Walt Disney World has officially announced a long-rumored Monsters, Inc. doors roller coaster inside a Monstropolis minland at Hollywood Studios. This post shares details, concept art, and everything we know about the plan–plus comprehensive commentary about what this might replace at DHS and more.
This news was announced during the “Horizons:Disney Experiences Showcase” or Parks Panel presentation during the 2024 D23 Expo at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro offered a sneak peek at concept art for the future in addition and teased what was to come in a few years.
This was just one of several blockbuster announcements for Parks & Resorts at Horizons, during which D’Amaro revealed several ‘shovel to soil’ projects that will come online in the next 5 years, including over a half-dozen additions that will debut before the end of 2025. He and head Imagineer Bruce Vaughn followed through on their promise to deliver concrete details and not just tease more ‘Blue Sky’ possibilities.
It’s laughter they’re after when a brand-new land themed around Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.
The news was shared with a little help from Disney Legend Billy Crystal, who took to the stage to reveal plans to build a living, breathing, and not-at-all-scary “Monsters, Inc.” inspired area where you’ll be able to stroll the streets alongside some of your favorite monsters.
Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself. You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door!
Yes, a door. If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone — Josh D’Amaro has been thinking about this, too. “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” he told the crowd. “You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
The coaster will put you right in the middle of the monster action. Just be sure to fill out your paperwork! Roz is always watching…
Work on the Monstropolis land and Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster project is slated to begin in 2025, so get ready to ROAR with laughter!
Turning to commentary, boy do I feel like a dummy. Just a few days ago, I shared my list of the Top 10 Walt Disney World Rumors We’d Bet Against. On that list was none other than the Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster. Oof.
I had actually received a tip that a Monstropolis miniland was back on the table. Obviously, I did not believe that (see above). That was largely because, as mentioned above, there have been rumors of a Monsters Inc. Doors Coaster since I’ve been active in the fan community as an adult. So like 2006 or so. At one point, it was a “done deal” for the spot next door to Toy Story Mania in Pixar Place. That was long before Toy Story Land was a thing.
At some point (probably when Toy Story Mania got a third track, taking that option off the table), the location moved to Animation Courtyard. Other versions place it in Sunset Showcase or area that is currently backstage but could be repurposed to connect dead ends of the park.
I mention this because Walt Disney World did not announce a location for Monstropolis and the Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster and the concept art is ambiguous. Actually, that’s not the right word. To my eye at least, they look totally different. The above piece looks like it’s Animation Courtyard and the below piece looks like it’s Grand Avenue.
The location is kind of make-or-break for me. Animation Courtyard would be a great place for a Monstropolis land, breathing fresh life into this area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios that feels long-forgotten. It would revitalize a prime piece of real estate, and help spread out crowds a bit better.
By contrast, replacing Grand Avenue necessarily means losing MuppetVision 3D. While I can appreciate that it’s had a long run, I also don’t think its time is up. MuppetVision is a masterpiece–a true work of art (and heart) that is quintessential Muppets humor. Losing that would be a big blow and really kill some of my enthusiasm for this project. (Guess I should’ve been a more vocal supporter of the campaign to make it a National Historic Landmark.)
The online consensus seems to be that Monstropolis is replacing MuppetVision and Grand Avenue and, frankly, I’m not sure what basis there is for that (beyond similar-looking concept art). I’m personally not convinced the sightlines would allow for a roller coaster backing up to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Presumably, it’ll have a tall gravity building in addition to that massive CDA hangar facade. By contrast, that other side of the park has plenty of room–so long as they’re willing to relocate offices.
Ultimately, I think the Monsters Inc. Doors Coaster is a brilliant idea for a family-friendly “story” coaster. As mentioned even when betting against it, I also think this is one of those good ideas that never really dies in Imagineering. Which we obviously now know is true, given that it managed to hang around for ~15 years and is now going to be built. So based on longevity of the concept alone, it must be pretty good.
Honestly, I’m excited for this even if it replaces MuppetVision 3D. I probably shouldn’t admit that as it risks getting my Muppet fan card revoked. MuppetVision is an attraction of a different era, and has been on borrowed time for a while as a result.
With that said, I still expected (and expect!) no fewer than two other areas of Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be reimagined or developed before Grand Avenue. The area is relatively new, fairly nice (albeit modest and mundane) and has a couple of reimagined restaurants, as well as MuppetVision, which has also been refreshed a few times in recent years.
By contrast, Animation Courtyard has serious dead mall vibes and Sunset Showcase likewise feels like an abandoned afterthought (and probably will become one once the Cars expansion opens in Magic Kingdom). Here’s hoping that Walt Disney World and Imagineering leadership recognize this, and build Monstropolis where it’ll be a pure addition that’ll have everyone excited!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What is your reaction to this announcement confirming the long-rumored Monsters, Inc. doors roller coaster inside a Monstropolis minland at Hollywood Studios? Where do you hope this goes within DHS? Where do you think it actually will go? Is this addition still “worth it” to you if it replaces Grand Avenue and MuppetVision 3D? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
