Statler and Waldorf from MuppetVision 3D Find New Home at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Statler and Waldorf are back at Hollywood Studios — and they have brought their best complaints with them. Disney has confirmed the beloved Audio-Animatronic duo from the now-closed MuppetVision 3D have found a new home at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, stationed at the attraction’s unload station. If you love classic Muppets humor, this is a detail you will want to see in person.

Quick Summary

• Statler and Waldorf Audio-Animatronics from the closed MuppetVision 3D have moved to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
• The duo now appear at the attraction’s unload station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney released a video revealing two new jokes, including a callback to a classic MuppetVision 3D gag
• Their curmudgeonly heckling humor fits perfectly as a send-off at the coaster’s exit
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens for Annual Passholder previews May 21, DVC Member priority access May 24, public opening May 26, 2026

From MuppetVision 3D to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

When MuppetVision 3D closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the most pressing questions from fans was: what happens to Statler and Waldorf? The two iconic Audio-Animatronic curmudgeons had been a fixture of the pre-show area for decades, heckling guests from their theater box before the film began. Now we have the answer.

Disney has moved the duo to the unload station of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, where they can continue doing what they do best — complaining about the show. The placement makes perfect sense. As guests exit the coaster after a high-speed ride through a Muppets rock concert, Statler and Waldorf are right there to deliver their verdict.

The New Jokes — Including a Classic Callback

Disney released a short video previewing the duo’s new material, and it does not disappoint. Two of Statler and Waldorf’s new jokes lean into both the coaster experience and the Muppets concert theme:

“You know, this concert reminds me of a roller coaster. How’s that? It’s all downhill.”

“We have time to go to the bathroom before the next song. We can’t, you old fool, we’re bolted to the seats.”

That second joke is a direct callback to one of MuppetVision 3D’s most beloved gags from the pre-show, where Statler and Waldorf complained about being stuck in the theater. Hearing it at the coaster will land perfectly for long-time fans who remember the original.

Why This Placement Works So Well

The unload station is a brilliant spot for Statler and Waldorf. Their whole comedic identity is built around being critical audience members who sit through something and complain about it. Placing them at the exit of a rock concert coaster — where they can heckle guests as they return from the ride — is exactly what these characters were born to do.

MuppetVision 3D originally opened in 1991 and was one of the most beloved pre-show experiences in Walt Disney World history. The show closed in 2022. Preserving these Audio-Animatronics and giving them a new home is a great way to honor that legacy while making the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster experience richer.

When You Can Experience It

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens for Annual Passholder previews on May 21, 2026. DVC Members get priority access on May 24. The general public opening is May 26, 2026.

If you have a Hollywood Studios trip coming up around Memorial Day weekend, you are in for a treat. The full Muppets makeover of the attraction — combined with Statler and Waldorf at the exit — sounds like one of the most fun additions Hollywood Studios has seen in years. Get ready for some truly quality heckling on your way out.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!