Big changes are underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Park guests are already noticing signs of a project that will transform the park forever. The former Muppets Courtyard is being reimagined into a Monsters, Inc. (2001)–themed land, complete with a brand-new door coaster. Now, construction has reached a new phase that’s hard to miss.
Back in June 2025, Muppet*Vision 3D and the rest of Muppets Courtyard officially closed to make way for the new project. The closure followed months of speculation after D23 Expo 2024, where Walt Disney Imagineering revealed plans to bring the world of Monsters, Inc. (2001) to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney has promised to preserve the 3D show for future public enjoyment.
In addition, Disney announced that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be rethemed to Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, inspired by The Muppets Mayhem. That change is expected sometime in 2026, with the original coaster remaining open through the end of 2025.
Demolition work moved quickly through Muppets Courtyard this summer. As of Disney Fanatic’s last update in August, the Stage 1 Company Store, the Miss Piggy fountain, and other outdoor areas had been demolished, leaving only the Muppet*Vision 3D building, which Imagineers plan to repurpose for a new attraction now titled “The Glob.” Crews also cleared a cast member parking lot just outside the park to prepare space for the new coaster building, which will stretch beyond Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ existing footprint.
Now, a large foundation drilling rig has appeared at the Monsters, Inc. construction zone, towering over the park’s skyline. On Tuesday, BlogMickey shared photos of the machine, which is a FUNDEX multifunctional foundation rig. According to the company’s promotional materials, this type of equipment has been used in roller coaster construction projects before.
The Monsters, Inc. door coaster will be Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster, meaning riders will hang beneath the track instead of sitting above it. The ride will be entirely indoors, but it’s not yet clear how Imagineers will handle construction. At EPCOT, the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster was assembled inside its finished building, while at Magic Kingdom Park, crews built the TRON Lightcycle / Run building around the completed ride structure.
The Monsters, Inc. project isn’t the only major update on the horizon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This September, the Animation Courtyard (including Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Junior – Live on Stage!) will close permanently to make way for The Walt Disney Studios Lot, a new area inspired by Disney’s Burbank campus. Plans include a revamped Disney Junior show and the return of the Magic of Disney Animation experience.
Have you noticed any construction around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
