The skyline of Disney’s Hollywood Studios just hit a high-voltage turning point. For the last several months, fans walking toward the back of the park have been met with nothing but expansive construction walls and the muffled sounds of demolition. But as of April 10, 2026, the “prep work” is officially over. Monstropolis is going vertical.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Disney fan community, the first steel support columns for the highly anticipated Monsters, Inc. Door Vault Coaster have been bolted into place. These massive, black cylindrical structures are now visible rising above the tree line—not just from inside the park, but from the main parking lot itself. It is the clearest signal yet that the industrial, laughter-fueled city of Monstropolis is no longer a concept; it is a physical reality.
A Giant Leap for Monster-Kind
The installation of these vertical supports marks the end of the “dirt-moving” phase for the Muppets Courtyard transformation. Since construction began in late 2025, crews have been working tirelessly to strip away the brick-and-mortar aesthetic of Grand Avenue and the whimsical vaulting of the Muppet theater.
As of this week, the foundation for the ride’s massive “gravity building” has been poured, and the arrival of the steel columns signals that the coaster’s complex layout is beginning to take shape. This isn’t just any roller coaster, though. This is the “Crown Jewel” of the 2027 expansion, bringing a piece of Pixar history to life with technology never before seen in a Disney park.
The “Door Vault” Coaster: Suspended Thrills
The centerpiece of Monstropolis is, of course, the first-ever suspended roller coaster in Disney history. Inspired by the climactic chase scene from the 2001 film, the attraction will allow guests to feel as though they are “hooked” to a closet door as it zips through the massive, automated warehouse of the Monsters, Inc. factory.
The Technology
Aerial views of the construction site reveal that the track system being installed is designed for ride vehicles that hang beneath the rail. Unlike traditional coasters, where you sit on top of the track, this suspended system provides a “swinging” sensation. Imagineers have teased a proprietary “rack and switch” system that mimics the chaotic, multi-directional movement of the doors in the movie.
The vertical columns installed this April are designed to support a massive enclosed show building. This “Dark Coaster” will combine high-speed launches with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics, including Mike, Sulley, and a likely appearance by the ever-watchful Roz.
A Walk Through Monstropolis: Beyond the Coaster
While the Door Coaster is the E-ticket draw, the land itself is a complete reimagining of the park’s northern corner. The aesthetic is shifting from “90s Studio Backlot” to “Living Industrial City.”
The Glob Theater (The Former Muppet Theater)
The building that once housed MuppetVision 3D* is currently under a mountain of scaffolding. Permits filed earlier this month confirm that the interior is being gutted to create a “multi-level industrial lobby.” This will serve as the entrance to the Scream Floor (the coaster’s queue). The exterior is being rethemed as The Glob Theater, a mid-century monster-style venue that serves as a central landmark for the city.
Dining in the City: Harryhausen’s and Beyond
The location formerly known as PizzeRizzo is undergoing a total transformation into Harryhausen’s, the iconic sushi restaurant from the film.
- The Experience: Concept art suggests a highly themed interior where “monstrous” culinary delights will be served.
- The Menu: Rumors suggest a mix of pan-Asian cuisine and “gross” but delicious treats that fit the monster world.
CDA Decontamination Station
Near the eland’s entrance (formerly known as Grand Avenue), guests will encounter the CDA Decontamination Station. This will serve as the primary retail hub, designed with a “sterile” but playful industrial look where guests can purchase their official “Monster Gear” and “Human World” souvenirs.
The Muppet Relocation: A Silver Lining
Naturally, the rise of Monstropolis has left some fans feeling “green”—specifically for Kermit and the gang. However, Disney has ensured the Muppets aren’t going far. Just a short walk away, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is currently mid-retheme and is set to debut in Summer 2026 as “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets.” This new version of the ride will feature the Electric Mayhem taking over the studio, providing a high-energy home for the Muppets while freeing up the Courtyard for the massive footprint required by the Monsters, Inc. factory.
Timeline: When Can You Punch the Clock?
With vertical steel now rising, the construction timeline is moving at “scare-speed.”
- Spring/Summer 2026: Completion of the steel framework for the coaster building.
- Fall/Winter 2026: Installation of the massive factory doors and external facades.
- 2027: Grand Opening of Monstropolis.
The arrival of the support columns this April is a definitive sign that the “Industrial Age” of Hollywood Studios has arrived. For the first time, we can see the scale of the ride that will finally let us enter the Door Vault.
Are you ready to join the Scare Floor? Which Monstropolis landmark are you most excited to see go vertical next? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
