One of my favorite scenes in Monsters, Inc. is when the door vault starts working overtime. You’ve got hundreds of doors flying in mid-air, it’s like a crazy ride, and poor Mike and Sulley have no choice but to cling on for dear life. The one thing everyone saw in that scene, I want to be on that ride!
Well, that was 2001. And it wasn’t until 2017 that Disney listened!
Right now, Monsters, Inc.-themed land is officially under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort. It has a storyline, a unique roller coaster, an eatery inspired by Monsters, Inc., and a name that will make fans of the franchise happy. The city of Monstropolis is coming to life in Florida! Steel is already up. Coaster supports have been erected. Harryhausen’s Restaurant is being torn down and rebuilt.
The real deal is coming! Allow me to show you everything that is known so far about the new land, its storyline, attractions, dining, construction schedule, and most importantly, what this means for your future visit to Walt Disney World and how to prepare!
What Is Monstropolis, Exactly?
Monstropolis is the name of a new themed land located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and designed on the site of the previous Muppets Courtyard and Grand Avenue. Monstropolis will become the first Monsters, Inc. land designed by a direct cooperation of Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios and opening at any of Disney parks!
The name of the land comes from the fictional monster city in which the story described in the 2001 Pixar animated film takes place, where both Sulley and Mike worked, where Boo had run away from and where people’s laughter substituted for their screams to generate the energy for the city.
From a storytelling perspective, what is interesting about the land is its timing. The story continues after the events described in the movie, when Monsters, Inc. has changed the source of their energy and people have learned that humans are not that scary, so something new happens here.
The Story: H.U.M.A.N. Day
It was on this very day, June 4, 2026, that Disney revealed a huge plot twist regarding the land itself through the in-story publication, The Monstropolis Horn.
“H.U.M.A.N. Day Is A Go.”
The acronym H.U.M.A.N. stands for “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice,” which is why you are allowed to enter into Monstropolis as a visitor at all. This decision has taken the newly formed Department of Human Relations quite a while (“lots of growling and grumbling, as one might imagine”) to achieve official guest status for humans.
This is how you are able to experience this place. Your presence in Monstropolis is no longer an intrusion; rather, you are a guest of the city itself. You will be attending a groundbreaking event in monster history, the very first opening day of their city to humans!
This is a masterful narrative concept! Not only does it provide Disney with an out for creating new areas of Monstropolis not depicted in the films, but you feel as though you are actually taking part in the story!
The Door Vault Roller Coaster
Now, let’s consider the ride because it is something new for Disney!
It will be the first-ever suspended roller coaster built by Disney in its parks around the globe! This ride will also include Disney’s first-ever vertical lift hill. In other words, you will be lifted upwards by the ride itself before it starts, as opposed to the usual chain lift.
Thematically, it comes straight out of the famous door vault scene of the movie. In fact, you are going to be put right in the middle of the factory where thousands of doors will be hanging from the overhead track system, just like Sulley uses in order to get Boo’s door back to make sure they can escape from Randall.
As CEO of Disney Josh D’Amaro himself noted when presenting this ride to the public at D23 in 2024: “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley. 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.”
Construction of the roller coaster commenced in April 2026 when support columns became vertical. This construction is taking place in an expanded Hollywood Studios park in what used to be a backstage cast member parking area. Track manufacturer appears to be Vekoma as evidenced by the similar support column design.
A suspended coaster is not meant to be a major thrill ride like Rock n Roller Coaster, in fact, it will be closer to an exciting family coaster!
Harryhausen’s: The Restaurant You’ve Been Waiting to Visit
If you’re a devoted follower of Monsters, Inc., this is definitely something for you!
Harryhausen’s – the Japanese sushi restaurant where Mike invites Celia for her birthday dinner prior to the chaos ensuing in the movie gets an official opening as a sit-down location in Monstropolis.
The real-world iteration of this fictional restaurant is under construction within the former Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, which closed permanently in May 2025. Photos from late May 2026 reveal the entire structure torn down (from the front facade to all the interior) with Disney rebuilding the building from scratch.
As you might recall, the Harryhausen’s restaurant is known for its extremely difficult booking process in the movie. With such a limited number of table service locations in a whole new land, that reality might follow suit pretty soon. This would probably become one of the most challenging Advance Dining Reservations (ADR) to book once Monstropolis opens.
The Monstropolis Horn newspaper gives a hint that more info about the restaurant and menu will be available on “Page 8, Column 15.” Many fans think this might mean August 15 when the Disney Experience showcase will take place at D23 2026!
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
In addition to the Harryhausen’s, Monstropolis seems to be one of the best developed lands that Disney has created in recent years! Here’s what we know about its restaurants, shows and shops:
Restaurants:
Harryhausen’s – table service restaurant based on the film;
Monstropolis Laffateria – quick service restaurant (most probably occupying former PizzeRizzo space);
Ice Cream Truck – a monster-themed sweet treats location.
