The South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas, has long been a hub for innovation and creativity, and this year was no exception. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman took to the stage to unveil some of the most exciting upcoming attractions for Disney fans. Among these announcements, one stood out in particular: the Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster, set to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This thrilling ride promises to be Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster and will feature a vertical lift, offering an experience unlike any other at Disney Parks!
Imagineers have been working tirelessly to bring the world of Monstropolis to life, recreating the bustling streets and iconic characters from the beloved Pixar film. The coaster is part of a larger expansion that will replace the Grand Avenue area, with phased closures beginning in May 2025! This new land will not only include the roller coaster but also Harryhausen’s Restaurant and the Monstro Theater featuring a new Monsters, Inc. show!
The Monsters, Inc. Coaster
The Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster is designed to replicate the iconic door vault sequence from the film, where guests will board their ride vehicles before being hoisted into the air via a vertical lift. This innovative design allows riders to experience the sensation of soaring through the chaotic maze of doors seen in the movie’s climax. The ride vehicles will be part of a suspended coaster system, where the track is positioned above the guests’ seats, providing a unique and exhilarating experience!
Imagineers have been eager to turn this memorable scene into an attraction since the film’s release. According to Michael Hundgen, Imagineers have been itching to turn that moment into an attraction ever since they saw it for the first time. This dedication to bringing the film to life is evident in every detail, from the load area to the thrilling ride experience itself.
Bringing Monstropolis to Life
To create this immersive experience, Disney Imagineers have been working closely with Pixar to ensure that every element of the ride stays true to the spirit of Monsters, Inc. The new land will allow guests to walk through the streets of Monstropolis, interacting with beloved characters like James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski. The attention to detail extends beyond the coaster itself, with the entire area designed to transport visitors into the world of the film!
The construction of this new land involves significant changes to the existing layout of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Grand Avenue area will be transformed into a vibrant monster city, complete with themed dining and entertainment options. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will close on May 10, followed by MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo, which will have their final day of operation on June 7, 2025!
Other Disney Announcements at SXSW
While the Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster stole the spotlight, Disney had plenty of other exciting announcements to share at SXSW. Here are some of the highlights:
The Mandalorian Joins Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Disney confirmed that The Mandalorian and Grogu will be joining a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This new experience will debut alongside the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film on May 22, 2026. Imagineers have been working closely with the creators of The Mandalorian to ensure that this new mission feels authentic and immersive, capturing scenes directly from the set of the film.
Cars-Themed Attractions at Magic Kingdom
Imagineers are developing a new Cars experience at Magic Kingdom, which will include an off-road adventure beyond Radiator Springs. To prepare for this attraction, Imagineers have been conducting research by going off-roading in Arizona and developing prototypes of the ride path. The attraction will feature new characters and a unique ride vehicle designed to capture the spirit of the Cars franchise.
Avengers Campus Expansions
Disney also announced that Avengers Campus at Disneyland will be getting two new attractions, including one called Avengers Infinity Defense. This expansion will further enhance the immersive superhero experience, allowing guests to team up with their favorite Avengers characters.
BDX Droids Coming to More Parks
The beloved BDX droids, currently seen at Disneyland, will soon be making their way to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. A new variant, named Otto, will sometimes appear on a BDX that needs a tune-up, adding an extra layer of interactivity to these robotic friends.
Final Thoughts
The announcements at SXSW mark an exciting new chapter for Disney Parks, with innovative attractions and immersive experiences that promise to captivate audiences worldwide. The Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster, with its groundbreaking vertical lift and suspended coaster design, is just the beginning. As Disney continues to push the boundaries of theme park entertainment, fans can look forward to a future filled with thrilling adventures and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re a fan of Monsters, Inc., The Mandalorian, or Cars, there’s something for everyone in the pipeline. The commitment to innovation and storytelling is evident in every detail, from the themed lands to the cutting-edge ride technology. As the world of Disney continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of Disney Parks is brighter than ever.
For those eagerly awaiting the opening of the Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster, the wait will be worth it. With its unique blend of thrill and nostalgia, this attraction is set to become a must-visit experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As the phased closures begin and the new land takes shape, fans can rest assured that the magic of Monstropolis is just around the corner.
In the meantime, Disney enthusiasts can stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects. With new attractions and experiences on the horizon, the world of Disney is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney fan or just discovering the magic, there’s never been a better time to be a part of the Disney community. So, get ready to scream with excitement—not out of fright, but fun—as Disney Parks embark on this thrilling new journey.
- All New 2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates, Treats, & Tips
The Walt Disney World Halloween celebration is not confined to the month of October. Never has been. In 2026, the celebration is set to start even earlier than it ever has in its 30+ years of existence, with the first night scheduled for August 7th! After poring over every single… Read more: All New 2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates, Treats, & Tips - New Storyline Coming When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens at Disney World
From its opening in Walt Disney World in 1978 until today! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been an attraction that featured the story of something forgotten. An old gold mine. A cursed mountain where an abandoned ghost town of Tumbleweed could be seen. A mountain which was decaying, while runaway… Read more: New Storyline Coming When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens at Disney World - The Muppets Arrive at Rock “n” Roller Coaster Featuring The Electric Mayhem
The reaction to Disney saying that the Muppets will inherit Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster is pretty split. On one hand, many guests were ecstatic. On the other, a large number of people took out a capital letter “WHY” from their keyboards. Yet, the truth is that this attraction is more… Read more: The Muppets Arrive at Rock “n” Roller Coaster Featuring The Electric Mayhem - Planning a Trip to the Happiest Place on Earth: Where to Buy Disneyland Tickets in 2026
If you are standing in the Esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, searching for the traditional ticket booth where you can buy your way into the magic, you might be surprised to see that the traditional ticket window experience is no longer the primary way that Disneyland sells… Read more: Planning a Trip to the Happiest Place on Earth: Where to Buy Disneyland Tickets in 2026 - Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary: What to Eat, Ride, Buy & Do Before It’s Gone
I’ll never forget the first time I walked into Disney California Adventure. The giant CALIFORNIA letters. The Sun Wheel looming over Paradise Pier. That unmistakable smell of churros mixed with ocean breeze! Twenty-five years ago, on February 8, 2001, what was literally a Disneyland parking lot transformed into something bold,… Read more: Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary: What to Eat, Ride, Buy & Do Before It’s Gone - 2026 Garden Rocks Concerts EPCOT: Artist Dates, Free Seating Hacks & Festival StrategyI’ve been covering Disney’s festival concerts for years now, and I’ll tell you, this year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series is bringing some serious firepower! They’re bringing in some amazing talent, I promise, there’s something here that’ll transport you straight back to your favorite decade. From the songs of ABBA to… Read more: 2026 Garden Rocks Concerts EPCOT: Artist Dates, Free Seating Hacks & Festival Strategy
