Changes Ahead for Disney’s Hollywood Studios: A New Monsters, Inc. Land and What It Means for Muppet*Vision 3D

Big changes are on the horizon for Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida!

Disney has just dropped a major bombshell: a brand-new Monsters, Inc.-themed land is coming to the park. This thrilling development was announced at the D23 Expo, with a surprise appearance by Billy Crystal, the voice behind the beloved character Mike Wazowski.

Crystal’s charming quip and live performance of “I Wouldn’t Have Nothing If I Didn’t Have You” had the crowd roaring with applause.

A Monsters, Inc. Land in Hollywood Studios: What to Expect

According to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, this new land will bring Monstropolis to life in a way never seen before. The standout feature? A cutting-edge suspended rollercoaster themed around Monsters, Inc. (2001) that promises to be a thrilling first for Disney parks.

Construction is set to kick off next year, and while details are still under wraps, the excitement among Disney Imagineers is palpable.

Monsters, Inc. has always held a special place in Disney hearts since its debut in 2001. The film not only captivated audiences with its imaginative world but also earned a spot in the first-ever Best Animated Feature Oscar race, even though it ultimately lost to Shrek.

With this new land, Monsters, Inc. will have its most significant presence in any Disney park to date, making it a must-see for fans.

What Will Make Way for the New Attraction?

With such a major addition on the way, some existing attractions may need to make room. Speculation is swirling about what might be removed to accommodate the new Monsters, Inc. land.

One possible area under the microscope is Animation Courtyard, which houses attractions like the upcoming “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” Star Wars Launch Bay, and Disney Junior Play and Dance!

This section of the park has seen less foot traffic, making it a candidate for redevelopment. However, this would involve significant costs, including potentially demolishing current office spaces.

Another strong possibility is the Muppets Courtyard.

If this area is selected for redevelopment, it would mean bidding farewell to several beloved spots: Muppet*Vision 3D, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Studio 1 Shop, Days of Christmas, and PizzeRizzo.

This shift would also mark the end of The Muppets’ presence at Walt Disney World Resort, which could be a significant loss for fans of Kermit and the gang.

Muppet*Vision 3D’s Place in Hollywood Studios

Recent updates have fueled speculation about Muppet*Vision 3D’s future.

Disney has announced that the attraction will no longer be available during Extended Evening Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting September 25, 2024. This schedule change coincides with the busy season of Magic Kingdom’s hard-ticket events, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

While Muppet*Vision 3D is still listed for daily operation through late October 2024, this discrepancy has led many to question if this is a sign of its impending closure. No official announcements have been made regarding the fate of the attraction or its potential replacement.

Other Exciting Disney Announcements

D23 Expo was full of magical news beyond the Monsters, Inc. land. For Disney’s villain fans, a new Villains Land is coming to Magic Kingdom. This area will feature two major attractions, dining, and shopping experiences centered around Disney’s most iconic antagonists, including Ursula, the Evil Queen, and Jafar.

Additionally, Animal Kingdom will welcome a Zootopia-themed show in 2025, while Test Track will reopen at Epcot the same year. Magic Kingdom will also debut a new nighttime parade, and Frontierland will see the addition of two new Cars-themed attractions.

Disney Imagineers have also revealed plans for a Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom, replacing DinoLand U.S.A. This new area will showcase the vibrant ecosystems of the Western Hemisphere’s equatorial regions.

In July, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District approved Disney’s ambitious plans to invest up to $17 billion in its Orlando resort.

This plan includes a fifth major theme park, along with two smaller parks and additional hotels, ensuring that Disney’s footprint in Central Florida will continue to grow.

The Future of Muppets Courtyard

As Disney continues to evolve its offerings, the potential removal of Muppets Courtyard and Muppet*Vision 3D is a bittersweet prospect. While the addition of new, immersive attractions like the Monsters, Inc. land promises fresh adventures, it also means saying goodbye to some of the park’s long-standing favorites.

Whether you’re a fan of the Muppets or excited about the upcoming changes, there’s no denying that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about to get a lot more interesting.

Will you miss Muppet*Vision 3D if it’s replaced? What are you most excited about in the upcoming changes? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic and stay tuned for more updates on this magical transformation!