Disney’s Hollywood Studios is moving another step closer to welcoming guests into Monstropolis.
Construction on the new Monsters Inc. land remains active, and guests shouldn't expect to walk through its gates anytime soon. However, one of the latest developments suggests Disney is reaching an important stage with at least part of the project.
Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a permit for new signage at the Glob Theater, which is taking over the former Muppet*Vision 3D theater.
That may not sound as exciting as testing a new roller coaster, but permanent signage is exactly the type of detail that begins appearing as individual pieces of a theme park project move closer to completion.
The Glob Theater Is Taking Shape
The permit calls for Sign Producers Inc. to install signage at the theater.
Scaffolding was largely removed from the building in August, revealing supports for its new marquee. The finished marquee and clock tower are expected to feature eye-inspired decorations, while a banner will also be installed on the tower.
It's another sign that Disney is moving beyond the earliest construction work and beginning to focus on details guests will actually see.
The Glob Theater will eventually house Welcome to Monstropolis! With Sulley & Mike. The show will also feature a new song from Randy Newman.
For Disney fans watching this project closely, the marquee going up should be encouraging.
It doesn't mean an opening is imminent, but it does mean another visible piece of Monstropolis is moving toward its finished form.
Monsters Inc. Land Will Open in Phases
The biggest thing to remember is that Disney isn't planning to open everything simultaneously.
Monstropolis will begin opening in phases in 2027, with most of the land expected to arrive before its massive door coaster.
That coaster remains one of the biggest construction projects underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney has already made it clear that guests will have to wait longer for it.
That makes developments around the Glob Theater even more interesting.
Disney could potentially have entertainment and other portions of Monstropolis operating while construction continues elsewhere.
For now, we'd still watch mid-to-late 2027 as a reasonable possibility for the first phase, though Disney has not announced a specific date.
There are still many months of construction ahead.
However, we're reaching the point where permanent themed elements are beginning to replace scaffolding and unfinished structures.
The Glob Theater marquee is only one piece of a much larger project, but it's exactly the kind of finishing detail we've been waiting to see.
Monstropolis isn't ready yet, and its biggest attraction will take even longer.
Still, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is moving closer to the day when guests can finally step into the world of Monsters, Inc. (2001).
