Major Changes Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Muppets, Monsters, and More!
Walt Disney World has just announced some significant changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ushering in a fresh wave of excitement—and some nostalgia—by shaking up several beloved attractions. Here's a breakdown of what guests can expect in the near future, including the closure of MuppetVision 3D, a major transformation of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and the much-anticipated Monsters, Inc. Land.
Image: Monsters, Inc. Land — Monstropolis | Copyright Disney Parks & Resorts 2024
MuppetVision 3D Says Goodbye to Make Way for Monsters, Inc. Land
After more than three decades of delighting guests, MuppetVision 3D will be permanently closing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The 3D show, which opened on May 16, 1991, has been a fan favorite for years, featuring the beloved Muppets in a hilarious, immersive cinematic experience. However, as part of a significant expansion, the space currently occupied by MuppetVision 3D will soon become Monstropolis from Monsters, Inc.
This new area, which was originally slated to replace the Star Wars Launch Bay, will include not only dining and shopping experiences but also a suspended coaster inspired by the door transportation system featured in the Monsters, Inc. films. While exact details for this new land are still under wraps, it’s confirmed that a theater experience will take over the current MuppetVision space—though it's unclear whether this will be a completely new show or an update of an existing concept.
The decision to close MuppetVision was made as part of this larger overhaul, and Disney has promised to preserve the digital version of the show, which has already been available for over a decade. “We are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future,” Disney stated, though there’s no guarantee the show will ever return in an attraction setting. The closure marks the end of an era, as MuppetVision 3D was the last project that Jim Henson worked on before his passing.
Image: Copyright Disney Parks & Resorts 2024
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Gets a Muppet Makeover
The other major change coming to Hollywood Studios involves the popular Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. After years of hosting the legendary rock band, this indoor coaster will soon bid farewell to Aerosmith and instead feature the Muppets in a completely new, music-themed reimagining.
Disney has teased that the Muppets will take over the roller coaster's storyline, with a “rockin’ music festival” theme starring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the whole gang. Concept art released for the new attraction shows the Muppets riding in a super-stretch limo, replacing the Aerosmith band members as the stars of the show. This change comes on the heels of a series of rumors and discussions that have swirled around the future of the coaster, especially following allegations made against Aerosmith’s frontman Steven Tyler in 2022 and the band's recent announcement of their retirement.
Interestingly, there was some buzz earlier this year regarding a potential Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem retheme, which was even hinted at by the creator of the Disney+ series The Muppets Mayhem. While that idea might still have a place in the new experience, the official concept art suggests that all the classic Muppets characters will play a role in the reimagined ride.
In addition to the revamped roller coaster, the Rock Around the Shop gift store, which previously sold Aerosmith-themed merchandise, will now become a dedicated Muppets merchandise shop. This change is especially notable since the park has been without a Muppets-themed shop since the Stage 1 Company Store closed in 2020.
Image: Copyright Disney Parks & Resorts 2024
Monsters, Inc. Land: New Adventures Await
The biggest shift of all is the introduction of the Monsters, Inc. Land, which will be housed in the former Grand Avenue area. This new land will be anchored by the previously discussed suspended roller coaster, where guests will likely find themselves zooming through the world of Monsters, Inc., riding on doors as they journey between the Monstropoliscityscape.
While the coaster will certainly be a major draw, the new land will also feature dining and shopping experiences, including a Harryhausen’s restaurant, based on the Monsters, Inc. movie's famous eatery. However, no details have been released yet about what the new theater experience in the former MuppetVision space will entail, so we’ll have to wait to see how it all comes together.
Looking Ahead
Although Disney has yet to announce official closing dates for either MuppetVision 3D or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, the company assures that guests will have “enough time to catch a super-stretch limo to the Forum” to enjoy both experiences before they’re gone for good. The transformation is expected to be completed over the next year, with more details likely to emerge in the months ahead.
What do you think of the changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Will you miss MuppetVision 3D, or are you excited to experience the new Monsters, Inc. Land and the Muppets on the roller coaster? Stay tuned for more updates as Disney continues to reshape its attractions for the future!
