Disney World Confirms Theme Park Christmas Decorations Are Gone Forever
Year-round Christmas decorations that adorned Disney’s Hollywood Studios for decades have been permanently removed as Walt Disney World Resort transforms the former Muppets Courtyard area into Monstropolis, inspired by Monsters, Inc. (2001).
Aerial photographer and X (formerly known as Twitter) user @bioreconstruct posted comparison photos from January 11 and February 21 showing the dramatic change:
Candy canes, snowflakes, and other elements were recently removed from the former Christmas shop exterior in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Part of the retheming of this area to Monstropolis. First photo Feb 21. Second Jan 11.
Candy canes, snowflakes, and other elements were recently removed from the former Christmas shop exterior in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Part of the retheming of this area to Monstropolis.
First photo Feb 21. Second Jan 11. pic.twitter.com/9sPT59PWTs— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 22, 2026
The decorations covered “It’s A Wonderful Shop,” one of the final remnants from Streets of America, which closed in 2016 to make room for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Muppets Courtyard Becomes Monstropolis
Disney revealed at D23 Expo 2024 that a Monsters, Inc. “door coaster” and surrounding Monstropolis land would replace either Muppets Courtyard or Animation Courtyard. Fans rallied to save Muppet*Vision 3D, hoping to preserve Jim Henson’s final project.
Despite the protests, Walt Disney World Resort announced in late 2024 that Muppets Courtyard would be demolished. The area closed in the early summer of 2025, with Muppet*Vision 3D ending its decades-long run. Disney promised to preserve the film and relocate the Muppets to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in summer 2026, replacing the original Aerosmith theme.
Rapid Transformation Underway
Construction crews bulldozed a former cast member parking lot for the early Monsters, Inc. roller coaster infrastructure. Existing Muppets Courtyard buildings are being converted to use in Monstropolis, with the Muppet*Vision 3D theater becoming “The Glob” theater, housing an unnamed Monsters, Inc. show.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t detailed plans for individual buildings, but concept art all but confirms that new Monsters, Inc.-themed dining locations and stores are on the way. No opening date has been set for the newest Pixar-inspired land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Did you visit Muppets Courtyard before it closed permanently? Share your favorite memories of the area with Disney Dining in the comments!
