If you’ve wandered around Disney’s Hollywood Studios lately, you’ve probably noticed something that doesn’t quite fit the usual magic and charm—an area that now looks like it was hit by a wrecking ball, because it was.

What used to be a quirky, colorful corner of the park is now a construction site strewn with broken pavement, torn-up sidewalks, and barely-standing walls. And for longtime Disney fans, it’s more than just a bit of park maintenance—it’s the end of an era.

That “era” was Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3-D, a fan-favorite attraction that entertained guests for over three decades. Now, it’s not just closed. It’s gone. And what’s left in its place honestly looks like a disaster zone.

The entrance to Muppet*Vision 3D at dusk.
Credit: elisfkc, Flickr

A Final Curtain Call for a Classic

Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3-D officially shut down in early June after an impressive 34-year run. It was one of the last projects Henson himself worked on before his untimely passing, making it a piece of history, not just a theme park attraction.

This wasn’t just another 3D movie with a few gags. It was the heart of Grand Avenue—formerly Muppets Courtyard—and it had a personality all its own. With zany pre-show antics, in-theater effects, and appearances by beloved characters like Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Sweetums, the show brought joy to kids and nostalgic smiles to adults.

But now? The charming building that once welcomed guests with Muppet flair has been reduced to rubble.

Grand Avenue, Gutted

Recent photos from the demolition site show an almost unrecognizable stretch of the park. Where there were once colorful facades and detailed theming, now there’s dirt, debris, and machinery. One wall of the Stage 1 Company Store looks like it remains standing—for now—but much of the surrounding area has been demolished, including the pavement and the famous Miss Piggy fountain.

The whole thing is tough to look at if you grew up visiting that corner of Hollywood Studios. Fans online have called it “gut-wrenching” and “devastating.” And while most understand that change is a constant at Disney World, this one hits differently.

What’s Coming Next?

So what exactly is replacing the Muppets? According to Disney, the land is being reimagined to make room for a brand-new Monsters, Inc. area. Announced at D23, the new land will feature the park’s first-ever suspended roller coaster, designed to take guests through the door-filled factory from the 2001 Pixar classic. Billy Crystal (the voice of Mike Wazowski) even helped announce the attraction, promising that fans will be able to “stroll the streets alongside some of your favorite monsters.”

It’s exciting news for Monsters, Inc. lovers, no doubt. And Disney definitely needs more kid-friendly coasters that aren’t tied to classic fairytales or Star Wars. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to watch a piece of Jim Henson’s legacy get bulldozed in the name of progress.

Concept art for a 'Monsters, Inc.' ride in which Sully and Mike hang off a moving door painted with flowers, holding a human child named Boo.
Credit: Disney

The Muppets Aren’t Gone—But It’s Not the Same

To be fair, Disney hasn’t kicked the Muppets out of the parks entirely. In fact, the company recently announced that the Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with a brand-new retheme debuting in 2026. While details are still limited, it’s being described as the Muppets’ first-ever coaster and promises a mix of music, mayhem, and their signature brand of chaos.

Still, the move to Sunset Boulevard feels like a shift rather than a continuation. The original Muppet*Vision 3D was designed with Jim Henson’s direct input. It was a labor of love that captured the spirit of the original Muppet Show in every corner. A rethemed coaster may be fun, but it won’t have the same heart.

A New Era, With Bittersweet Beginnings

Progress is necessary, especially for theme parks trying to keep up with newer, more immersive experiences. But sometimes progress feels a little too ruthless. Watching excavators tear into such a meaningful space—especially one tied to a beloved creator like Jim Henson—feels less like a fresh start and more like the final nail in the coffin.

As Disney paves the way for more Pixar, more thrills, and more “immersive storytelling,” fans can’t help but mourn what’s lost along the way.

For now, all we can do is wait and see if this new Monsters, Inc. land delivers the same kind of timeless joy that the Muppets once did. But based on those demolition photos, it’s going to take a lot to fill the void left behind.

What do you think of this sight at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

The post NEW: Photos Reveal Once-Beloved Disney World Area Is a “Disaster Zone” appeared first on Inside the Magic.

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