All about the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios – what’s being built, when to expect it, and how it will affect the theme parks:
Last month’s D23 Fan event saw lots of announcements from Josh D’Amaro and the Disney theme parks. All of the Disney World parks are getting some love (as well as the parks in other locations!). Magic Kingdom will be seeing a huge expansion in the coming years, and Animal Kingdom is getting a new land themed around the Tropical Americas.
Disney also addressed the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition to a few smaller announcements, we received the exciting news that a new land based on Monsters Inc. will be coming to Hollywood Studios. We saw some concept art of Monstropolis and learned about the “door coaster” that everyone who has ever seen the movie has been waiting for.
If you’re planning to visit Hollywood Studios in the next few years, you might have some questions. When will everything be open? Will I have to deal with a lot of construction? Where is Monstropolis going, and will it be replacing any other attractions?
I’ve shared below some of the announcements and details that we know so far about the future of Hollywood Studios!
Monsters Inc. Land
Where: Grand Avenue in Hollywood Studios (replacing Muppets Courtyard)
When: Construction is set to begin in 2025. The last day for MuppetVision 3D is June 7th, 2025, so I’d expect construction to start after that.
What: A new land themed after Monsters Inc.
Details
“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.” (Disney Parks Blog)
They have confirmed that the land will have a roller coaster and an outdoor area you can walk around. Though not officially announced, it seems likely that there will be at least a few other buildings (shops and/or food), and most likely a meet and greet with Mike and Sulley.
Thoughts
As exciting as this announcement potentially is, I’m heartbroken about the loss of the Muppet Courtyard.
At one point, I think they were considering several options for where to put Monstropolis. The Muppets seem to have lost to Animation Courtyard, which I thought would have made more sense from a guest satisfaction perspective. There are more die-hard Muppets fans out there than you might realize, and the amount of people who would be upset to lose the Muppets is much greater than any(one) who would be devastated to lose Star Wars Launch Bay (now a shell of its former self, anyway).
Plus, MuppetVision 3D is still a good attraction to soak up some of the crowds. You have a low wait and a decently long show, keeping people occupied and happy for potentially 20-40 minutes. The show is still interesting to people (or at least the air conditioning). On my last trip there, during one of the slowest times of the year, the theater was still at least 3/4 full. And kids were laughing their heads off. The Muppets still got it.
In general I am pretty open to change at the theme parks. As much as I’ll miss Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom, I accept it. But the Muppets is a tough blow. Yes, we are getting a re-theme of Rock n Roller Coaster with Electric Mayhem, but it’s not quite the same.).
So I’m just not as excited about Monstropolis as I would like to be.
Monsters Inc. Roller Coaster
Where: In the new Monsters Inc. Land
When: Construction is set to begin in 2025. No opening date or timeframe has been given.
What: A suspended roller coaster themed after Monsters Inc.
Details
“If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone — Josh 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.”” (Disney Parks Blog, August 2024)
We learned a few more details about the vertical lift to start this attraction, too. “Guests will board the vehicle before being hoisted into the air (just like in the movie!) to zoom into the door vault.” (Disney Parks Blog, March 2025)
Thoughts
A “door coaster” has been rumored for Hollywood Studios for the past 20 or so years. I didn’t know if we would ever actually get one, but here it is! Honestly, it makes a lot of sense and seems like a natural choice for a theme park. If you’ve seen the movie, you can see how easily that would work as a roller coaster.
If it wasn’t for losing the Muppets, I would be very excited for this. It’s interesting to me that Disney hasn’t had a suspended coaster yet. I’m a pretty big roller coaster fan and have done this type of roller coaster in various parks. They are a lot of fun.
I’m curious to see how intense they’ll make it. Will it be a more tame, family-friendly version? Or a more intense thrill ride? If it’s a true suspended coaster then it should swing and do twists, but not go upsidedown, potentially better for a range of ages.
And Josh’s statement: “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.” That makes me wonder if there will be a unique twist on this type of coaster.
New Mandalorian mission coming to Millennium Falcon
Where: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
When: May 22, 2026
What: A new mission/experience for the already existing Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction
Details
“The Lucasfilm team uses Epic’s Unreal Engine to create some of the virtual sets for “The Mandalorian.” Now, with the expanded partnership between Disney and Epic Games, Epic’s Unreal Engine will help bring to life the latest adventure in a galaxy far, far away.” (Disney Parks Blog, August 2024)
This new story will feature Mando and Grogu (also known as baby Yoda). It will be released in May 2026, in conjunction with the feature film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” coming to theaters that year.
