DitP Perspective: Muppet*Vision 3D

Attraction Notes:
Opened: Originally opened in Walt Disney World in 1991, opened in Disney California Adventure in 2001
Attraction Type: 3D movie
Length of attraction: ~15:00
Age: All Ages

Note: For this being a show review, we will do our best to keep from spoiling moments of the show.  We have no intention of spoiling it for anyone who hasn't seen it, but to encourage you to.

When you think of favorite childhood characters, most people would think of a Disney one right away.  Well, unlike most people, we often thought of Kermit the Frog,  Fozzie the Bear, or Gonzo the Whatever.  To us, they often seemed more real than our own two feet.  Having the chance to watch them on their outrageous adventures across America, London, Manhattan, and yes, even the infamous Area 51, was pure joy.  Now, thanks to Disney, we get to watch them in a whole new dimension, literally!  So let's get "movin' right along" and talk about Muppet*Vision 3D.

One of the greatest things about Muppet*Vision 3D is that the "show" isn't only the movie; there are tons of things to see and look at here!

Located in the heart of the Hollywood Backlot, the Muppet*Vision 3D Theater stands tall and proud.  Well, at least until the Muppets arrive (sorry, we've been spending way too much time with Waldord and Statler lately).  As you enter the building and make your way to the pre-show lobby, make sure that you pick up your 3D glasses; otherwise, have fun squinting your eyes for the next twenty minutes or so.  For those who have received their special glasses, you wont be needing them quite yet.  Make sure you spend some time before you enter the lobby checking out the hallway leading in.  There is a ton of detail in here and lots of things to see.  Definitely worth checking out!

Before you enter Muppet Theater you will be given entertaining instructions about the rules of the theater.  This is a must see!  If you can, make sure you get to the show early to check out the room and see the pre-show.  As you can see, the pre-movie lobby is full of gags, props, and other things to look at.  In addition, the many TVs surrounding the room broadcast a special Muppet Show (that often travels from TV to TV) which is meant to keep you occupied while you wait, but which is actually pretty funny.  Some of our favorite gags out of the entire Muppet*Vision 3D experience (the 3D movie included) actually happen during this pre-show, including a very funny appearance by Rizzo the Rat disguised as a very famous mouse.  

Families watching the "pre-show" in the lobby

Referencing our favorite of ALL of the Muppet movies

They even spelled the band name right - cool!

After receiving your instructions, you will "walka walka" into Muppet Theater, but remember not to stop in the middle of the aisle because that is unpatriotic (cue Sam the Eagle).  We love the Muppet theater.  It is very well detailed and like everything else in the building, there is loads to see.  Make sure before the movie starts that you take some time to look around and take it all in.  It won't stay looking that way for long once the Muppets get a hold of it.

So, is it time to "start the music, light the lights, and meet the Muppets tonight"?  Not just yet.  Time for some final last-minute instructions from the Muppets' lab assistant, and now that everyone knows the rules it's time to put on the show.  Soon you'll hear the melodious sounds of a penguin orchestra.  Why penguins, you might ask?  Beats us, "must have taken the job for the halibut".  And as the curtains rise, we get our first glimpse of the 3D Muppet world.

Muppet Theater just before the beginning of the show

Now we promised we wouldn't spoil the show for anyone, so we won't give away much in terms of show details.  Let's just say the Muppets are well represented, they're up to their usual hi-jinks, and nothing goes according to plan.  And there are plenty of other things to see in addition to the movie:  Waldorf and Statler are constantly heckling the Muppets from their perch in the balcony, the aforementioned penguin orchestra is constantly in motion and doing something, and a giant Sweetums walking around just to name a few.  As a special pointer, make sure and turn your head and look behind you during the Swedish Chef portions of the show.  They actually have a Chef animatronic back there who interacts with what's going on on-screen.  We didn't notice him for the longest time, but it's pretty funny stuff. 

That said, we do need your opinion on something.  In the "grand three hour finale", a "Tribute To All Nations But Mostly America", we've noticed that some of the toy soldiers in the background seem to have forgotten to put on their pants before the show.  Are they naked, or simply wearing brown pants?  What say you?  Whatever the case may be it never fails to keep us in stitches for the remainder of the movie.

We absolutely love Muppet*Vision 3D.  More often than not, if we're strolling through the Hollywood Backlot, we inevitably find ourselves in the Muppet building.  It's just a fun experience overall, and that's exactly how it goes about presenting itself and maybe that's why enjoy it so much.  And it's good for all ages!  Other than a few loud noises (cue explosions, cannon-fire and musket-shots), which never seem to bother any children when we're in there too much, there's nothing here that the little ones shouldn't enjoy.

Highly recommended!

Quite possibly the greatest band on the planet...