Major changes are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios—and the first signs are already visible.
Soon, Grand Avenue will be reimagined as Monstropolis, home to beloved characters from Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. At the heart of the new land will be a high-thrill roller coaster inspired by the film’s unforgettable door chase scene.
The addition of Monstropolis means several long-standing experiences will be closing in the coming weeks. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will close on May 11, followed by PizzeRizzo and Muppet*Vision 3D, both set to shutter on June 8. While many fans are saddened to see the Muppets show go, the iconic characters will continue to play a role in the park’s future.
According to Disney, Kermit and friends will soon star in the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, taking over the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. “We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster,” Disney shared in a January press release. “Plus, as the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, there’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard!”
Behind the curtain, Disney Experiences is also reportedly planning to record Muppet*Vision 3D for preservation, ensuring the attraction remains part of Disney history.
Meanwhile, summer fun arrives early at the park with the launch of the Cool Kid Summer initiative. From May 27 through September 1, the park will offer an array of festive programming aimed at families. As detailed by the Disney Parks Blog, “Get ready to dance, play, and chill because Cool Kid Summer is taking over Walt Disney World Resort.” Expect high-energy dance parties, pop-up character visits, crafts, and live performances.
“Jump into energetic fun at Animation Courtyard, where games and crafts will keep kids moving and creating all day long,” the blog post adds. “From magicians and jump rope performers to surprise character appearances, you never know what delightful moment is waiting around the corner!”
Cool Kid Summer will also temporarily pause the Disney Jr. Play and Dance experience. In the meantime, guests can head to a new indoor DJ dance party, where kids can interact with Mickey Mouse and their favorite Disney Junior characters.
Due to these updates, the outdoor Animation Courtyard meet-and-greet spaces have been closed off, and Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Fancy Nancy are now meeting fans around Echo Lake starting at 12:30 p.m. daily, per reports. Fancy Nancy can be found near Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Doc McStuffins by Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction, and Vampirina near the 50’s Prime Time Cafe.
Alongside Cool Kid Summer’s arrival on May 27, two brand-new shows will debut at the park. Guests can look forward to the Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After show in the former Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy theater and the much-anticipated stage show, The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure.
Even as Disney’s Hollywood Studios evolves with new characters and attractions, enduring favorites like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ensure that there’s something for every guest to enjoy.
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