Walt Disney World is ripping up Muppet*Vision 3D piece by piece, and we are not happy about it.
First they took down the Kermit the Frog hot air balloon and sold it for parts. Then they revoked the “Muppets Courtyard” name. Then the marquee was replaced with a decidedly non-Muppet version. Then the rumors started of PizzeRizzo’s closing. Then the operating hours of Muppet*Vision 3D were reduced. That’s not even mentioning the coming-and-going of the fountain and the lack of much Muppet merchandise inside the Muppets’ own gift shop.
Jeez, you’d think the Muppets shot Walt Disney’s dad or something.
The newest indignity isn’t as horrible as some of the others, but it’s far from a good sign for the future of the Muppets at Disney World. We’ve learned that a beautiful mural of Kermit and Piggy spoofing Gone with the Wind (seen above), which has been on display since the attraction’s debut, is being painted over.
As you can see in the photo from Hollywood Studios HQ, the faux scaffolding is gone and half the mural is already painted over in a dull gray. It’s likely that this is to help with the visual transition into Star Wars Land right next door. It’s only a matter of time before it’s gone completely.
The Disney theme parks are on thin ice with us. There’s already so little Muppet content there as it is, and what meager offerings we’re given are being taken away bit by bit until nothing will be left but the lingering aroma of a memory of a Bean Bunny animatronic.
Thanks to @WoutWvg for the tip! Click here to mourn a painting on a brick wall on the ToughPigs forum!
by Joe Hennes – Joe@ToughPigs.com
