It feels like just yesterday that the area once known as the Muppet Courtyard closed down at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, it was actually over a year ago, and the land’s highly anticipated replacement is opening NEXT YEAR.

Based on the classic 2001 Pixar film Monsters, Inc., Monstropolis has risen quickly from the remains of the former Muppet Courtyard. Now, as the land is set to open (almost in full, but we’ll get to that) in 2027, let’s take a look at how it’s evolved!

Before we look at what the area looks like now, a quick reminder of what Muppet Courtyard looked like during its Muppet-based prime, including the iconic fountain and PizzeRizzo…

… and of course Muppet*Vision 3D!

The area closed for good in June 2025, less than a year after Monstropolis was announced at the 2024 D23 Ultimate Fan Event. Work began within days! 

By the end of 2025, many of the previously existing structures had been stripped of nearly all theming. 

As 2026 wore on, further thematic elements of the former Muppet*Vision 3-D theater were stripped away.

As summer arrived, Disney began sharing some official images from within the land. 

At the 2026 D23 Ultimate Fan Event, Disney confirmed and solidified multiple details about the land, including that The Glob Theater — in the former home of Muppet*Vision 3D — will host the Welcome to Monstropolis show, a presentation hosted by Mike and Sulley which will “introduce humans to Monstropolis.”

Meanwhile, there will also be Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza and the Monsters University Alumni Club — which seems like they’ll likely take up the space once occupied by Pizzerizzo — the Scareporium store, and Harryhausen’s Restaurant. Based directly on the eatery seen in the film, the sushi restaurant will offer a unique menu… oh, and a massive sushi-slinging Animatronic!

Disney also confirmed the 2027 opening date for these portions of the land (again, hang tight, we’ll explain), and work has continued at a breathtaking pace since, as these photos from September exemplify. 

A look at the Glob Theater… 

… and the former PizzeRizzo. 

However, even with all that work, Disney has confirmed that the land’s main attraction won’t be opening with the rest of the land. The long-awaited door coaster, which will mimic the climax of the film by taking guests inside the Monsters, Inc. factory, lift them 40 feet into the air in four seconds, and utilize Disney’s first suspended ride system, won’t be ready in time for the land’s debut. 

Unlike the rest of the land’s attractions, the coaster isn’t being built on previously developed park land. Rather, it’s being built on the site of a former Cast Member parking lot. While the coaster won’t be ready next year, that’s not to say that work on the ride isn’t happening. That’s clear when looking at how the site has evolved from summer 2025…

… to the fall of 2026. 

As unbelievable as it may seem, Monstropolis is set to open next year, and the former Muppet Courtyard’s transformation is almost complete! Stay tuned to DFB for further updates as the land comes closer to opening!

This NEW Hollywood Studios Restaurant Is Full of Secrets

Which element of Monstropolis are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below!