Several anticipated announcements for Walt Disney World came out of this year’s D23 Expo. From the Tropical Americas to the land beyond Big Thunder Mountain, most projects were ones that had been rumored or previously announced.
However, one of the most surprising announcements came in the form of a new land for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The question on most people’s minds though, is where will Monsters Inc. Land fit within Disney World’s smallest park? Disney’s Hollywood Studios is blocked in by roadways and does not have much room for expansion. Will we see some creative expansion to undeveloped land? Could one or more current attractions be on the chopping block? Let’s get theorizing!
Expansion of Hollywood Studios
Looking at a satellite map of Hollywood Studios shows there is a small cluster of undeveloped land slightly behind Rockin’ Roller Coaster and Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. There is currently a roadway dividing this land from the rest of the park, although that could be easily remedied. The roadway could be altered, or the entrance to the land could be designed to travel over or under the road. This wouldn’t be the first time Imagineers have gotten creative to go outside of park boundaries. The large area is large enough to accommodate Monsters Inc. Land and more. This would also ensure no current attractions are taken away.
Evidence that supports this theory is that Disney did not announce any modifications to any current attractions. The announcement for the expansion of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom specifically calls to attention that Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will be removed to make way for the new area. No such information was provided with Monsters Inc. Land. Could this mean all of our favorite attractions are in the clear?
Beauty and the Beast No More
One area of the park that includes enough land to accommodate a new land is the area surrounding Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage. This stage show has occupied this space for over 30 years. It is a wonderful show and even held up through the pandemic. But could it be reaching the end of its tenure?
It would make some sense for Imagineers to choose this area of the park for such a land. First, clearing out a stage show to make way for an entire land that would feature a new ride and more would be considered a good investment. Additionally, there are few rides within this area of the park. This would also help to disperse crowd levels in the sometimes-crowded park. The main issue with this theory is that it would likely cause some interruption to Fantasmic! as the pathway to the nighttime show travels through this area.
Monsters Inc. Land in Place of Star Wars Launch Bay
The next area that could be at risk is the Star Wars Launch Bay. This is a smaller area, but with only one major attraction announced it could work for the Monster Inc. land. This would be especially true if Disney Junior Dance and Play was removed as well. All of Animation Courtyard could be redesigned to resemble the concept art depicted below. Though with so few attractions for younger children within Hollywood Studios, would Disney opt to get rid of Disney Junior Dance and Play? We also know that The Little Mermaid show is indeed returning with an all-new production, and it is unlikely that the popular Hollywood Brown Derby would be sacrificed. Could they fit a whole land in this spot?
The Dreaded End of The Muppets
The last area that could be up for the chopping block is the Grand Avenue area of the park which features PizzeRizzo, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, and Muppet Vision 3D. This area of the park closely resembles some of the concept art presented. It would be large enough to accommodate the indoor coaster and more.
Additionally, PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s are not considered the most popular eating destinations within Hollywood Studios. Muppet Vision 3D also almost always had short wait times despite its fan appreciation and nostalgic value. While this would be a good contender for the new land, it will receive the most fan outrage. Does that take it out of the running?
Where will Monsters Inc. Land fit within Hollywood Studios? Or do you think Disney will work to expand the overall size of Hollywood Studios? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook page.
