Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing yet another transformation—this time replacing a nostalgic fan favorite with a fresh new Pixar experience.
As of today, MuppetVision 3D has officially closed, with Disney confirming that the surrounding Muppets Courtyard will be reimagined into an immersive Monsters Inc.-themed land. While guests won’t immediately notice much activity inside the park, significant work has already begun behind the scenes to prepare for the park’s next major expansion.
From Muppets to Monsters
First introduced in 1991, MuppetVision 3D was one of the last creative projects overseen by Jim Henson and has remained a beloved, quirky classic. However, after more than 30 years in operation, the attraction gave its final showing to Disney Cast Members earlier today.
Beginning tomorrow, Disney Imagineers will start the visible transformation of the area—though preparations have been underway backstage for some time.
Construction Already Underway Behind the Scenes
According to aerial imagery and reports from within Walt Disney World, Disney has already sectioned off roughly 10 acres of backstage space to support construction. The affected area sits behind the current Muppets Courtyard, and it includes a portion of the Hollywood Studios Cast Member parking lot, which is now closed off and repurposed for development.
To accommodate displaced Cast Member parking, an overflow area has been activated in part of the guest parking lot, signaling just how large and logistically complex the expansion effort will be.
A New Monsters Inc. Land—With a Thrill Ride at Its Core
While Disney has not formally announced all the details of the upcoming land, sources familiar with the plans and early concept art suggest that a “door vault” roller coaster will be the new land’s centerpiece.
Inspired by the high-speed chase through the warehouse of doors seen in Monsters, Inc., this attraction is expected to feature intense, family-friendly thrills as guests join Mike and Sulley on a wild ride through Monstropolis. The attraction’s entrance will likely be tucked deeper into the park than the current Muppets Courtyard, aligning with the show building for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. That positioning hints at a significant expansion of the guest-accessible footprint.
What the 10 Acres Might Include
While the door coaster is expected to be the marquee attraction, the full 10-acre space won’t be exclusively for ride development. A large portion will serve as construction staging, with areas set aside for equipment storage, debris removal, project offices, and contractor access.
Still, the size and scope of the land strongly suggest that additional experiences—such as themed food and beverage locations, character interactions, and retail opportunities—are also in the works.
What’s Next for the Park?
This new Monsters Inc. land continues a broader trend at Hollywood Studios: reimagining classic areas in favor of blockbuster IPs with built-in fan bases. Over the past decade, the park has introduced Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway—all of which target younger audiences and modern Disney franchises.
There’s no word yet on whether Muppet-themed experiences will return elsewhere in the park, but with the closure of MuppetVision 3D, it’s clear that Disney is moving full steam ahead on a new vision for this corner of the park.
When Will the New Land Open?
Disney has yet to release a projected opening date, and construction is still in its early stages. However, with site prep underway and Muppets Courtyard officially closed, vertical construction is expected to begin later this year.
Guests planning visits in 2025 and beyond should keep an eye on official Disney communications and construction updates for more details.
For now, fans of Monsters Inc. can look forward to the franchise finally receiving a dedicated presence at Walt Disney World—and possibly one of the most visually inventive coaster experiences Disney has ever designed.