We also learned that “the Imagineers captured scenes for the attraction on the movie set, and you might see some familiar (and beloved) Star Wars locations aboard the Millennium Falcon. Care for a trip to Cloud City, anyone?” (Disney Parks Blog, March 2025)
Thoughts
This is a positive, exciting announcement! I enjoy the Millennium Falcon ride, but it would really lend itself to switching things up. Just like Star Tours now has a variety of scenes, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run could do the same thing. And with Millennium Falcon being more interactive, there is so much potential.
If they can ultimately rotate it with the original mission (and add more in the future), they’ve just upped demand for riding it multiple times. I know I certainly would!
And adding baby Yoda to anything is always a good thing. Now, if you’re a Star Wars fan, you might be asking – how does it make any sense for Mando and Yoda to be on the Falcon?? I’m guessing either the movie will answer that, or Disney will come up with a tenuous explanation. Either way, I have a feeling they’ll make it work well enough.
Villains Stage Show
Where: Sunset Showcase on Sunset Boulevard (replacing Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy)
When: May 27, 2025
What: a live stage show featuring popular Disney villains
Details
“The creative minds at Disney Live Entertainment will transform Sunset Showcase into the mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror. The show will feature appearances by dozens of the most infamous evildoers, with fiendish foes Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent each breaking through the glass to take the stage in live production numbers.” (Disney Parks Blog, August 2024)
The plot: “They’ve broken through the Magic Mirror’s glass — now what? This immersive musical stage show brings the most devilish foes into our world to figure out, once and for all, who is the most misunderstood. Who has had the worst time as a villain? It’s time for these baddies to share their side of the story in a show full of theatrical magic, witty humor, and plenty of mischievous charm.
But in the end, it’s you who decides who has been treated the most unfairly. But…choose wisely. You never know who might have a poisoned apple up their sleeve.” (Disney Parks Blog, March 2025)
Thoughts
Interestingly, this was announced about a month after the D23 fan event. We thought all the major announcements were over, but Disney is still at it!
I am zero surprised that Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is being replaced. It could be replaced with anything, frankly, and it would be an improvement. But to get a live villains show is pretty exciting!
That being said, I don’t think this will necessarily be a long-term thing. I’m sure it’s not a coincidence that this is happening before Villains land opens in Magic Kingdom. Perhaps they’re doing a test run for a potential show there?
It also makes me nostalgic for the old paid-for event, Club Villain. I was so excited to do that event, and then I was not feeling well the night we visited so I didn’t really get to enjoy it as much as I could have. Of course, the show won’t be anything like this, but with all the villain love lately maybe it can make a comeback? I need a do-over.
I’m also intrigued by their use of phrases like “immersive,” and the description that it’s up to us to decide who has been treated the most unfairly. That makes it sound like the audience gets to vote – which means the show could change slightly depending on when you see it!
Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
Where: Animation Courtyard (updated version of Voyage of the Little Mermaid)
When: May 27, 2025
What: a live stage show based on The Little Mermaid
Details
“This fully reimagined show will take the audience to Ariel’s treasure trove, keeping the lively puppets, props, and scenery center stage. But new to this production, get ready to be dazzled with new digital puppetry and jaw-dropping effects. Plus, the addition of new-to-the-show songs!” (Disney Parks Blog, March 2025)
Thoughts
It took them so long to open this show I thought they might have decided to scrap it entirely and put something new there. But Little Mermaid is back this May.
Really, the new show sounds mostly the same as the previous one, with some updated special effects and puppets. They also mentioned new to the show songs would include Daughters of Triton and Kiss the Girl.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Electric Mayhem
Where: Sunset Boulevard
When: Unknown
What: a re-themeing of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which currently stars Aerosmith.
Details
“But, the Muppet foolishness doesn’t stop there — “Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!” (Disney Parks Blog, January 2025)
Thoughts
I am glad the Muppets are still getting a little bit of love. I don’t think it’s the same as MuppetVision, which was a family-friendly attraction good for all ages, had low waits, and was a big part of Jim Henson’s legacy.
Plus, we are losing the whole Muppets themed area (Gonzo’s Royal Flush!). I would love to see them re-create it here, but I’m not sure that will happen.
That being said, I think Electric Mayhem is a fantastic fit for the attraction and much better than Aerosmith.
Timeline for the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios
We don’t have concrete dates for everything coming for the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but we have a couple of estimates or suggestions. On the below timeline I’ve noted everything we know about. If it’s speculation it’s followed by a question mark. If not, then Disney has announced that specifically (though still subject to change).
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Are you excited about what’s to come for the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios? What are you most looking forward to?
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