Hollywood Studios Powers on Monstropolis Landmark Ahead of Massive 2027 Opening

The countdown to Monstropolis is underway at Walt Disney World, and guests can now spot an early sign that Disney’s newest monster-filled expansion is coming to life.

Disney has confirmed that Monstropolis will begin welcoming guests in 2027, bringing the world of Monsters, Inc. (2001) into Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Construction continues throughout the former Muppets area as crews prepare attractions, dining, entertainment, and the detailed environments planned for the land.

There is still plenty of work ahead. However, guests looking toward the construction area can now spot one particularly interesting development.

One of the land’s recognizable future landmarks is already working.

Monstropolis Will Bring Several New Experiences

Disney has much more planned for Monstropolis than a single attraction.

One of the biggest additions will be a suspended roller coaster based on the door vault sequence from Monsters, Inc. (2001). Riders will travel through the factory while hanging beneath the coaster track, bringing the movie’s chaotic door sequence into a Disney attraction.

Disney is also bringing Harryhausen’s to life. The sushi restaurant appeared in the movie, and its inclusion should help Monstropolis feel more like a functioning city rather than an area built around one major ride.

There will even be some unusual wildlife. Disney has revealed monstrous animals that are more adorable than intimidating, adding another layer to the environment guests will eventually explore.

Meanwhile, Disney is giving a familiar building an entirely new purpose.

Mike and Sulley Are Taking Over a Familiar Theater

The former Muppet*Vision 3D building isn’t disappearing. Instead, it will become the Glob Theater.

Inside, guests will eventually watch a new production called “Welcome to Monstropolis,” with Mike Wazowski and Sulley taking responsibility for putting on the show.

Disney’s storyline gives the two monsters very different creative approaches. Sulley has been developing a smaller production, while Mike wants to make the presentation considerably bigger and has surprises planned.

Disney has started establishing that story through the Monstropolis Horn, a fictional newspaper that provides updates from inside the monster world.

The show won’t arrive until Monstropolis begins welcoming guests, but visitors can already see progress directly above its future home.

A Piece of Monstropolis Is Already Working

Scaffolding has come down from the upper portion of the Glob Theater’s clock tower, revealing several changes Disney has made during construction.

The biggest development isn’t simply cosmetic.

The clock is now operational, with its hands moving and keeping time ahead of the land’s 2027 debut.

Disney hasn’t finished transforming the tower. Concept artwork shows additional monster-inspired decorations that haven’t appeared yet. However, crews have already changed the upper trim, giving it a lighter weathered-stone appearance while simplifying parts of the surrounding brickwork.

One longtime feature is missing as well.

Gonzo once hung from the clock’s minute hand during the Muppet*Vision 3D era. Disney removed him in September 2025 after the attraction closed. The familiar clockface remains, including its white background and black Roman numerals.

It may be a small detail compared to the massive coaster coming nearby, but the working clock provides an early glimpse at Monstropolis taking shape.

Another Hollywood Studios Opening Coming First

Guests won’t have to wait until 2027 for another major addition at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14, 2026, bringing several new family experiences to the park.

“Olaf Draws” will feature an Audio-Animatronic Olaf as part of a drawing experience. “Drawn to Wonderland” will provide an exploratory play area, while “Off the Page!” will give guests another interactive way to experience Disney animation.

A dedicated theater, “Once Upon a Studio,” will also screen Disney’s animated short film.

Those experiences will give families something new to explore while construction continues nearby on the much larger Monstropolis project.

Hollywood Studios Is Heading Into a Busy 2027

Monstropolis still has a long way to go, and guests will have to wait until 2027 to begin experiencing Disney’s plans for the area.

Eventually, the suspended coaster, Harryhausen’s, Glob Theater, monstrous animals, and other additions will completely reshape this corner of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For now, one small piece is already providing a preview.

The clock above the future Glob Theater is ticking, giving guests a working piece of Monstropolis before the monsters officially begin welcoming humans next year.