Showing posts with label Walt Disney World. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walt Disney World. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Muppet Vision Props Auctioned at D23!

Heritage Auctions unveiled the Disney props they will auctioned off at this year's D23 convention.



Limited to just 50 handpicked lots from Disneyland, Walt Disney World and other Disney destinations, these unique park and resort-used treasures will be available to D23 Event attendees and registered Heritage Auction bidders. 

This mini auction will serve as a preview for the massive Disney Experiences Auction which will offer over 1500 lots from Disneyland, Walt Disney World and other Disney destinations being held October 23rd through the 25th.

Of intertest to Muppet fans is this event are a few former 
Muppet*Vision 3D props including a Kermit that used to sit atop the theater's doorways:










Scale

Were is was originally used


Walt Disney World® Resort – "Muppet*Vision 3D" Original Park-Used Theatre Ornamentation (The Walt Disney Company, 1991 – 2025).

 "Kermit the Frog here, and welcome to ‘Muppet*Vision 3D!'" Ready to call "Action!" and start the show, Kermit the Frog makes an enchanting appearance with this architectural ornamentation that once adorned the inner theater of "Muppet*Vision 3D" at Disney's Hollywood Studios®. This recently closed beloved attraction was Disney Legend Jim Henson's final major project before his death in 1990, created in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering. Sometimes referred to as a "4-D" show, this attraction also utilized Audio-Animatronics®, a live Muppet character, and other similar effects for a truly immersive experience. This faux marble architectural element featuring Kermit holding a megaphone and crowned with laurels was one of several, each of which could be seen perched atop the double doors leading into and out of the main theater and mirroring a similar second Kermit holding a clacker board with comedy/tragedy masks of Fozzie Bear positioned between them. This cheerful ornamentation has been crafted from fiberglass and sculpting epoxy with hand-painted detail, giving it a marble-like Greco-Roman appearance, measuring approximately 15" x 32" x 20" overall. With typical handling and edge wear from park use, display, and storage, including minor paint wear with a break in his collar and megaphone handle, overall, this park-used architectural ornamentation featuring "Muppet*Vision 3D's" Kermit the Frog is in Good to Very Good condition. Accompanied by a Disney Certificate of Verification.





Scale


Walt Disney World® Resort – "Muppet*Vision 3D" Original Park-Used Theatre Ornamentation 66" (The Walt Disney Company, 1991 – 2025). "And our demonstration includes a little song from Miss Piggy. Little? Uh, did I say ‘little'? I meant to say it's a huge showstopping major song from Miss Piggy!" Huge, showstopping, and major certainly highlight the features of the striking 66" tall Miss Piggy theater caryatid from high on the walls of "Muppet*Vision 3D" at Disney's Hollywood Studios®. A masterful collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and The Jim Henson Company, this recently retired attraction was Disney Legend Jim Henson's final major project before his passing in 1990. "Muppet*Vision 3D" attraction also utilized Audio-Animatronics®, a live Muppet walkaround character, and other similar effects for a truly immersive experience sometimes referred to as a "4-D" show. This faux marble architectural element mimics Greco-Roman caryatids (sculpted female figures serving in place of a support column) with emblematic Muppet flair and could be spotted high on the walls on either side of the stage. Hand-painted and crafted from fiberglass and sculpting epoxy, Miss Piggy has a staggering size of approximately 66" x 30" x 13" (that's 5.5 feet tall!) with a substantial weight of 78 lbs. With typical handling and edge wear from park use, display, and storage, including minor paint wear/chipping and faint surface debris, overall, this park-used architectural ornamentation featuring "Muppet*Vision 3D's" Miss Piggy is in Good to Very Good condition. Please note that due to size and/or weight, additional shipping arrangements may be necessary. Accompanied by a Disney Certificate of Verification.


