Sad Shell’ of Hollywood Studios — Why Some Fans Want It Gone
Walt Disney World fans have always been passionate about their favorite parks. Whether it’s discussing the best attractions, debating the latest changes, or dreaming up new ideas, there’s never a shortage of opinions and “Armchair Imagineers.”
But one particular area in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has drawn criticism from fans who feel it’s become an underwhelming and outdated space.
The Debate Over Pixar Plaza
While Hollywood Studios boasts some of Disney’s most immersive lands — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and Sunset Boulevard’s classic attractions — one area stands out for all the wrong reasons.
Pixar Plaza, which once served as a gateway to the Studio Backlot Tour and Streets of America, is now described by some guests as nothing more than a “boring brick alleyway.”
A recent Reddit post from user Jayhero19 has sparked a lively discussion about whether Pixar Plaza should be revamped or removed altogether. The post reads:
I bet you thought I was gonna say Animation Courtyard, right? Well, this time I’m giving ol’ Launch Bay a break to drag its neighbor… Pixar Plaza. Talk about a bland, pointless dead end. This area used to be a gateway into the Studio Backlot Tour and the Streets of America back in the day. Housing the entrance to Midway Mania until Toy Story Land opened. I liked the Municiberg (Incredibles) overlay that was done in conjunction with Incredibles 2 a few years back. But these days it’s a sad shell of a land, occasionally used to meet Pixar characters in a boring brick alleyway. What’s the point? I do really like the Edna Mode meet and greet space, but other than that it’s so uninspired. What are your thoughts on this area? Could Disney do anything to improve it?
Can this part of Hollywood Studios close already?
byu/Jayhero19 inWaltDisneyWorld
This post quickly gained traction, earning over 300 upvotes and sparking dozens of comments from other Disney fans who shared their thoughts on Pixar Plaza’s state.
A Forgotten Corner of Hollywood Studios?
Originally a transition space, Pixar Plaza has gradually lost its purpose. The Municiberg overlay for Incredibles 2 (2018) added a brief spark of life, but today, it primarily functions as a character meet-and-greet location. Visitors can stop by to take photos with Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, Frozone, and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. (2001), but many fans feel that theming and atmosphere are lacking.
One Redditor agreed that the space needs an overhaul but saw potential in its current role:
I kinda like keeping it an area for meet and greets but increase the theming, decorations, overall atmosphere… make it over-the-top and fun. My daughter got to meet Joy, Frozone, Sulley, and Mrs. Incredible in 20 minutes a few weeks ago and it was the highlight of her day.
Related: Mass Exodus: Families Are Saying Goodbye to Hollywood Studios
What Could Disney Do With Pixar Plaza?
If Pixar Plaza were to undergo a reimagining, what could replace it? Some Disney fans have suggested leaning into Pixar’s deeper catalog of films, bringing in more interactive elements or attractions.
One user pointed out that Sulley’s meet-and-greet could eventually move to Monstropolis when Disney proceeds with the planned expansion.
Others suggested turning the space into an Inside Out (2015)- themed area since the film’s emotional storytelling could lend itself to a vibrant and colorful experience.
In addition, I feel like it’s only logical that Sulley will be moved to Monsters Inc. land once it’s complete. Goofy and Max were always in a weird meet-and-greet spot out there, maybe some kind of retheme to include them?
Disney’s Response—Or Lack Thereof
As of now, Disney has not announced any plans to change or remove Pixar Plaza. However, given Hollywood Studios’ evolving landscape, it’s possible that changes could be on the horizon.
The recent closure of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy suggests that Disney is making adjustments within the park, particularly in areas that aren’t generating strong guest engagement.
One thing is certain: fans want to see Disney invest in underutilized areas. Whether that means retheming Pixar Plaza or replacing it with something new, there’s no shortage of ideas from guests eager to see Hollywood Studios continue to evolve.
Do you think Pixar Plaza deserves a second chance with a reimagining, or is it time for Disney to say goodbye and create something new? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
