Disney World President Disrespects the Muppets

It is hard to say goodby to your favorite Disney attractions, but this comment from the Walt Disney World president cut pretty deep.

Keep Moving Forward

Before getting into the comment that disrupted our "Rainbow Connection", it has to be a difficult position to keep Walt Disney's vision that "Disneyland (and now the Disney Parks) will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."

This leads to the closing of some older and less popular attractions to make room for more imagination and new experiences in the parks.

Walt Disney World, embracing this mantra, closed several key locations in Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom this year.

Walt Disney World Changes

With so many changes taking place at Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle shares insight into the many current closures.

Vahle shares, "We have opened a new attraction every year since 2017, as well as three themed lands, 20-plus entertainment offerings, nearly 30 dining locations, three resort hotels, and a new mode of transportation."

Vahle sympathizes with Disney guests amid the current closures, 'We know that everything at Walt Disney World is somebody's favorite, so we were extremely thoughtful about that."

Muppets Disregarded

Vahle went on to say, "These lands and attractions will deliver some incredibly creative experiences while also bringing new life to underutilized areas." The reference to Muppet Courtyard as an "underutilized area" hit me (Donna) pretty hard.

Muppet Courtyard, Rivers of America, and DinoLand referred to as "underutilized areas".

Muppet Vision 3D was the final major project that Jim Henson directed before he passed in 1990. It originally opened on May 16, 1991.

This film is special to many Muppet and Disney fans who have enjoyed it for several decades and as a final masterpiece created by Jim Henson. When Disney originally shared that the Muppet Courtyard would close to make room for a Monsters Inc.-themed land, this news was somewhat bittersweet.

Disney promises that they will preserve this film, but has not offered any updates for this since the Muppet Courtyard closed in June 2025.

It is interesting that two of my (Donna) family's favorite locations, Muppet Courtyard and the Rivers of America, were deemed "underutilized areas". It is great to have new attractions on the horizon, but this comment hit a little hard.

What do you think? Are you glad for these new changes, or do you still miss these "underutilized areas"? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.