Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster & Monstropolis Land Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World has officially announced a long-rumored Monsters, Inc. doors roller coaster inside a Monstropolis minland at Hollywood Studios. This post shares details, concept art, and everything we know about the plan–plus comprehensive commentary about what this might replace at DHS and more.
This news was announced during the “Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase” or Parks Panel presentation during the 2024 D23 Expo at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro offered a sneak peek at concept art for the future in addition and teased what was to come in a few years.
This was just one of several blockbuster announcements for Parks & Resorts at Horizons, during which D’Amaro revealed several ‘shovel to soil’ projects that will come online in the next 5 years, including over a half-dozen additions that will debut before the end of 2025. He and head Imagineer Bruce Vaughn followed through on their promise to deliver concrete details and not just tease more ‘Blue Sky’ possibilities.
It’s laughter they’re after when a brand-new land themed around Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.
The news was shared with a little help from Disney Legend Billy Crystal, who took to the stage to reveal plans to build a living, breathing, and not-at-all-scary “Monsters, Inc.” inspired area where you’ll be able to stroll the streets alongside some of your favorite monsters.
Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself. You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door!
Yes, a door. If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone — Josh D’Amaro has been thinking about this, too. “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” he told the crowd. “You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. 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 coaster will put you right in the middle of the monster action. Just be sure to fill out your paperwork! Roz is always watching…
Work on the Monstropolis land and Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster project is slated to begin in 2025, so get ready to ROAR with laughter!
Turning to commentary, boy do I feel like a dummy. Just a few days ago, I shared my list of the Top 10 Walt Disney World Rumors We’d Bet Against. On that list was none other than the Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster. Oof.
I had actually received a tip that a Monstropolis miniland was back on the table. Obviously, I did not believe that (see above). That was largely because, as mentioned above, there have been rumors of a Monsters Inc. Doors Coaster since I’ve been active in the fan community as an adult. So like 2006 or so. At one point, it was a “done deal” for the spot next door to Toy Story Mania in Pixar Place. That was long before Toy Story Land was a thing.
At some point (probably when Toy Story Mania got a third track, taking that option off the table), the location moved to Animation Courtyard. Other versions place it in Sunset Showcase or area that is currently backstage but could be repurposed to connect dead ends of the park.
I mention this because Walt Disney World did not announce a location for Monstropolis and the Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster and the concept art is ambiguous. Actually, that’s not the right word. To my eye at least, they look totally different. The above piece looks like it’s Animation Courtyard and the below piece looks like it’s Grand Avenue.
The location is kind of make-or-break for me. Animation Courtyard would be a great place for a Monstropolis land, breathing fresh life into this area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios that feels long-forgotten. It would revitalize a prime piece of real estate, and help spread out crowds a bit better.
By contrast, replacing Grand Avenue necessarily means losing MuppetVision 3D. While I can appreciate that it’s had a long run, I also don’t think its time is up. MuppetVision is a masterpiece–a true work of art (and heart) that is quintessential Muppets humor. Losing that would be a big blow and really kill some of my enthusiasm for this project. (Guess I should’ve been a more vocal supporter of the campaign to make it a National Historic Landmark.)
The online consensus seems to be that Monstropolis is replacing MuppetVision and Grand Avenue and, frankly, I’m not sure what basis there is for that (beyond similar-looking concept art). I’m personally not convinced the sightlines would allow for a roller coaster backing up to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Presumably, it’ll have a tall gravity building in addition to that massive CDA hangar facade. By contrast, that other side of the park has plenty of room–so long as they’re willing to relocate offices.
Ultimately, I think the Monsters Inc. Doors Coaster is a brilliant idea for a family-friendly “story” coaster. As mentioned even when betting against it, I also think this is one of those good ideas that never really dies in Imagineering. Which we obviously now know is true, given that it managed to hang around for ~15 years and is now going to be built. So based on longevity of the concept alone, it must be pretty good.
Honestly, I’m excited for this even if it replaces MuppetVision 3D. I probably shouldn’t admit that as it risks getting my Muppet fan card revoked. MuppetVision is an attraction of a different era, and has been on borrowed time for a while as a result.
With that said, I still expected (and expect!) no fewer than two other areas of Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be reimagined or developed before Grand Avenue. The area is relatively new, fairly nice (albeit modest and mundane) and has a couple of reimagined restaurants, as well as MuppetVision, which has also been refreshed a few times in recent years.
By contrast, Animation Courtyard has serious dead mall vibes and Sunset Showcase likewise feels like an abandoned afterthought (and probably will become one once the Cars expansion opens in Magic Kingdom). Here’s hoping that Walt Disney World and Imagineering leadership recognize this, and build Monstropolis where it’ll be a pure addition that’ll have everyone excited!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What is your reaction to this announcement confirming the long-rumored Monsters, Inc. doors roller coaster inside a Monstropolis minland at Hollywood Studios? Where do you hope this goes within DHS? Where do you think it actually will go? Is this addition still “worth it” to you if it replaces Grand Avenue and MuppetVision 3D? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Placing this where Muppets are would take out both the Muppets and almost certainly Star Tours. It would be hugely disruptive for a few years and probably net out with less throughput than before.
