The Muppets at Walt Disney World

The other night I re-watched one of my favorite Muppet TV specials: The Muppets at Walt Disney World. The show aired in 1990 just ten days before the death of Muppet creator Jim Henson.

The show runs about 45 minutes without commercials.

The show starts with Kermit and company walking through the Florida swamps on the way to a surprise destination.
Miss Piggy is annoyed at her surroundings, but Kermit assures her they are heading to "paradise."


The Paradise Swamp. Ahh, I was a bit worried that "going to paradise" meant that Kermit was going to strap explosives on his body and blow himself up. A paradise of 40 untouched pigs just makes me grossed out.

At the swamp Kermit seems to be the only Muppet who wants to be here. They are told they will get to eat bugs and watch the fireworks from Walt Disney World.


Immediately everyone splits and heads to Walt Disney World. It's important to note that throughout this special it is implied at all of the WDW parks (Disney MGM Studios, Epcot Center and the Magic Kingdom) are actually one big park.

This establishing shot of Disney MGM Studios reveals the Chinese Theater without the large sorcerer's hat in front of it.

Upon arrival Kermit and company are greeted by a security guard played by Charles Grodin (who also appeared in the Great Muppet Caper.) Since they have no tickets and no money he tries to usher them away. However, Animal breaks the turnstile and lets them all in for free. This is a good lesson for children "never show any respect to Charles Grodin."

Bunsen and Beaker (who has a bucket on his head from an unfortunate incident at the swamp) wander into Disney MGM Studios.

And within seconds arrive at Epcot Center. Kermit apologizes to Grodin as he and the rest of the Muppets scatter throughout Walt Disney World. Grodin begins to track the Muppets (or as he calls them: the Kizmet gang.) His misunderstanding of the pronuciation of Kermit's name is less funny than Beaker with a bucket on his head.

Of course, few things are MORE funny than Beaker with a bucket on his head.

Gonzo and Camilla ponder checking out the Wonders of Life pavillion. Being that it is rarely open anymore I was excited about the prospect of seeing some video inside. However, Gonzo is distracted by a better exhibit:

The "used paper cup exhibit." Soon he and Camilla jump in and start their journey through the uh... underside of WDW.

Coming face to face with Rizzo, Grodin happily concludes that he has captured a member of the Kizmet gang. Rizzo, not wanting to be prisioner, decides to "rat out" his fellow Muppets. Haaaa haaaa! Haaaa haaa! I am so witty.


Beauregard escorts Miss Piggy who only wants to see "The Chinese Theater." Bo instead starts dragging her on a series of thrill rides.

Rowlf the Dog is captured and taken to a kennel.

As Bo and Miss Piggy take on Big Thunder Mountain.

Meanwhille, the Swedish Chef has set up shop in World Showcase.

Fozzie and his mother are hungry, but haven't a cent to their name. So Mrs. Bear starts telling everyone within earshot to throw some money in her hat and Fozzie will tell some jokes.

They don't get any money.

Statler and Waldorf ride up and down Main Street U.S.A. commenting on how pretty and clean it is. Then upon realization that there is nothing "to complain about" they start to boo and heckle the buildings.

Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem tour World Showcase where they realize that this provides them the amazing opportunity to do a "world tour" and be done in time for lunch. This is shown in a musical montage to a song called "Rockin' Around the World."


Statler and Waldorf find an old lady and start to hit on her.

Coming soon.... part two!