Shows:
The Glob Theater – stage show in the former MuppetVision 3D theater venue, which was officially confirmed to belong to the Monstropolis. As some reports say, rehearsals have already started. Its title is “Meet Monstropolis: Featuring Mike & Sulley”.
Monsters Playground – play area for kids;
Character greet-and-meet opportunity with Mike Wazowski and Sulley.
Shopping:
Antiquses – antiques shop themed in Monstropolis style;
Tony’s Grossery – general store with very Monstropolis-like name.
All this proves once again how Disney is willing to immerse us into the world of Monsters Inc. with all its details, every store and every sign will seem to make visitors feel like they really got inside Monstropolis!
When Does Monstropolis Open?
It’s not announced officially just yet. And Disney is really being careful about saying anything publicly.
As far as we can tell from the construction site as of the summer of 2026, the rollercoaster track has gone up, facades have been erected, and additional land is being developed by converting unused parking lots. It’s safe to say that Monstropolis will likely open in either 2027 or 2028 with 2028 being more common among predictions.
Why is 2028 a possibility? Because Disney is currently going through an era of major expansions. With the opening of the new Tropical Americas set for 2027, Monstropolis seems right on track behind that park. Add in the time that Disney takes on projects of this magnitude and scale, and a 2028 opening is a strong possibility!
Even more information is coming at the D23 Expo in August 2026, thanks to the clue of “Page 8, Col. 15” at the Monstropolis Horn. Be sure to check back here with all the D23 2026 info!
What About Monsters, Inc. at Disneyland?
Did you know there is an announcement that the Mike & Sulley To The Rescue attraction at Disney California Adventure Park, which has been open since 2006, will close permanently in 2027?
The attraction was set to close in early 2026 to make way for the new Avatar land, but due to family requests, the park gave them one extra year to experience it. There isn’t much time left! The best part? Everything that Disneyland offers in their ride and much more will be available at Walt Disney World Park in the Monstropolis style!
Practical Info for Planning Your Visit
You don’t need to wait for Monstropolis to start planning around it. Here’s how to think about it:
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Current status: Under construction, no official opening date.
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Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, replacing the former Grand Avenue/Muppets Courtyard area.
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Expected opening window: 2027–2028, with more details likely at D23 in August 2026.
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Target audience: Families, Pixar fans, and anyone who watched Monsters, Inc. and wanted to step inside, so basically everyone.
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Dining reservations: Harryhausen’s will almost certainly require an ADR booked well in advance once the land opens; set a reminder to book the moment the booking window opens (currently 60 days for most guests).
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Lightning Lane: Expect the Door Vault Coaster to be a top-tier Lightning Lane attraction given its uniqueness and family appeal.
If you’re planning a Disney World trip in 2027 or 2028, build some flexibility around the Hollywood Studios itinerary. Monstropolis could be the headliner that reshapes how people think about that entire park!
FAQ’s
What is Monstropolis at Disney World?
It’s Disney’s first-ever theme land dedicated to the animated series, Monsters, Inc. It is being developed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and is set to replace former Grand Avenue and Muppets Courtyard.
When will Monstropolis open?
Its opening date hasn’t yet been officially announced. Construction progress indicates its opening may happen in 2027 or 2028. Additional info is expected during D23 in August 2026.
What attractions can one expect to enjoy in Monstropolis?
Its main attraction will be the Door Vault Roller Coaster, which will become both Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster and its first vertical lift coaster. In addition, the Glob Theater will host a live entertainment performance.
Which dining options are included in Monstropolis?
Three restaurants are expected: Harryhausen’s (sit-down dining, inspired by the movies), Monstropolis Laffateria (quick service), and an ice cream truck.
Is the Door Vault Roller Coaster a thrill ride?
It’s a family-friendly ride, suspended roller coaster, which means it’s fun but suitable for kids too, even featuring vertical lifts.
Where will character meet-and-greet spots be placed?
Both Mike Wazowski and Sulley will have their meeting points at this themed land.
Which Disney World area was replaced by Monstropolis?
Monstropolis is constructed right on the footprint of former Muppets Courtyard. This means MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s have now shut down permanently in 2025.
Is the Monsters Inc. Ride at Disneyland shutting down?
Yes, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! located in Disney California Adventure will be closed permanently in 2027. Sad 🙁
The Bottom Line
This Monstropolis may just end up being one of the most anticipated things that Disney has ever done in their Hollywood Studios. The story-telling process will be great; the big attraction here is something like nothing that Disney has ever done before, and the food is taken right out of some of the best parts of the movie!
Those doors we used to run away from all our lives? It looks like we get a chance to walk through them ourselves!
If you’re the kind of person who has been dreaming of this for the past 25 years as a life-long Monsters, Inc. fan, or if you’re planning out an amazing vacation for your child who recently found out about these characters for the first time, Monstropolis is not to be missed. We can’t wait!
We’ll scare because we care. And right now, we’re incredibly excited!
