Disney’s Hollywood Studios is heading into another era of major transformation, and it all begins next week. After months of speculation, Disney has confirmed that the first phase of a complete overhaul for the Muppets Courtyard area is about to kick off — and it’s making way for a brand-new land themed around the beloved Monsters, Inc. franchise. Here’s everything we know so far about the phased closures, what’s staying (for now), and what’s on the horizon for fans of Mike, Sulley, and Boo.
First Closures Begin May 11: Melrose’s Ristorante Bids Farewell
The first domino to fall in the transformation of Grand Avenue (commonly called Muppets Courtyard) is Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, which will officially serve its final guests on May 10, 2025. The Italian eatery, known for its hearty dishes and tucked-away location near MuppetVision 3D, will permanently close the following day.
While Melrose’s will be the first to go, the rest of the Muppets Courtyard area will remain open for just a little longer. Guests will still be able to experience MuppetVision 3D and visit neighboring shops and snack stands until June 7, 2025. On June 8, however, construction walls are set to go up and the entire section will be closed off as work begins in earnest.
This phased approach allows Disney to handle the transition smoothly while continuing to offer experiences to guests during the busy early summer season.
Goodbye, Muppets Courtyard — Hello, Monsters Inc. Land!
The reimagining of this section of Hollywood Studios is no small refresh — it’s a full-blown transformation. Replacing Muppets Courtyard will be a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land designed to immerse guests inside the world of Monstropolis. The new land is said to pick up after the events of the original 2001 Pixar film, with humans now officially welcomed into the monster world where laughter fuels the city.
The centerpiece of this land will be an all-new suspended roller coaster, a first for any Disney park worldwide. The attraction will recreate the thrilling “door vault” chase scene from Monsters, Inc., where Mike and Sulley race through thousands of suspended closet doors to rescue Boo.
Imagineers shared exciting details: the ride will use a claw system — just like the one seen hoisting doors in the movie — to grab ride vehicles (the “doors”) and launch them into the experience. Guests will “ride the doors” through Monstropolis in what promises to be a high-energy, visually stunning adventure.
A Dream Years in the Making
This Monsters, Inc. coaster concept isn’t new to Disney fans. Ever since the film’s release, fans (and even Disney Imagineers) have dreamed of creating a ride based on the iconic door vault sequence.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, even personally spoke about it:
“The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” he said during a recent panel. “We’re making that dream real. You’ll go into the factory and experience the very first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park.”
Beyond the coaster, concept art hints at other attractions and interactive areas themed around the world of Monsters, Inc., suggesting a lively, laughter-filled city where humans and monsters coexist.
What’s Next for Hollywood Studios?
The changes to Muppets Courtyard and the creation of Monsters, Inc. Land are part of a larger reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Over the past several years, the park has shifted from its original “behind-the-scenes” theme toward immersive, story-driven lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.
The closure of longtime staples like Melrose’s Ristorante and, eventually, the full Muppets Courtyard marks the end of an era for the park — but it’s also a signal that Disney is investing heavily in making Hollywood Studios a must-visit destination for the next generation.
While details are still developing, more announcements regarding the Monsters, Inc. land — including possible dining, character meet-and-greets, and additional attractions — are expected later this year.
If you’ve been hoping for a deeper dive into the world of Monstropolis, your dreams are about to come true. But if you’re a die-hard Muppets fan, you may want to book one more trip before June 7 to say a heartfelt goodbye to an iconic part of Hollywood Studios history.
Stay tuned — more updates are coming soon as construction on the new Monsters, Inc. land gets underway!
I hope the new Monster’s Inc coaster will be able to handle above average, meaning adult!, riders. My wife and I are larger than the children and young adults that frequent Disney. We have been coming to Disney since 1966, so we are no strangers to Disney.