, reflective captioning, assistive listening devices, and audio description devices are available for Muppet*Vision 3D. You should be aware that this is a multisensory 3D experience, so you can expect various lighting effects, loud noises, smoke, air, and some water effects.

Since Muppet*Vision 3D is an indoor show, inclement weather shouldn’t impact its operation. However, if the outdoor extended queue is being used (which is very rare), guests will be exposed to the elements. Waits generally peak around lunchtime, but usually, the only wait guests experience for Muppet*Vision 3D is watching the preshow while waiting for the next show to begin. You can reserve a Lightning Lane entry via Genie+, but unless it’s the only thing available there’s almost certainly something else that’s a better pick for saving time.

The Bottom Line.

We rate this attraction as not to be missed. After all, it’s the Muppets!! If you’re tired and hot, this zany show will make you feel brand-new (yes, we said zany). It’s a must-do every time we visit Disney Hollywood Studios because pretty much everyone in the family can enjoy this show!

Do you love the Muppets (who doesn’t)? Have you seen Muppet*Vision 3D? Is there one part of the show you love best? Tell us in the comments!