The Winners and Losers of Disney's Complete Overhaul of Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has always been a park defined by change. From its earliest days as a working studio and behind-the-scenes showcase, it has gradually transformed into a destination built around big intellectual properties. But now, the park is entering one of its most dramatic overhauls yet—an evolution that is reshaping its identity from top to bottom.

Let’s break down what’s happening, who stands to benefit, and who is left mourning the changes.

The New Era of Hollywood Studios

Several iconic areas are being demolished or reimagined, and in their place, Disney is introducing entirely new experiences.

The biggest development is the creation of a Monsters, Inc. land, also known as Monstropolis. In order to make room, Grand Avenue and Muppet*Vision 3D are being retired, bringing an end to a quirky corner of the park that held sentimental value for many. The payoff, however, is ambitious. Disney is bringing in a large-scale land themed entirely around Monsters, Inc., complete with an immersive city setting and a “Monsters Inc. Door Coaster.” This suspended-style roller coaster promises to be one of the most innovative rides Disney has built in years.

Meanwhile, the park’s long-running Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is undergoing a dramatic retheme. Gone are the days of Aerosmith and backstage concert hijinks. When it reopens in 2026, it will be Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, featuring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem in a zany, music-fueled ride that fits perfectly with the Muppets’ wild sense of humor.

Over in Animation Courtyard, the Star Wars Launch Bay is closing to make way for a brand-new interactive experience: The Magic of Disney Animation. This reimagined area will celebrate the art of animation with hands-on exhibits, drawing experiences, and whimsical play zones. It’s Disney’s attempt to bring back a sense of creativity and charm, while still keeping the area relevant to modern families.

Even live shows are part of the overhaul. In May 2025, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure debuted, giving guests a fresh take on Ariel’s story with high-tech puppetry, dazzling effects, and timeless songs. It’s a signal that Disney still values stage productions as part of the park’s entertainment mix.

The Winners

Monsters, Inc. fans are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. For years, people have wondered why this popular Pixar franchise didn’t have a stronger presence in the parks. Soon, they’ll have an entire land to explore.

Families with young kids will also come out ahead. The new animation-themed play areas and Monsters, Inc. experiences will give children more to do in a park that has often been dominated by thrill rides and Star Wars.

Muppet fans—at least those who love chaos and comedy—will have a reason to celebrate, too. While losing Muppet*Vision 3D stings, gaining a headlining coaster with the Electric Mayhem front and center is a huge win for keeping the characters alive in the park.

And of course, show lovers are in luck. The new Little Mermaid stage show has already been praised for its blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge theater magic, proving that Disney can still deliver Broadway-quality entertainment inside a theme park.

The Losers

Still, not everyone is cheering.

The closure of Muppet*Vision 3D marks the end of an era. For many, it wasn’t just a show; it was a connection to Jim Henson’s original vision and one of the last pieces of his work still alive in the parks. Fans even held unofficial “farewells” before it was torn down, a reminder of how deeply people cared about it.

Star Wars Launch Bay enthusiasts are also losing a space that, while not as flashy as Galaxy’s Edge, gave fans a chance to connect with the franchise in a more relaxed, museum-like setting. Its removal emphasizes Disney’s shift away from celebrating film history and toward building immersive lands tied to single stories.

And of course, nostalgic fans of Hollywood Studios in general may feel alienated. The park was once a love letter to moviemaking, filled with nods to the golden age of Hollywood. With every overhaul, that identity slips further away. For some, it feels like the park they grew up with is vanishing before their eyes.

The Big Picture

Disney is betting big on the future of Hollywood Studios. The park is shifting from a patchwork of shows and soundstages into a cohesive lineup of immersive lands, each centered on popular franchises. The question is whether the excitement of new attractions can outweigh the heartbreak of losing classics.

For younger guests and first-time visitors, the overhaul will likely feel thrilling. The park will be packed with modern rides, beloved characters, and interactive experiences. For longtime fans, though, it’s another reminder that at Disney, nothing is permanent. Even the shows and attractions that once felt untouchable can vanish overnight if they don’t fit the company’s vision for the future.

The winners are those who embrace change and look forward to stepping into new worlds. The losers are those who wanted Hollywood Studios to remain the park of their memories. But as always, Disney’s philosophy holds true: the parks will “keep moving forward.”