I hope and pray it’ll be Animation Courtyard and use it to open up a connection to top end of Sunset towards RockN, so there’s a loop path removing what’s effectively a dead end.
My money is on the Animation Courtyard/Launch Bay/Disney Jr plot. DHS needs more capacity, not less, and removing Muppets (and possibly Star Tours) would result in less capacity in the park. Combined with your previously mentioned sight lines from Galaxy’s Edge, the Door Dash box would be a nightmare to conceal.
I think this can be a killer attraction and can’t wait to experience it – BUT – taking the Muppets away for this makes no sense! This park needs more people eating capacity with fewer e-ticket queues. The Muppets is still one of the child-friendlier entertainment options at this park, and, unlike almost every other show, it only requires one live performer. Even pre-pandemic, Disney was cutting back on entertainment labor expenses. Cutting what may be their cheapest show seems antithetical to the model. (I’m taking the bean counter approach this time, since my impassioned treatises on Muppet investments have been unsuccessful at inciting a fan revolution.)
Animation Courtyard makes too much sense, even with the Little Mermaid show coming back. The Disney Junior show can go, quite literally, anywhere, and with that out of the way you’d have a ton of space opened up for a queue or a meet and greet.
I know it was just refurbished, but Rock ‘n Roller Coaster is very clearly living on borrowed time, and even more so now with Aerosmith retiring from live touring. If you’re going to put a new coaster in, why not repurpose something that already is (sort of) there, a la Cosmic Rewind?
I love MuppetVision too and hope it never goes away, although I know that it’s time will be up at some point. If it’s going to be replaced, though, this is the ride to do it.
I didn’t even think of Grand avenue. Our whole house was watching and we agreed on Animation Courtyard immediately. Looks like this one has a short lead time as like you said it’s been flying around in brainstorming sessions for a decade +
First of all I think they can still put this on Grand Avenue by taking over the empty shops and facades. But the reality is all the post 2025 projects could be cancelled if the predicted recession or God forbid depression hits during 2025. It won’t be Covid this time, just a crappy economy that will kill all these projects.
I hope they spare our Muppets, they’re so awesome and have so little representation in the parks. They’ll just fade away and we can’t let that happen to them. Besides, as you’ve pointed out, there are other sections that are far less attractive and really not doing much for guests these days…seems like those are better options, especially if that avoids destroying a classic and beloved attraction.
Also, didn’t they just do a refurb on the theater interior and seating for the Muppets? Is that common for something they’re soon replacing?
My bet is on Sunset only because it they just put all that time and effort to bringing back The Little Mermaid show, which hasn’t even opened yet, and they’ve been plussing up Muppet Vision a bit. Neither was necessary if they were just planning to close the attractions in the next year or two.
I also hope they leave MuppetVision alone. HS doesn’t need another ride with long lines replacing something that was a reliably short wait and a break in the a/c.
I wonder if it’s feasible that they move Racing Academy to Frontierland? And could move MuppetVision over there? But I agree that Animation Courtyard or somewhere backstage would make the most sense.
you summed up my own thoughts perfectly. I will be very excited for this when I know where it’s going and that they are going to keep the Muppets
First of all I will wait and see. If they do actually move forward on it I’m thinking Indy show is on the chopping block. A lot of space there.
Went to Disney world last summer . Couldn’t believe they got rid of the great movie ride . Mickey Mouse ride should have replaced the muppets. Which was so dated and not funny.
Keep the Muppets!!!!
This is a great attraction everyone comes out smiling!
If this replacing MuppetVision it will kill my enthusiasm for the project; that show is classic and a nice change of pace from all the rides at HS. If it replaces the emptiness of Animation Courtyard then I am all in!
Star Tours no longer fits thematically at DHS now that Galaxy’s Edge exists. They could remove it (it still exists at 3 other Disney parks worldwide, which could use the parts) and build Monsters Inc. there. Backlot Express could also be removed for even more space and new Monsters Inc.-themed dining could be incorporated into the land. Removing MuppetVision 3D, as has been stated, is also a good option. It is seriously outdated.
Nice to see that you love Muppet Vision 3D as much as I do Tom. But I fear you may be correct that it’s an attraction from another era. However it must be replaced, Monstropolis would be a worthy successor.
I am so excited about this, my kids and I have always wanted a Monsters Door coaster! This is great!!
My heart breaks for MuppetVision going away, simply because it’s an easy attraction for small kids when lines are big, it gets you out of the sun, and that doesn’t even cover how amazing Muppets are. I HOPE they do something with the Muppets franchise. We JUST healed from the loss of OG Country Bears.
I really hope they put this in the animation courtyard area and leave the Muppets alone. I’m still sad about losing The Great Movie Ride. I was excited when I heard Mickey and Minnie were getting a ride but not at the loss of a classic. They really need to revitalize the dead space in Animation Courtyard.
Very cool, and HS definitely needs more rides. Fingers crossed its awesome