At a Glance
Duration: 15 minutes
Look Out For: sensory overload, 4D effects, motion sickness, loud noises, and a simulated explosion
Opening on May 16th, 1991, Muppet Vision 3D is a hilarious 4D show featuring our pals, the Muppets. But how scary is Muppet Vision 3D? Let’s take a look at the stats:
1. Ride Length
Muppet Vision 3D has a duration of 15 minutes. It’s worth noting, however, that you may spend a few extra seconds or minutes in the theater due to slight delays during seating.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Muppet Vision 3D has no height requirement or official warnings from Disney. While this could be a great choice for the whole family, there is a good bit of sensory overload (particularly in the finale) that may make it less suitable for some guests.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Muppet Vision 3D theater seats 584 people and is often filled to capacity, meaning you’ll need to fill in all available space between you and others around you. There are no ride restraints and the theater seats do not move in any way.
4. How Does Muppet Vision 3D Work?
Muppet Vision 3D works like any other 4D show at Disney World, facing guests towards a large screen and utilizing 3D visuals, smoke effects, poofs of air, and bubbles. It’s a lot like Mickey’s PhilharMagic in this way, though decidedly more intense and explosive.
5. Is Muppet Vision 3D Scary?
While Muppet Vision 3D is not intentionally scary, there are many moments that can feel chaotic and overwhelming. The show utilizes animatronic characters at the sides of the theater and even a live actor playing Sweetums who walks across the front of the stage. While all friendly, these seemingly “close encounters” with the Muppets could catch some guests off guard – especially in the front row.
There are also a few startling moments – like an ironing board popping out of a closet unexpectedly – as well as loud noises, chaotic visuals, and many 4D practical effects. Along the way, you’ll be sprayed with water, showered with bubbles, and see smoke effects, among other things. While none of these things are particularly in-your-face or scary (like in It’s Tough to Be a Bug), they could still be a problem for those prone to sensory sensitivity.
The most intense part of the attraction is decidedly the finale, where the show culminates in a “fireworks” display resulting in absolute disaster. The mischievous 3D character, Waldo, wreaks havoc throughout the run time, but really sets things off at the end. The chaotic climax involves cannon blasts and even a loud simulated explosion that supposedly rips right through the side of the building (all on-screen, of course). While some guests will find this whole experience fun and ridiculous, it could certainly be frightening to some.
6. How High is Muppet Vision 3D?
Muppet Vision 3D does not involve heights. As a standard 4D show, the theater and your seat remain on the ground at all times.
7. How Fast is Muppet Vision 3D?
Muppet Vision 3D does not go fast. Unlike many Disney shows, like Mickey’s PhilharMagic, there is no real or simulated movement on this attraction.
8. Does Muppet Vision 3D Have Drops?
Muppet Vision 3D does not have drops or thrill elements of any kind.
9. Does Muppet Vision 3D Cause Motion Sickness?
Muppet Vision 3D may cause motion sickness to some guests. With its large screen, rushing visuals, and many 4D effects, this attraction has all the right ingredients for nausea (except spinning, thank goodness).
10. Is Muppet Vision 3D Claustrophobic?
Muppet Vision 3D should not feel claustrophobic for most guests. With its shorter than average show duration, high ceilings, and fast pacing, this show does not feel very confining, in my opinion. In addition, you can always see a cast member and exit at any time. While it may be difficult to get around the other guests packed in around you, you can try sitting at the end of a row or back of the theater for an easier exit.
11. Are There Animatronics on Muppet Vision 3D?
There are several animatronics on Muppet Vision 3D. While all friendly faces and situated in the opera boxes of the theater, it can still be a bit surprising to see the on-screen characters right there in front of you. Perhaps more unsettling is the live actor playing Sweetums who walks across the floor in front of the stage. He doesn’t go into the audience or anything, but his intimidating size and furry appearance could be frightening to some.
Muppet Vision 3D Queue Walkthrough
The queue is located outside in the Grand Avenue area of Hollywood Studios. Upon entering the building, you’ll simply head down a hallway and into the large pre-show room – where you’ll pick up your 3D glasses and queue up in front of the theater doors. This is arguably the most claustrophobic part of the attraction, as you are often squeezed in pretty tightly to make room for more guests coming in. There is not often a long wait, and you’ll just watch a series of pre-show videos on overhead monitors as you wait for the next show to begin.
Muppet Vision 3D Ride Walkthrough
Once let into the theater, you will find your seat and put on your 3D glasses. The show begins with Kermit on screen, welcoming you to the performance. He introduces a few of his Muppet friends and runs through the itinerary, all through the antics and “cheap 3D effects” shown off by Fozzie Bear and others.
Kermit then leads you into the science lab where you meet Dr. Honeydew and Beaker. You witness the amazing 3D machine as it cranks out Waldo – a very “Figment-like” animated character who embodies the spirit of 3D. When their attempts to power down the machine go awry, they end up accidentally “sucking up” the entire room with a vacuum, leaving the audience and Waldo in a dark void.
Waldo decides to take the opportunity to escape and Kermit opens the doors to find you, quickly moving on to introduce Miss Piggy’s big musical number. Her performance is interrupted by Bean Bunny – leading to him getting fired from the set. He runs into Waldo and they decide to “run away” together.
The Muppets soon realize that Bean is missing and the entire theater starts looking for him. This is where you’ll see Sweetums walk in front of the stage as the audience helps spot a little animatronic of Bean in one of the opera boxes. The cast convinces Bean to come back and even promises that he can help shoot off the fireworks in the finale.
The big fireworks show starts off without a hitch but quickly descends into chaos as Waldo interferes. With the climax turning out to be a disaster, the Muppets call out to “stop the movie” and eventually resort to “shooting” the projector with a cannon to shut it down. Waldo appears again and is also shot at, causing a massive “explosion” that results in half of the building being supposedly blown away. You’re left seeing Disney guests through the huge “hole” in the wall and Kermit reappears – riding a firetruck – and thanks you for coming. With that, the show comes to an end and you’re free to exit the theater.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Muppet Vision 3D? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