"Muppet*Vision 3D" Original Park-Used 3-D Glasses Distribution Bin




Scale

Walt Disney World® Resort – "Muppet*Vision 3D" Original Park-Used 3-D Glasses Distribution Bin (The Walt Disney Company, 1991 – 2025). "Lookee Here! Can't see 3-D?? Then stop by the Muppet Vision Center today!" It's time to start the music, light the lights, and grab your 3-D glasses with this original park-used distribution bin from "Muppet*Vision 3D" at Disney's Hollywood Studios®. Delighting guests since 1991, this memorable, recently retired attraction was Disney Legend Jim Henson's final major project before his passing, with the legendary Muppets creator serving as the show's director as well as Kermit the Frog's puppeteer and voice actor. With its use of Audio-Animatronics®, a live Muppet walkaround character, and other similar effects, "Muppet*Vision 3D" was a truly immersive experience, sometimes even referred to as a "4-D" show. This distribution bin would have been found in the prop warehouse themed pre-show area, topped with a tray of 3-D glasses ready for waiting guests to snag a pair. Composed of wood with hand-painted detail, this bin measures approximately 20" x 24" x 31" overall with a 4" deep inset at the top to hold a tray of glasses (not included) and an open backside that allowed for the storage of up to 4 additional trays of refills. With typical handling and edge wear from park use, display, and storage, including minor scuffing, some edge chipping, and slight debris, overall, this park-used distribution bin from the "Muppet*Vision 3D" pre-show area is in Good to Very Good condition. Accompanied by a Disney Certificate of Verification.


Heritage Auctions presents The Disney Experiences Auction - Rare and Remarkable Finds! Will take place during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, August 16 at 5:30pm PT.

You can see the entire collection at Heritage Auctions.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

FØØD by Swedish Chef Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Walt Disney World announced FØØD by Swedish Chef, a new Muppet eatery will open in the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets courtyard at Hollywood Studios!


FØØD will take over the former KRNR The Rock Station snack stand just outside the rides exit and joins other Muppet restaurant, Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue in EPCOT, and the now closed PizzeRizzo. 

The above photo teased above show's a red churro covered in orange and yellow sprinkles. 
No other menu options have been reveled yet.  

FØØD by Swedish Chef opens May 26, the same day Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Opening Summer 2026!

According to the official Disney Parks Blog, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is scheduled to open Summer 2026.

Below is their official write up and what we can expect:

At Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, you bet we’ll have rock as we roll across Hollywood on a wild ride with the Electric Mayhem – complete with backstage chaos, high-speed thrills, that signature Muppet humor… and an all-new Muppet Audio-Animatronics figure.

Side by side with a dedicated team of penguin audio engineers, Scooter, in his capacity as band manager, will be trying hard to convince the Electric Mayhem to stop laying down tracks so they won’t be late to their own concert. This will be the first time Scooter has ever been imagined as an Audio-Animatronics figure, and I hear he might not be the only Muppet Audio-Animatronics figure joining the attraction… but we’ll have to wait to learn more about that.

Now, I can imagine you’re ready to go pedal to the metal and experience the high-speed hijinks of The Muppets in this latest story. Well, the wait will be over before you know it.  


They even produced a downloadable wallpaper to add some rock ‘n’ roll to your desktop.

Get ready to rock out when Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets speeds into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Summer 2026!

Monday, August 25, 2025

Hidden Merch Revealed in "Rock N' Roller Coaster" Concept Art?

Last week concept art was released for the retheming of Rock N' Rollercoaster Starring The Muppets, but were there also hidden easter eggs of the merch we can expect when the ride opens?

Above is the artists rendering of the Muppet takeover. The giant red guitar has a psychedelic paint job reminiscent of The Electric Mayhem's bus, but look closely at the guests taking in all it's splendor...


There's this guy wearing sleeveless a jean jacket that has a "The Muppets Electric Mayhem" logo on the back, similar to the one used for The Muppets Mayhem

The Muppets Mayhem Logo


This woman is wearing a jacket with a wide open mouth, similar to the Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem Mouth logo. 
Mouth logo used on Outside Lands poster


There's also this person wearing a biker style studded vest with wings that could also easily have a Electric Mayhem logo on it. 


The que concept art also has a potentially hidden merchandise reveal as well. 



This girl recording the preshow on her phone is wearing a shirt with the "The Muppets Electric Mayhem" logo on the back, again similar to the one used for The Muppets Mayhem.

Are these the type of items we can expect when Rock N' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens next year? Sure.

Are these the exact items? Only time will tell, but it's exciting to see Disney actively thinking about more then just the look of the ride, but what Muppet fans will be wearing while experiencing the attraction as well. 

Below is the official description of the new ride. 

