Disney’s Hollywood Studios Will Never Be the Same Again After Latest Update

Change is nothing new for Walt Disney World Resort, but the latest developments at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are unlike anything guests have seen in years. Demolition crews have already cleared large portions of the park, fan-favorite attractions have closed their doors for good, and construction equipment now dominates the landscape. These updates mark the beginning of a dramatic new era that will permanently reshape the park.

Plans for a dedicated Monsters, Inc. (2001) land were confirmed during D23 Expo 2024, ending years of speculation about a door coaster at Walt Disney World Resort. Early concept art hinted that Imagineers considered both Animation Courtyard and Muppets Courtyard for the project, but Disney ultimately chose the latter — even though Muppet*Vision 3D was one of Jim Henson’s final projects.

In November 2024, despite fan protests, Disney announced that Muppets Courtyard would close to make way for the new land. Closures began in May 2025, and Muppet*Vision 3D held its final show on June 7. Disney promised that the 3D experience would be preserved for the future, but no details have been shared.

Months later, most of Muppets Courtyard has been reduced to rubble. The Muppet*Vision 3D theater still stands, though it is set to be transformed into a new venue called “The Glob,” which will eventually host a Monsters, Inc.-themed attraction. Around the site, much of the land has been cleared and prepped for vertical construction.

Just outside the current perimeter of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, work is also underway on the project’s largest addition: a long-rumored door coaster. This attraction will rise on land that once served as a Disney cast member parking lot. Heavy equipment is in place, but it’s still unclear how the building will take shape. Disney could erect the coaster first, as with TRON Lightcycle / Run, or build the structure before assembling the ride, as with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

On September 20, aerial photographer @bioreconstruct shared images showing the site’s rapid transformation. The first images highlighted the remains of the former Muppets Courtyard:

Aerial overviews of current work on a Monsters Inc land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Aerial overviews of current work on a Monsters Inc land in Disney's Hollywood Studios. pic.twitter.com/E1RlMensGx

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 21, 2025

Another set captured the door coaster site outside the park’s perimeter:

Aerial overviews of Monsters Inc roller coaster construction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The attraction’s gravity building.

Aerial overviews of Monsters Inc roller coaster construction in Disney's Hollywood Studios. The attraction's gravity building. pic.twitter.com/jI4JGNamj7

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 21, 2025

Finally, a wide-angle shot suggested how Walt Disney Imagineers intend to disguise the massive new coaster from neighboring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:

Aerial look at how the Monster’s Inc roller coaster building will be hidden from view in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

Aerial look at how the Monster's Inc roller coaster building will be hidden from view in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. pic.twitter.com/tWvva0Tz7H

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 21, 2025

Though Animation Courtyard was spared from the Monsters, Inc. expansion, it too is scheduled for major updates. Earlier this year, Walt Disney World Resort revealed plans to reimagine the space as the Walt Disney Studios Lot. The project will feature a replica of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California, and bring back the “Magic of Disney Animation” attraction. A new Disney Jr.-inspired show is also in the works, replacing Disney Jr. Play and Dance!.

Star Wars: Launch Bay, Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, and most of Animation Courtyard will close on September 26 to prepare for the overhaul, which is set to debut in 2026. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will remain open during the transformation.

With Muppets Courtyard demolished and Animation Courtyard next in line for reimagining, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is entering a new chapter. The park will look dramatically different when construction is complete, with a brand-new Monsters, Inc. land and a redefined Walt Disney Studios Lot.

Walt Disney World Resort has not yet shared an opening date for the Monsters, Inc. expansion. Stay tuned for updates on this and other developments at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!

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