Credit: DisneyThe debate is over, the blueprints are filed, and the scream canisters are officially being hooked up. In a major move that signals the transformation of a beloved corner of the park, Walt Disney Imagineering has officially filed four massive new permits for Monsters, Inc. Land (Monstropolis) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
As of April 2026, the project has moved out of the “demolition and prep” phase and into the high-stakes world of Set Installation. These latest filings, first uncovered by BlogMickey, are the clearest indication yet of how the former Muppets Courtyard will be completely reimagined into the industrial, laughter-fueled city of Monstropolis.
Here is the breakdown of the four specific areas covered by these permits, the fate of the iconic Muppets buildings, and what guests can expect when the “Doors” finally open.
The Big Shift: From Muppets to Monsters
For months, Disney fans have speculated about the exact footprint of the new Monsters, Inc. expansion. While the D23 announcement in 2024 confirmed the land was coming, these April 2026 permits confirm the reality: Muppets Courtyard is being fully integrated into Monstropolis. The four permits are designated for “Set Installation,” which is Imagineering-speak for the “theming” phase. This is when the steel skeletons get their “skin,” and the immersive details—the glowing pipes, the factory doors, and the urban textures of the monster world—are installed.
Here are the four specific areas being transformed:
1. The Theater Building (The Former Muppet*Vision 3D)
The largest and perhaps most controversial permit is for the massive theater building that formerly housed Muppet*Vision 3D. According to the filing, this area is slated for a total interior set overhaul.
Instead of the Muppet Theater’s classic vaudeville aesthetic, the permits describe a “multi-level industrial interior.” This confirms that the building will be repurposed as the entrance and “Scream Floor” for the land’s anchor attraction. Guests will likely enter through the lobby of Monsters, Inc. HQ, passing through the locker rooms and the iconic yellow canister stations before boarding the land’s main ride. While it is a bittersweet farewell to Kermit and Miss Piggy, the scale of the sets planned for this building suggests an unprecedented level of immersion.
2. The Restaurant Conversion (PizzeRizzo to Harryhausen’s)
The second permit focuses on the building currently known as PizzeRizzo. Long rumored to be the site of a high-concept monster eatery, the permit for set installation here confirms a transition to a more themed dining experience.
The filing mentions “thematic facade elements” and “interior prop installation,” fueling the theory that PizzeRizzo will finally become Harryhausen’s, the famous sushi restaurant from the first film. Imagineers are reportedly working on a “living character” element for the restaurant, where a multi-tentacled chef (like the legendary sushi chef in the movie) may appear in Audio-Animatronic form.
3. The Courtyard Hub (Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano)
The third area covered by the permits is Mama Melrose’s section of the courtyard. Interestingly, the permits do not suggest the building is being leveled, but rather “re-skinned.”
The set installation here is for the “Monstropolis City Center.” This area will serve as the town square of the land, featuring the architecture of the monster world. The permits call for the installation of oversized “industrial infrastructure,” including the large power lines and solar-energy collectors seen in the films. This area is expected to be a major character greeting hub where guests can meet Mike, Sulley, and perhaps even Roz.
4. The Streetscape (Grand Avenue Transition)
The final permit covers the transition from Grand Avenue into the new land. This area, which currently features a “New York City” brick aesthetic, is being modified to serve as the gateway to the monster world.
The “Set Installation” here involves “forced perspective facades” and the installation of the iconic Monstropolis City Gates. This is the “threshold” moment for guests. As you walk toward the land, the brick buildings will subtly morph into the unique, mid-century industrial architecture of the monster universe. This area will also house the “CDA Decontamination Station,” a retail location where guests can purchase “human world” souvenirs and “monster gear.”
The Crown Jewel: The Suspended Door Coaster
While the permits focus on the courtyard’s transformation, the reason for this massive expansion is the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney Park. Built on the massive expansion plot behind the former Muppet theater, the “Door Coaster” will allow guests to relive the iconic climax of the original Monsters, Inc. film. These permits are vital for the coaster’s success, as they cover the thousands of “fake” doors that will be installed throughout the ride’s “Vault” scene.
Engineers are using a proprietary rail system that allows the ride vehicles to swing and dip as if they are hanging from the automated door tracks of the factory. With set installation permits now filed, we can expect the first “door racks” to be installed in the ride’s massive show building by early summer 2026.
“Monstropolis” is Trending
If you are a Disney fan or a travel planner, “Monsters, Inc. Land” and “Hollywood Studios Expansion” are currently some of the highest-trending search terms in the theme park industry. The reason is simple: Hollywood Studios is finally finding its identity.
By replacing the aging Muppets Courtyard with a high-capacity, high-tech IP like Monsters, Inc., Disney is doubling down on its “Immersive Land” strategy. Following the success of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, Monstropolis provides a crucial bridge—offering a family-friendly thrill that appeals to kids, nostalgic Millennials, and coaster enthusiasts alike.
For those tracking the “Disney World 2026” timeline, these permits are a massive sign of progress. Typically, set installation occurs 12 to 18 months before a grand opening. If Imagineering stays on this trajectory, we could see a soft opening in late 2027.
What Happens Next for Hollywood Studios?
With the set installation permits filed, the next thing for guests to look for is the removal of the Muppets fountain and the arrival of the “Scream Canister” monuments. Construction walls have already expanded deep into Grand Avenue, and crane activity is at an all-time high behind the scenes.
We also anticipate a second wave of permits in the coming months, focusing on Audio-Animatronic placement. A land like Monstropolis relies heavily on characters to feel “alive,” and Disney is expected to debut some of its most advanced robotic figures yet for Mike and Sulley.
Final Thoughts: A Laughter-Filled Future
The filing of these four permits is a bittersweet moment for Muppets fans, but it marks a massive leap forward for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Monstropolis isn’t just a ride; it’s a living, breathing city that promises to push the boundaries of theme park technology.
As Mike Wazowski would say, “I’m on a permit! I’m on a permit!” (even if a construction wall partially covers his face). The transformation of Hollywood Studios is officially in high gear, and the future looks bright, industrial, and filled with laughter.
Stay tuned to our updates as we continue to track the construction, permits, and secrets of Monstropolis!