Transformation in the Courtyard

The makeover of the roller coaster begins in the Courtyard of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The legendary Muppet magnate and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse, has purchased G-Force Records and hired his reliable nephew Scooter to run the operation and completely redesign the Courtyard. A new psychedelic wrap gives the iconic red guitar landmark a groovy twist, inspired by a classic Muppet car paint job. The piano motif at the base of the guitar will feature a golden key as a homage to the golden tooth of a certain far-out bandleader.

Experience in the Queue

Once in the queue, VIP guests will discover the Muppets band Electric Mayhem recording new tracks in the studio. In the control room, a team of penguin sound engineers works hard, while band manager Scooter tries to convince the musicians to wrap up and head to their increasingly restless fans.

Adrenaline-Pumping Ride Through Hollywood

With help from Muppet Labs and a very fast limousine, guests will embark on a curvy, twisting, and scream-filled road trip through Hollywood to make it to the concert on time. The iconic scenery and landmarks of Tinseltown will get a Muppet twist, while a soundtrack of iconic rock hits, performed by Electric Mayhem, pumps up the adrenaline.

In case you missed it, below are The Muppets announcing the attraction. 


Rock N' Rollercoaster Starring The Muppets opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2026. 

Friday, June 13, 2025

Muppet Stuff Video: Lakeland Antique Mall and Disney World Haul!

Join me and Retro Rest Stop as we wrap up my incredible Florida adventure with one final destination — the famous Lakeland Antique Mall!

This place is a treasure hunter's dream, packed with vintage collectibles, rare Disney park merchandise, retro toys, and unique finds you won’t see anywhere else. In this video, we’ll take you along as we explore the aisles for Muppet stuff.

Whether you're a fan of nostalgia, pop culture, or just love a good antique haul, there’s something here for you. 

Plus, I’ll be showing you everything I picked up during my trip and what both Dave and Dave have been holding for me over the last few months! You won’t want to miss some of the rare items I scored! 

You can follow Retro Rest Stop on YouTube

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

Friday, May 16, 2025

Muppet Stuff Video: Searching For Muppets at Walt Disney World with Retro Rest Stop!

Join me and Retro Rest Stop as we search high and low across Walt Disney World for hidden Muppet gems!


 From collectibles to Easter eggs tucked away in the parks, we’re bringing you a fun-filled journey packed with nostalgia, laughs, and a whole lot of Muppet mayhem. 

We also check out shooting locations from a Muppet movie!

 

You can follow Retro Rest Stop on YouTube.  Be sure to watch his walking tour of Kermit’s Swamp Years Muppet Movie Filming Locations here

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

Friday, January 24, 2025

BREAKING: Closing Dates Announced for MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo!

As we officially learned a few months ago, MuppetVision 3D is set to close for good this year and we now know the show will take it's final curtail call on June 7.


Walt Disney World announced the closing dates not only for MuppetVision 3D, but PizzeRizzo and the non-Muppet restaurant Mama Melrose as well. 




The final day to see MuppetVision will be June 7 which will also be the last day to enjoy a meal at PizzeRizzo, relieve yourself at Gonzo's Royal Flush, enjoy the exterior of the Stage 1 Company Store, see the Muppet fountain, or the rest of the Grand Avenue area as it stands now. 


Non-Muppet themed Italian restaurant, Mama Melrose, will close a month earlier on May 10.





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!“


This all makes way as Hollywood Studios theme park prepares to retheme Muppet Courtyard Grand Avenue to a “Monsters, Inc.” themed land.

Monday, January 6, 2025

New Muppet*Vision Sam Eagle Drinkware!

Even though Disney announced Muppet*Vision is closing, they also just released new Sam Eagle drinkware inspired by the attraction. 


There is a Stanley-style medal tumbler featuring an illustration of Sam above his classic line in the film “A salute to all nations, but mostly America.”


There's also a mug with the same art work. 


You can find both at the Celebrity 5&10 store inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Thanks to wdwnt.com for the photos. 

Friday, November 22, 2024

Breaking: Muppet Vision 3D Closing - Muppets Taking Over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster!

Sad news as the rumors circulating around the fate of Muppet Vision 3D were confirmed today as the long running attraction is set to close and be replaced by Monsters Inc. land. 


However, in the same announcement Disney Parks announced that The Muppets would be taking over "Rock N Roller Coaster" currently headlined by classic rock band Aerosmith.  

