I’m good with this. It means more Muppet merch in the parks (there was practically none in Sept). They are respecting the history and love of the Muppet Vision attraction. There may be eventual plans for non roller coaster Muppet things near RnRC .
On IG people were saying that the rights for Aerosmith run out next year so a retheme was going to be needed anyway. Also, Aerosmith sold their catalog to Universal a few years ago.
They didn’t need to put Muppets in the RnRC retheme but doing so definitely shows respect and a good use of something they already own. Muppets are more timeless and broader appeal than any current artist that they might have considered who they would have had to negotiate with. If any current artist would have even been interested.
I hope the queue gets great theming so those who are coaster adverse (which I’m unfortunately becoming more and more - Incredicoaster IS PAINFUL and also makes me just feel off) could do like some of the rides at UOR and at least experience the queue!
I’m kind of in two minds about this.
First, I’m not a huge Muppets fan.
I don’t dislike them… But I won’t go out of my way to watch their content either.
I love Aerosmith, and loved rnrc. I’m guessing with all of the other construction that will be going on that this will just be a retheme rather than a new ride installation.
I doubt I have the opportunity to get back there before either closes.
I think the part that bothers me is actually the loss of rnrc merch tbh
I’m the camp of folks who don’t love roller coasters, so I doubt I’ll experience the retheme, and I’m definitely sad to lose the theater show, as a tame but charming and delightful experience. And doors coaster might be too thrilling for us too. On the positive side though it’s clear that this is exciting for lots of folks here and I’m never against more muppets representation!
I’m excited for the Muppets theme as I think it gives opportunity to add collaborations with many popular artists, a la Sesame Street (also Jim Henson) and the original Muppet Show. Plus, maybe that Cars show theatre can ultimately be repurposed into something Muppet-y (after they’ve moved the Villains to MK. I guess what I’m saying is I see the long-term vision here, and I like that it exists.
Same about the roller coasters. However, I can’t do 3D, so I’ve never experienced the show, either. At this point, there is only one ride I can ride at HS, and that’s just barely with my eyes closed some of the time: MMRR. I do enjoy the Frozen singalong, though.
I know it’s all a big shake up but a little background on what they have to work with/around is useful. Also, if anyone can make a muppets musical roller coaster work it’s Imagineers.
OK, hear me out: for years, there were rumors of Monster, Inc. taking over RnRC, and then busting through the back of Animation Courtyard, incorporating the coaster into a new Monstropolis area there.
Since Muppets are now dislodging Aerosmith, could the same concept still happen, opening a new Muppets area in what’s now the Animation Courtyard?
I think it’s very possible. I also think that once Villian land opens in MK the show that is going in the Cars area will leave and that could become a new home for Muppet Vision somehow.
I doubt it would be Animation Courtyard. There could be a Miniland once the Villains show leaves, but it won’t stretch all the way round the back.
Animation Courtyard is likely being saved for something else, like Zootopia. It would have been great for Cars but instead they’re going to destroy RoA and TSI for that. Worst case for me would be The Simpsons.
To make way for the monsters, the Grand Avenue area will begin a phase closing in May, with the last day to dine at Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano on May 10. Following that, Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will close, with the last day to experience both locations on June 7. But, the Muppet foolishness doesn’t stop there — Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!
