Big shakeups are officially happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and if you’re a fan of the Muppets, you might want to plan one last visit. Disney is officially starting the multi-phase closure of the Muppets Courtyard area next week, all in preparation for a brand-new land themed to Monsters, Inc.. Here’s the full scoop on what’s closing, what’s coming, and why you’ll want to say your goodbyes sooner rather than later.
First Phase of Closures Starts May 11
The first domino falls on May 11, 2025, when Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano officially shutters for good. The Italian restaurant will serve its final guests on May 10, with the closure marking the first big move in Disney’s plan to overhaul this side of the park.
If you’re hoping to catch one last performance of MuppetVision 3D, don’t worry — it’s not closing just yet. Disney plans to keep the rest of the Muppets Courtyard area open until June 7. After that, it’s all walls, all the time. Expect major construction walls to go up starting June 8 as the full area goes behind the scenes for good.
Monsters, Inc. Land Takes Center Stage
So what’s replacing this quirky little corner of Hollywood Studios? A fully immersive Monsters, Inc. land. And Disney’s pulling out all the stops.
At the center of the new land will be a suspended roller coaster inspired by the unforgettable door vault scene from Monsters, Inc.. Guests will literally hang from ride vehicles designed to look like closet doors, zooming through the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor factory just like Mike and Sulley.
Disney executives have promised this will be the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney park, bringing a fresh, thrilling ride system into the mix. According to Josh D’Amaro,
“The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., I wanted to ride on one of those doors. Soon, our guests will be able to live that dream.”
From what’s been teased, this new land will pick up after the events of the original movie, where laughter — not screams — fuels Monstropolis.
What About MuppetVision 3D?
Fans of MuppetVision 3D might still be holding out hope, but it looks like the show’s days are numbered. Once the second phase of closures kicks off in early June, MuppetVision 3D is expected to permanently close alongside the rest of the Muppets Courtyard offerings.
It’s a bittersweet end for the attraction, which has been part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios since 1991 and was one of the final projects Jim Henson worked on before his passing.
More Changes on the Horizon?
While Disney has been tight-lipped about all the specifics, early chatter suggests the new Monsters, Inc. land could feature more than just the roller coaster. Possible dining spots, themed shopping, and even character meet-and-greet locations could be on the table as Disney works to flesh out a full Monstropolis experience.
Given the popularity of not just Monsters, Inc. but also Monsters University and Monsters at Work, there’s plenty of content Disney can draw from as it builds out this land.
Big changes are never easy, especially when they involve saying goodbye to longtime favorites. But Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been evolving rapidly in the last few years, and the arrival of a brand-new Monsters, Inc. land signals that the transformation is far from over.
If you’re planning a trip, make sure to visit the Muppets Courtyard area before June 7 to soak up those last nostalgic moments. Because starting this summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is stepping into a whole new world — and it’s powered by laughter.
