Walt Disney World is set to begin development on a new land inspired by Pixar‘s Monsters, Inc., replacing the current Muppets area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Though Disney has yet to fully disclose all the details, insightful predictions can be made based on recent announcements and official concept art released by the company.
New Monsters, Inc. Suspended Roller Coaster
One of the most anticipated attractions in this new land is a suspended roller coaster, a first for a Disney park.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared some details about the upcoming attraction, stating, “Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
The TikTok video embedded above from Disney Parks shows an animated look at the upcoming ride. Drawing from recent concept art and the current layout of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this roller coaster will serve as an expansion to the park, taking over part of the Cast Member parking lot.
Changes to Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
In preparation for the new land, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will be closing its doors for good. You will have until May 10, 2025 to dine here. The first set of concept art from Disney hinted at the addition of Harryhausen’s, a Japanese-style restaurant featured in the Monsters, Inc. film, but it was depicted in multiple locations. These renderings were released before Disney’s announcement that the land would replace the Muppets area. These sketches likely were when the land was in the early stages of development. However, the most recent concept art, released after Disney confirmed the Muppets area would be replaced, is more polished and clearly indicates that it will indeed occupy the Muppets area. In this updated artwork, Harryhausen’s is positioned where Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano currently stands.
Former It’s a Wonderful Shop Location
It’s a Wonderful Shop has been closed for an extended period, yet Disney has not disclosed its future plans. Although the Monsters, Inc. land concept art does not clearly indicate what will take this space, it features a billboard on the roof advertising “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor,” an attraction currently located at Magic Kingdom. This does not definitively indicate that the attraction will occupy this retail space, but we wanted to highlight this detail. In fact, the Laugh Floor billboard may simply serve as a filler image for the concept art or as a promotional element to tie into the Monsters, Inc. universe.
Demolition of Stage 1 Company Store
The Stage 1 Company Store has also been closed for an extended time. Concept art indicates that this building will be demolished to create green space. The rendering also depicts a canopy within this area. While the specifics of what is beneath the canopy remain unclear, it may potentially serve as a snack stand.
Changes to PizzeRizzo
If you’re looking to enjoy a meal at PizzeRizzo, June 7, 2025 is your final opportunity to dine there. The restaurant is expected to be reimagined into a new dining experience, though specific details remain undisclosed, and concept art offers little additional information.
The Future of Muppet*Vision 3D
The beloved Muppet*Vision 3D attraction will be shutting its doors, with its final day of operation scheduled for June 7, 2025. Disney previously announced that the Monsters, Inc. land will include an all-new theater show, suggesting it will most likely replace Muppet*Vision 3D. Disney did not provide specifics about what the show will be about, though.
New Fountain Feature
Finally, the concept art showcases an aesthetic change with the removal of the Miss Piggy fountain situated in front of Muppet*Vision 3D. It will be replaced by a new fountain themed around Monsters, Inc.
Please note that the information in this article is derived from official renderings and available details shared by Disney; however, the company has yet to release comprehensive specifics about the new land, and plans may change.
Stay tuned to AttractionInsight.com for the latest updates from Disney and beyond.
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