At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney World Resort fans learned that the long-awaited Monsters, Inc. rollercoaster was coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now, the head of Walt Disney World Resort Imagineering has shared more details about the planning of the upcoming attraction!
The Long Road to the Door Coaster
For more than two decades, the Monsters, Inc. ride was in various stages of conceptualization and development. Zach Ridley, the lead of Walt Disney World Imagineering, expressed his enthusiasm for the intricate creative process involved in developing the ride during ABC’s On The Red Carpet Storytellers Spotlight.
“Imagineering takes its time right? For us, this has been over two decades in the making, and now we’re finally able to bring that door vault concept to reality in a way that really connects with fans.”
Ridley emphasized the importance of authenticity, stating that every decision made was focused on honoring the source material. For Walt Disney Imagineers, maintaining the essence of the Monsters, Inc. universe while crafting a thrilling experience was a priority.
“In a ride, it’s more of an experience than a story,” Ridley explained. “You might have four or five minutes to be able to translate that. It’s about distilling and keeping the essence.”
New Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attraction Details
Suspended in the air and inspired by the doors central to the film’s narrative, the Monsters, Inc. coaster promises a unique blend of storytelling and adrenaline-fueled excitement. This innovative design seeks to replicate the feeling of traversing through the monster realm like Sulley, Mike, and Boo.
According to initial reports, the ride will include several thrilling twists and turns, simulating a playful chase through Monstropolis. It’s unclear what the height requirement will be for the roller coaster.
Impact on Existing Attractions
While a new attraction can elicit excitement, it also raises concerns about potential changes to existing rides within Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Given the extensive timeline for developing the Monsters, Inc. coaster and Monstropolis land, the question of which attractions might be affected became a point of discussion among Disney fans.
Among the attractions facing uncertainty is the beloved Muppet*Vision 3D. Fans expressed shock at the possibility that a new Monsters, Inc. coaster could replace this nostalgic experience. Concept art showed two possible locations for Monsters, Inc.: Animation Courtyard or Muppets Courtyard.
In August, an insider claimed that Walt Disney Imagineering was monitoring fan reactions to decide where to put the new Walt Disney World Resort land. This led to an onslaught of love for Muppet*Vision 3D on social media, particularly on X.
“The entirety of the internet hearing the mere possibility of Muppet*Vision 3D closing,” @TheHorizoneer wrote.
the entirety of the internet hearing the mere possibility of Muppet*Vision 3D closing pic.twitter.com/0vGVGYZjeR
— Phil • The Horizoneer (@TheHorizoneer) August 15, 2024
“Movie idea: the Muppets throw a telethon to save Muppet Vision 3D,” said @BrianLynch.
Movie idea: the Muppets throw a telethon to save Muppet Vision 3D.
— Brian Lynch (@BrianLynch) August 15, 2024
However, a Disney cast member may have accidentally leaked the location when he revealed that executives forced his office to move from its location behind the Animation Courtyard (the theme park’s Disney Junior area).
An official location and opening date for the Monsters, Inc. roller coaster have yet to be announced. Follow How to Disney for updates on this and other construction projects at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
What do you want to see most in Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let How to Disney know in the comments!
Count me as one of those who LOVE the MuppetVision:3D show!!! This Monstropolis belongs where the Animation attraction once resided. What concerns me just as much, if not more, is why WDI wants to REMOVE the MK’s Rivers of America!!!!! How can I contact Zach to register my outrage, as well as point out a very reasonable alternative location.