Monstropolis Will Open Early But Without The Main Reason For Its Existence

Monstropolis is opening earlier than expected, but with a pretty big catch.

A majority of Monstropolis will open to guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2027. The door coaster, however, will not open in 2027. Disney in the past has done phased land openings, and this is just another example. This time it’s funnier because the reason for Monstropolis’ existence is quite literally the door coaster. I’d honestly argue most fans wanted just the door coaster and Harryhausen’s, and not an entire land dedicated to the Monsters, Inc. franchise. Yet what is done is done.

I do think there is a scenario where Disney could’ve kept Muppet*Vision 3D alive, got rid of the Stage Company 1 Store/The Muppets Store (it was sadly closed anyway), rethemed Mama Melrose’s to Harryhausen’s, and still built the door coaster. Heck, I would have been fine with Disney even getting rid of PizzeRizzo too. I just think the situation was avoidable, but as I just said, what is done is done, and also Monstropolis as a marketing tool sells way better than just the door coaster + Harryhausen’s. So enough eulogizing Muppet*Vision 3D; what is coming to Monstropolis in 2027?

Welcome to Monstropolis, Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, The Scareporium, and Harryhausen’s will all open in 2027. I truly think this is the majority of the land, unless they are holding back some additional areas near the door coaster, but that seems super unlikely. I know some fans are holding out hope for an actual Hidden City Cafe (seen in the first Monsters, Inc. film on the street during Mike and Sulley’s walk). I am also lowkey hoping that Eye Scream from the Disney Cruise Line makes its on-land debut in Monstropolis. I just think an ice cream place called Eye Scream with Mike Wazowski on the logo is too genius not to include, and I love that they have it on Disney Cruise Line, but a Disney Parks version could be even better.

Welcome to Monstropolis will be the show coming to Monstropolis. It has big shoes to fill. The door coaster is a fan-favorite idea and has earned its existence; Welcome to Monstropolis has to prove its existence. Right off the bat, it feels like Walt Disney Imagineering is going big for the show. Disney Legend Randy Newman composed his first song ever for a Disney theme park, titled “Welcome to Monstropolis” which will be featured in the attraction. The show will see humans enter the Glob Theater, and it will introduce us to the world of Monstropolis and highlight how similar monsters and humans are. I don’t see how it’s anything but a spiritual successor to Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

Mike and Sulley will be the hosts. It was also revealed via concept art that various Oozma Kappa frat members from Monsters University will return in the show. This means these characters will be older and interact with an older Mike and Sulley for the first time. The attraction will also feature audio-animatronic characters. Walt Disney Imagineering is collaborating with Industrial Light & Magic for the attraction, so I’m suspecting some groundbreaking tech will be involved.

Archie Scare Pig Pizza seems to lean into the pizza history of Hollywood Studios within this location that previously featured Pizza Planet and PizzeRizzo. However, I expect Archie Scare Pig Pizza to have way more theming than those two previous iterations. I do think it is hilarious that it’s going to be a pizza place once again, but Walt Disney World has confirmed that they are upgrading the overall menu and the equipment that is used to make the pizza. I get that Disney quick-service restaurants need to have efficiency, but hoping the menu is a bit creative and differentiated. Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza will also feature the Monsters University Alumni Club. It will be an area that features all the student clubs, fraternities, and sororities at Monsters University.

The Scareporium will be the main shop within the land. I’m expecting that spot to be filled with Monsters University merch and general Monsters, Inc. apparel. I don’t think Disney will try to go too inside baseball with the merch as they did for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Harryhausen’s is the second most anticipated aspect of Monstropolis. Walt Disney Imagineering isn’t going small here either. There will be a Sushi Chef audio-animatronic inside the restaurant. The menu will also feature more than just sushi as well. I’m expecting the menu to be unique and vibrant. I could see Cheeseburger Spring Rolls or Burgushi (Burger Sushi) as potential menu items for guests who may not want to try the more authentic dishes. It will be fascinating to see what they pick to serve at this restaurant. Although if I were Disney, I wouldn’t be worried about catering to the picky eaters demographic at Harryhausen’s. I think that’s why you have Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza. Walt Disney World did confirm that Harryhausen’s would have something for everyone, though, which makes me think there will be some unique menu items.

Pixar is reportedly working on a new Monsters, Inc. film. The film is rumored to be a direct sequel to the 2001 film, and not a prequel like Monsters University. If that’s the case, I would not be surprised if Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar are already coordinating references within Monstropolis that could end up being reflected in a new Monsters, Inc. film. Walt Disney Imagineering is already working with Pixar to make sure that the upcoming Coco attraction features nods to 2029’s Coco 2. I could also see a new Monsters, Inc. film affecting Monstropolis as it continues to evolve its offerings.

Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times