Decades-old Christmas decorations vanished from Disney's Hollywood Studios as Walt Disney World Resort transforms the former Muppets Courtyard into Monstropolis, a new land inspired by Monsters Inc. (2001).
Aerial photographer and X (formerly Twitter) user @bioreconstruct documented the change, posting comparison photos from January 11 and February 21:
Candy canes, snowflakes, and other elements were recently removed from the former Christmas shop exterior in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Part of the retheming of this area to Monstropolis. First photo Feb 21. Second Jan 11.
Candy canes, snowflakes, and other elements were recently removed from the former Christmas shop exterior in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Part of the retheming of this area to Monstropolis.
First photo Feb 21. Second Jan 11. pic.twitter.com/9sPT59PWTs— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 22, 2026
The decorations adorned the former “It's A Wonderful Shop,” one of the last remnants of Streets of America, which closed in 2016 to make way for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Monstropolis Replaces Muppets
Disney announced at D23 Expo 2024 that a Monsters, Inc. “door coaster” and Monstropolis-themed land would come to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Initial concept art left the location ambiguous—Muppets Courtyard or Animation Courtyard across the park.
Despite fan outcry to preserve Muppet*Vision 3D, Disney sealed Muppets Courtyard's fate in late 2024. The area closed in phases through summer 2025, with Muppet*Vision 3D playing its final shows.
Walt Disney World Resort promised to preserve the film and announced that the Muppets would take over Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster in summer 2026, replacing the Aerosmith theme.
Construction Progresses Rapidly
A former Disney cast member parking lot was bulldozed to make way for early infrastructure for the Monsters, Inc. roller coaster. Existing Muppets Courtyard buildings are being rethemed for Monstropolis, with the former Muppet*Vision 3D theater becoming an unnamed Monsters, Inc. show in “The Glob” theater.
The Christmas shop's transformation is just the beginning of broader changes coming to the former Muppets Courtyard area. Walt Disney World Resort hasn't detailed plans for each building, but confirmed new merchandise locations and restaurants inspired by the Monsters, Inc. universe. No opening date has been announced for the Pixar-themed land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort's decision to replace Muppets Courtyard with a Monsters, Inc. land? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
