DHS Monster Inc Land Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

[Charlie The Chatbox Ghost]

They DID start a few years ago as Disney definitely knew about EU and its potential impact. They most likely didn't take it 100% seriously as when Disney knew, Universal was kinda turning out quite a few flop rides so it looked like Harry Potter waa a fluke.

Also this is in preparation for EU Phase 2, not the OG park, would be weird for disney to start their Phase 2 plans multiple years before the OG park even opened???

I'm not saying Monsters would've still been Phase 2 in that scenario, they could've had it done by the time Phase 1 was open/still new. Iger claims he's known about Epic Universe for a decade- that's more than enough time to prepare massive expansions and lands. When you look at the last "decade", which I really doubt was all preparation for Epic (Pandora was 100% a response to Wizarding World, not Epic Universe), it's not a lot. Iger also said something along the lines of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure being their answer to Epic Universe...

Basically what I'm trying to say is that if Disney hadn't sat on their feet for years and then start rushing things out to try to beat EU Phase 2, they could've had things that beat EU Phase 1. Their plan was to pretend it wasn't a problem until it was unavoidable.

 

[HauntedPirate]

So after years of inactivity and delay, NOW Disney is worried about EU. Better remove some more beloved attractions to make up for all that lost time!

The fact that they considered moving the project to AC certainly makes one wonder if they have any existing plans to redo AC.

And again I ask - have any of the great insiders on these boards mentioned anything about the Muppet replacement show?

"We've been aware of Universal's plans for a new park for more than a decade. And we have a sophisticated approach to analyzing the needs of all of our businesses and strategically deploying capital." - Bob Iger

 

[The Leader of the Club]

Basically what I'm trying to say is that if Disney hadn't sat on their feet for years and then start rushing things out to try to beat EU Phase 2, they could've had things that beat EU Phase 1. Their plan was to pretend it wasn't a problem until it was unavoidable.

I feel like that’s really Chapek’s fault. During his time as CEO they didn’t announce a single meaningful park expansion. They had projects lined up for a few years after the pandemic (Remy, GoTG, Tron, Tiana) but they didn’t announce anything new in development. The 2022 expo was a joke that ended with a “blue sky” pitch when it needed to end with something they could have open by 2025 or 2026. Now we’re gonna have at least two years without significant new experiences while Universal opens a new park up the road.

 

[GoofGoof]

I also recall an insider here saying that Monstropolis would open with two attractions from the start. I think the concept art had us thinking “at least a playground” which was disappointing. I don’t want to lose MV3D but for a themed land with multiple attractions, this could end up being a win.

If we go back hundreds of pages I think the original concept art for Monsters in Muppets Courtyard looked like the Door Coaster show building and part of courtyard in front were over top of the MV3D building meaning there would be no room for a show for Monsters in that location unless they eliminated one of the restaurants. The talk of 2 attractions was mostly focused on the AC location since there was more space and also the potential of either Disney Jr or LM show area being repurposed to Monsters. That concept art also showed the slide which implied maybe a play area.

 

[celluloid]

Yeah, but if they're choosing Muppets over Animation Courtyard because it's faster, then if they hadn't waited until last minute to plan a response to Epic, then they wouldn't need one less year of construction time. We could've had a fully authentic Monsters Inc land AND MuppetVision if they started even just a few years ago.

It gives them food and beverage ease with Mama's becoming Harry's. That was a big factor.
Disney can still look like a good guy here if they do the we listened and change of hesrt back to AC. Iger gets fans using name with glee again as he takes the credit.

 

[James Alucobond]

Yeah, but if they're choosing Muppets over Animation Courtyard because it's faster, then if they hadn't waited until last minute to plan a response to Epic, then they wouldn't need one less year of construction time. We could've had a fully authentic Monsters Inc land AND MuppetVision if they started even just a few years ago.

They considered a plan to switch their plans and develop AC first, but they didn’t ultimately do that because it didn’t fit the timeline they wanted. It likely would have meant “AC first, Muppets second” instead of the reverse, not that Muppets would then be off the table. You’d just see whatever is currently under consideration for AC retooled to fit the other space.

 

[GoofGoof]

So basically we’re losing MuppetVision because Disney decided to wait until the 11th hour to prepare for Epic Universe? Wonderful. Sure do love how Iger’s ego didn’t consider EU a threat until last minute

I think the way to look at it is we are losing MV3D in favor of whatever will eventually go into the AC location. Monsters was happening either way. If they kept Muppets Courtyard and put Monsters into AC then there Would be less room for something else in that location. Right now it’s hard for me to view this as a win since whats there now is Launch Bay and some office space and there’s no guarantee we get anything in that location for years, maybe a decade. In the long run once something goes there it will be easier to judge the total picture. If we end up with Monsters in place of Muppets and then Zootopia or Springfield in place of Launch Bay that seems like a decent option. I guess what I’m saying is I think Monsters fits fine in the current location and doesn’t really need the larger space. The 2030 version of me would rather save that space for something more substantial.

