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MuppetVision 3D Now Closed | Pressed Pennies soon to be Retired

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MuppetVision 3D show first opened on May 16th, 1991 and featured Kermit and his friends experimenting with some new technology MuppetVision 3D. This show included some fun effects (for it’s time) but over the years seems to be more of an easy place to get off your feet and enjoy some air conditioning.

Now, 34 years later they had their final performance in the evening of June 7th. The show hadn’t seen crowds like this in quite a while, and even featured Jim Henson’s daughter as the very last guest to enter the theater for the final performance. This is a classic attraction that will be missed by some, but is the beginning of something new to come in the next few years.

Photo Credit: Fred Eng

Leading up to the last week of performances of MuppetVision 3D, the pressed penny machines in that area has been moved out of the Grand Avenue area. It’s temporary location seems like preparation for the larger crowds that would be depending upon the area as the final performance date neared.

Above is a photo taken on June 7th, the final day of performances and that is the line across the street, is not for the show but instead for the pressed penny set. I remember seeing a similar line when Splash Mountain was closing. Some I’m sure will be appearing on eBay at an exorbitant cost, but I do believe with the soft spot so many fans have for the Muppets that these were going to be kept as a sentimental memory of these iconic characters that we will be seeing just a little less often now.

What does the future hold for this historic theater. Well this area of the park will converted into Monstroplis from the Monsters Inc Pixar movie. The theater is expected to host a new show pertaining to the Monstroplis land, but Disney has not officially made any announcements.

What about if you need a Muppets fix, well all is not lost just yet. On the opposite side of Hollywood Studios the fan favorite Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster starring Aerosmith will be closing in 2026 for a reimagining. This will see an exit from Aerosmith and instead welcoming the Electric Mayhem with members Dr. Teeth, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Lips, Animal and Zoot.

Hopefully we don’t ever completely lose the Muppets inside the parks, and my fingers are crossed that we will see some new and amazing elongated coins when these new attractions open in the coming years. Keep on Pressing!

NEW Pressed Penny Machine Model 2025

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I remember years ago when you could slide fifty cents into a coin press and elongated whatever penny you wanted, be it a new shiny zinc or a classic copper coin.

Unfortunately in recent years those style of machines have started to disappear, being replaced by preloaded machines that are usually filled with zinc pennies or in some instances dirty circulated coins of various mintages.

This did cause a bit of unhappiness among quite a few in the collecting community who preferred to be able to press their own preferred coin. Well the machine manufacturers seem to have been listening.

Photo Courtesy: Jim McNally

I received some news from friend and fellow collector Jim McNally who reported a new penny machine model that has first been discovered up in Michigan at the Detroit Zoo pictured above.

Photo Courtesy: Jim McNally

This machine has the standard paper bill payment system as well as a credit / debit card digital payment system we find on the other machines.

Photo Courtesy: Jim McNally

However if we take a closer look at the instruction placard we notice it mentions three different payment options. Turn the wheel to the design you want, then chose a payment option cash, card, or coins that also says “Press your own penny!” The machine still costs $1 to use but you can now opt to use four quarters and whatever kind of penny you like. The machine is still preloaded with zinc pennies if you use either the cash bill or digital payment options.

I’m honestly kind of blown away that this is even a thing. It’s something we have been asking for and it’s amazing that the manufacturer appears to have been listening and made it a reality which is fantastic.

Now the big question is….. will we see this new machine model released in a wider implementation. For me since I’m a huge Disney collector I would love to see these related within the parks and resort. The above pictures acrylic version is not the style of machine Disney usually has so I doubt we would see it released there. But the internal mechanisms I’m sure could be used in their existing 3 and 4 design machine models. Putting this in the larger 8 and 12 design machines I don’t think is something we will see.

Just wanted to share this excited news and fingers crossed we will start seeing this new machine model released in the near future. Keep your eyes open and if you come across any before to let me know. I’d love to hear all about them and can’t wait to find one to use myself. Keep on Pressing!