The official announcement from Disney Parks Blog:

Get ready to open the door because Mike and Sulley are coming to town!
That’s right, humans will be able to enter the world of Monsters, Inc. when it is added to the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Building off the exciting announcements from last summer’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the new land will include the coaster we’ve all dreamed of – a suspended ride recreating the door vault scene – plus dining and shopping and a whole new theater show.

To make way for the monsters, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! But there’s more to the story: The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!

We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster. Plus, as the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, there’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard!

In the meantime, there’s still enough time to catch a super-stretch limo to the Forum to enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and catch Muppet*Vision 3D again before their final curtain calls.

As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.

No doubt there are a lot of new adventures planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we’ll have more details to share next year. For now, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more rockin’ updates!

As you can see in the artist's rendition, the entire area that was once known as Muppets Courtyard is going to be rethemed. 

That means that not only is Muppet Vision 3D going away, but the ever shrinking Muppet fountain, PizzaRizzo, Gonzo's Royal Flush, and the Stage One Company store (which has been closed since 2020) will be gone as well. 

Original Muppet Vision Fountain


How the fountain looks today






If your not familiar with this area of Hollywood Studios, you can see more photos at Muppet Wiki

Looking ahead, it's great to know there will still a major Muppet presence in the park, but is definitely sad that Muppet Vision, Jim Henson's final film, will be closing for good in the coming months.

The following bits from the press release does give us fans some comfort:
"As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future."
Not sure how you can experience Muppet Vision 3D without being in the theater as it explodes around you, but I'd love for an official home video version to be released. 

What we can look forward to is more Muppets being featured in the new ride.
"We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster. Plus, as the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, there’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure .."

Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem weren't featured in Muppet Vision at all, while characters like Waldo and Bean Bunny, haven't been utilized much, or at all, since. This is a good opportunity to showcase many new fan favorites. 

And then there's this little tidbit...
"and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard!"

Muppet Vision 3D is one of the ONLY Disney Park attractions that doesn't exit directly into a gift shop. 

I'm hoping  the Imagineers move some of the interiors from the Stage One Company Store, like The Muppets Take Manhattan lockers, and Happiness Hotel motifs, and add new elements from Muppet Vision, and other Muppet easter eggs. 


No date for the closings have been announced, but Muppet fans NOW is the time to not just go see Muppet Vision 3D, but the entire "Muppets Courtyard" area before it's gone.... FOREVER.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Disney Jollywood Nights Takes You Inside "The Muppet Christmas Carol"!

According to the Disney Parks Blog, this year's Jollywood Nights event at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios will feature an immersive experience inside the world of The Muppet Christmas Carol.


Like last year, the main stage show will be hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Note these are Disney cast member's performing the park puppets to a pre-recorded track and not Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson. 


The Stage 1 Company Store outside Muppet*Vision 3D will host a behind the scenes look at 
The Muppet Christmas Carol with "no shortage of Instagram-worthy spots" for photos. 


And that's not all. When exiting the event, attendees will be gifted six champagne flavored Wondermade marshmallows in a box featuring Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. 

You can purchase tickets for Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at DisneyWorld.com/Jollywood.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Muppet Labs Epcot Food and Wine Fest Merch!

Walt Disney World's International Epcot Food and Wine Festival opened today and a few new Muppet Labs items were revealed. 

Last year, Muppet Labs was featured in Brew-ing area with limited merchandise without the Muppet Labs logo on it. It looks like the higher-ups at Disney heard our plea and put out a few official Muppet Labs items this year.

UPDATE: We now have some additional photos and pricing info.

There is a Muppet labs shirt with a fake pocket complete with a fake patch, pen and pencil on the front and the Muppet Labs logo on the back and retails for $39.99. 





There is also a youth shirt with the Muppet Labs logo on the front with the Food and Wine Festival 2024 logo on the left sleeve that retails for $21.99.



A Muppet Labs stemless wine glass designed to look like a beaker with the Muppet Labs logo on one side and the Food and Wine Festival 2024 logo on the other.





There is also a Muppet Labs Epcot International Food and Wine Festival pin that retails for $17.99

All the Muppet Labs merchandise was designed by The Muppet Studio's Dani Iglesias and is available exclusively at the International Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival runs August 29 to November 23, 2023

More information about the event can be found here.