Disney Parks fans are left mourning the loss of a classic attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as the beloved Muppets Courtyard has officially been demolished to make way for a Monsters, Inc. (2001) themed land.
At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering revealed that it would build a new roller coaster inspired by Monsters, Inc. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Early concept art suggested that the new attraction could be built in either Muppets Courtyard or Animation Courtyard, leading to outcry from fans to save Muppet*Vision 3D.
However, in late 2024, Walt Disney World Resort announced that the Muppets Courtyard would close in the summer of 2025. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano welcomed its final guests in May, while Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed permanently in June. Disney’s Hollywood Studios held a private final performance of the 3D show for cast members a few days later, and construction walls quickly surrounded the area.
A recent update from X (formerly known as Twitter) user @bioreconstruct shows the current state of Muppets Courtyard. The photo reveals nearly the entire area has been leveled, including Miss Piggy’s fountain, the Stage 1 Company Store, and the outdoor extended queue for Muppet*Vision 3D. The show building, however, remains standing, as it is set to be reimagined into “The Glob Theater,” a venue for a new show inspired by Monsters, Inc.
Aerial photo of the former Muppets Courtyard.
Work is also progressing in a backstage area behind Muppets Courtyard, in what was once a Disney cast member parking lot. This space, which will serve as the new Monsters, Inc. land’s expanded footprint, has already been cleared, and the construction zone now dwarfs the old Muppets Courtyard area.
According to BlogMickey, crews have already begun laying the groundwork for the new Monsters, Inc. roller coaster, with visible construction equipment and industrial tubing scattered around the site. The work could involve early structural preparations or drainage for the upcoming ride, but Disney hasn’t confirmed anything. It may take some time before we see the new attraction take shape.
Walt Disney World Resort has yet to announce a grand opening date for the Monsters, Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Follow Disney Dining for updates on this and other construction projects around the parks!
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to replace Muppets Courtyard with a Monsters, Inc. land? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
