Monsters, Inc. Land Could Replace Muppet*Vision 3D
When Josh D’Amaro announced plans for a Monsters, Inc. land in Hollywood Studios at D23’s Disney Experiences Showcase, the Honda Center erupted in cheers. That joy has turned to trepidation as fans are concerned that the new land could mean the end of Muppet*Vision 3D. The cultural icon has been a mainstay in Hollywood Studios since its debut in 1991.
Disney’s concept art is the biggest indicator that the Muppets are in danger. A water tower in the distance looks very much like the one currently in the Grand Avenue courtyard.
Here is where it gets interesting. A source told TheWrap that Imagineers have only a few weeks to decide whether they keep Muppet*Vision 3D or close it for good. The publication talked to two people in the company who had very different takes on where Monsters, Inc. will ultimately be built. Before the D23 showcase, a Disney insider told the publication that the ride would be placed in the Animation Courtyard. But a separate source has since told them that Grand Avenue is the obvious choice:
“Another individual with knowledge of the situation pointed to why Muppets Courtyard (or Grand Avenue, as it is currently known), would be more ideal for the “Monsters, Inc.” land – there’s already a restaurant (themed to Rizzo, the lovable Muppet rat) and infrastructure for shopping. And, chiefly, there’s already a faux city aesthetic to the area, perfect for the converting Monstropolis.”
Drew Taylor, TheWrap
That source said, “It’s a perfect way to stretch that $60 billion.” Disney has earmarked $60 billion for theme park and cruise ship expansion.
Disney updated the land’s concept art right before Josh D’Amaro took the stage Saturday night. “At the last minute, that artwork was swapped for something more nebulous. There were fears, internally, that Josh D’Amaro, the unflappable and widely beloved chairman of Disney Experiences, would get booed as he delivered the news,” TheWrap’s Taylor wrote.
Yesterday, Disney announced that new Cars attractions will replace Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle in Magic Kingdom. Social media was divided on the news. While not many guests visit those attractions, the area’s ties to OG Disney are strong. Fans are upset with the change. I argued that the change is needed.
In this case, I’m not on board. And yes, I’m a hypocrite. But hear me out.
The Animation Courtyard isn’t beloved by anyone. The Muppets are. End of argument.
Me
From a pragmatic standpoint, the Muppets Courtyard is the perfect location for Monstropolis. It’s already a city. It has a restaurant, retail spaces, and room for the suspension coaster, the land’s headline attraction.
The Animation Courtyard will soon welcome a new Little Mermaid show. It’s wedged in between that theater, the Hollywood Brown Derby, and a backstage area. It’s not tailor-made for a new land. But this is where Disney needs to decide if it wants to create without destroying.
I hope they choose… wisely.
