Disney's Hollywood Studios just started selling a Monsters Inc. Scream Canister popcorn bucket, which is actually a pretty big deal because it signals that Monsters Inc. is already infiltrating the park well ahead of when Monstropolis is supposed to open. This wasn't even supposed to happen at Hollywood Studios, according to the original announcement.
The Popcorn Bucket Nobody Expected at Hollywood Studios
Disney originally announced that the Monsters Inc. Scream Canister popcorn bucket would be available on select Disney Cruise Line ships and at Disneyland Resort. Hollywood Studios wasn't mentioned at all in that announcement. So the fact that it's now showing up at Hollywood Studios feels like a strategic last-minute decision to start building Monsters Inc. presence at the park where Monstropolis is currently under construction.
The popcorn bucket resembles the yellow scream canisters from Monsters Inc., featuring “Caution: Unrefined Scream” at the top and a side that lights up for interactivity. The strap showcases images from the film, including Mike Wazowski. This is Disney's first Scream canister popcorn bucket, despite similar designs appearing on other merchandise. Specialty popcorn buckets have become popular collectibles, and this limited-edition design is sure to attract attention.
What Monstropolis Actually Is
Monstropolis is replacing the entire Grand Avenue area at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Grand Avenue used to celebrate classic Los Angeles architecture and was home to Muppet Vision 3D and Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano. All of that closed earlier in 2025 to make way for Monsters Inc.
The big centerpiece attraction is going to be a suspended roller coaster themed to that iconic door vault sequence from the movie where Sulley and Boo are flying through all those doorways that lead to children's bedrooms around the world. A suspended roller coaster is a first-of-its-kind thing for Walt Disney World, so it's going to be a completely unique ride experience you can't get at any other Florida theme park.
Muppet Vision 3D Is Gone Forever at Hollywood Studios
The Grand Avenue closure meant saying goodbye to Muppet Vision 3D, which had been operating since the park opened as Disney-MGM Studios way back in 1989. That attraction was the final project Jim Henson personally worked on before he died, so it had serious historical significance and featured original Muppets performances you couldn't see anywhere else.
A lot of fans were genuinely upset about losing Muppet Vision 3D. But Disney is doing a Muppets retheme of Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, which closes permanently on March 2, 2026, to become a Muppets attraction expected to open later in 2026. So the Muppets aren't completely disappearing from Hollywood Studios, they're just moving to a different part of the park.
Why This Merchandising Move Matters
Releasing Monsters Inc. merchandise at Hollywood Studios this early, before Monstropolis even opens, is a calculated strategy. It creates buzz and anticipation for the upcoming land, even as construction walls prevent guests from seeing any actual progress on the attraction.
It also tests whether guests at Hollywood Studios specifically are interested in Monsters Inc. theming. Strong sales of this popcorn bucket would validate Disney's decision to build an entire land around the franchise at this particular park. Weak sales might signal potential problems with whether the intellectual property actually resonates with Hollywood Studios guests.
Monsters Inc. Minimal Presence in Walt Disney World
Monsters Inc. has had minimal presence at Walt Disney World compared to other major Pixar franchises. Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios features multiple attractions, meet-and-greets, and immersive theming throughout. Finding Nemo has attractions at EPCOT. Cars is getting a presence at Magic Kingdom through the Frontierland transformation.
But Monsters Inc.? Just a comedy show. Despite being one of Pixar's most beloved and successful franchises with a huge fanbase, it's been fairly absent from Walt Disney World's attraction lineup. Monstropolis will finally give the franchise the prominent theme park representation it deserves, given its popularity and cultural impact.
What Comes Next at Hollywood Studios
This Scream Canister popcorn bucket is just the beginning. As Monstropolis construction keeps progressing, expect way more Monsters Inc. merchandise to start appearing at Hollywood Studios. Food offerings themed to the franchise. Maybe characters meet and greet Mike and Sulley. All of it is gradually building the franchise's presence before the land officially opens.
For guests visiting Hollywood Studios right now, this popcorn bucket is your first chance to bring home actual Monstropolis-related merchandise and proof that major changes are coming to this park's identity as construction continues transforming Grand Avenue into the world of Monsters Inc.
