This Major Pixar Property Just Showed Up at Disney World Sooner Than Planned
Disney’s Hollywood Studios just released the Monsters Inc. Scream Canister popcorn bucket ahead of the upcoming Monstropolis land opening. The merchandise arrival signals the Pixar franchise’s growing presence at the park.
Pixar Scream Canister Design
The popcorn bucket replicates the canisters used by the power company in Monsters Inc. where Monstropolis was powered by children’s screams. The design accurately recreates the iconic yellow canisters featured throughout the film.
The canister displays “Caution: Unrefined Scream” printed at the top, matching the movie’s aesthetic. One side lights up, providing an interactive element beyond popcorn storage. The strap features images from the movie including Mike Wazowski.
While scream canister designs have appeared on other Monsters Inc. merchandise like water bottles, this is the first scream canister popcorn bucket Disney has created.
Unexpected Hollywood Studios Release
Disney previously announced the Scream Canister popcorn bucket would be available on select Disney Cruise Line ships and at Disneyland Resort. The Hollywood Studios release was not part of the original announcement.
The decision to introduce Monsters Inc. merchandise at Hollywood Studios suggests strategic planning to build anticipation for Monstropolis ahead of the land’s opening.
Monstropolis Details
Monstropolis will replace the Grand Avenue area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new land will recreate the city of Monstropolis, where monsters live and work.
A suspended roller coaster themed to the film’s door vault sequence will serve as the centerpiece attraction. The ride system represents a first-of-its-kind addition for Walt Disney World, offering experiences unavailable at other Florida theme parks.
The door vault sequence features Sulley and Boo traveling through countless doorways leading to children’s bedrooms around the world, creating natural theming for a roller coaster experience.
Grand Avenue Closure
Grand Avenue closed earlier in 2025, eliminating Muppet Vision 3D and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Muppet Vision 3D had operated since the park opened as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989 and represented the final project Jim Henson personally oversaw before his death.
The closure generated significant fan disappointment due to the attraction’s historical significance and unique Muppets performances unavailable elsewhere.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes permanently March 2, 2026 to transform into a Muppets attraction expected to open later in 2026, providing new Muppets presence at Hollywood Studios.
Strategic Pixar Purpose
Introducing Monsters Inc. merchandise months or years before Monstropolis opens serves multiple purposes. The popcorn bucket creates anticipation for the upcoming land while testing market reception to Monsters Inc. theming at Hollywood Studios specifically.
Strong sales validate Disney’s decision to build an entire land around the franchise at this park. The merchandise keeps Monstropolis in guests’ minds despite construction walls preventing them from seeing actual attraction progress.
Monsters Inc. Representation
Monsters Inc. has historically had a limited presence at Walt Disney World compared to other major Pixar franchises. Toy Story Land features multiple attractions and immersive theming. Finding Nemo inspires EPCOT attractions. Cars will have a Magic Kingdom presence through the Frontierland transformation.
Monstropolis will finally provide Monsters Inc. with prominent Walt Disney World theme park representation matching the franchise’s popularity and cultural impact.
Future Pixar Expectations
The Scream Canister popcorn bucket represents the beginning of Monsters Inc.’s presence at Hollywood Studios. As construction progresses, expect additional merchandise, food offerings, and potentially character meet-and-greets to appear at the park.
The gradual franchise introduction builds presence before the land officially opens, creating familiarity with intellectual property that some younger guests may not know well while maintaining excitement among fans anticipating the new experiences.
For guests visiting Hollywood Studios now, the popcorn bucket offers the first opportunity to purchase Monstropolis-related merchandise and signals major changes to the park’s identity as construction transforms Grand Avenue into the world of Monsters, Inc.