 

[chriswacy]

I’ll ask Jim. My understanding was Disney+ as the easiest, fastest way to satisfy what the blog says about MV3D.

There are other Muppets concepts, such as Great Moments, being developed.

Would whatever they could theoretically put on Disney+ include any recordings or recreations of the in-theater effects?

 

[celluloid]

They considered a plan to switch their plans and develop AC first, but they didn’t ultimately do that because it didn’t fit the timeline they wanted. It likely would have meant “AC first, Muppets second” instead of the reverse, not that Muppets would then be off the table. You’d just see whatever is currently under consideration for AC retooled to fit the other space.

Even if that is true. Still the far better plan because AC area is pathetic esthetically in upkeep and content. Now the park suffers a content and a stronger venue attraction loss in this downtime.
The leadership of the company is currently so inept.

 

[Charlie The Chatbox Ghost]

I feel like that’s really Chapek’s fault. During his time as CEO they didn’t announce a single meaningful park expansion. They had projects lined up for a few years after the pandemic (Remy, GoTG, Tron, Tiana) but they didn’t announce anything new in development. The 2022 expo was a joke that ended with a “blue sky” pitch when it needed to end with something they could have open by 2025 or 2026. Now we’re gonna have at least two years without significant new experiences while Universal opens a new park up the road.

Chapek's reign truly was awful, but not for nothing, Iger is still pretty responsible too. Chapek was his pick, he was still with the company while Chapek was in charge, and he swooped in after he was booted and did nothing to fix all the awful "Chapek" decisions. If Iger is being honesty when he said they knew for "five years before [Epic Universe] was publicly announced", that's still mostly his time in charge. Iger had from 2014 to 2020 and then 2022 to present to get projects moving and instead he did nothing major in that time aside from Pandora and Galaxy's Edge, which again was 100% in response to the Wizarding World.

But even still, how many of these plans they have going now existed before the Chapek era? Tropical Americas, Monsters Inc, Cars, Villains, etc., they all feel like they're quick decisions made to try to get something moving before Epic Universe gets to Phase 2. I can't think of any publicly known plan that feels like it's been a long time in the making.

 

[JackCH]

They considered a plan to switch their plans and develop AC first, but they didn’t ultimately do that because it didn’t fit the timeline they wanted. It likely would have meant “AC first, Muppets second” instead of the reverse, not that Muppets would then be off the table. You’d just see whatever is currently under consideration for AC retooled to fit the other space.

I agree with this assessment. I think it is pretty likely they have a few "land" ideas on the table and it is just figuring out which ones to use, and where they go. Monster's at Muppets courtyard is likely the cheapest and easiest to do while still "fitting" relatively well.

That is why I have said I am reserving final judgement on this until AC change is clear, which I know many on this site seem skeptical will happen any time soon but I disagree.

I also think this forum way overestimates how many people are upset about this. The majority of average Disney fans will likely be perfectly happy with this once it is all said and done. Assuming the Door Coaster is a fun attraction.

 

[Charlie The Chatbox Ghost]

It gives them food and beverage ease with Mama's becoming Harry's. That was a big factor.
Disney can still look like a good guy here i they do the we listened and change of hesrt back to AC. Iger gets fans using name with glee again as he takes the credit.

Alternatively, just rebuild MuppetVision in the Sunset Showcase and say they're making the "first ever true Muppets land". If the choices are no MuppetVision or MuppetVision on the other side of the park, I'd take that. As nostalgic as Muppets Courtyard is, it's been neutered for years, so I'd rather a fresh build that can go full Muppet mayhem.

They considered a plan to switch their plans and develop AC first, but they didn’t ultimately do that because it didn’t fit the timeline they wanted. It likely would have meant “AC first, Muppets second” instead of the reverse, not that Muppets would then be off the table. You’d just see whatever is currently under consideration for AC retooled to fit the other space.

I think the way to look at it is we are losing MV3D in favor of whatever will eventually go into the AC location. Monsters was happening either way. If they kept Muppets Courtyard and put Monsters into AC then there Would be less room for something else in that location. Right now it’s hard for me to view this as a win since whats there now is Launch Bay and some office space and there’s no guarantee we get anything in that location for years, maybe a decade. In the long run once something goes there it will be easier to judge the total picture. If we end up with Monsters in place of Muppets and then Zootopia or Springfield in place of Launch Bay that seems like a decent option. I guess what I’m saying is I think Monsters fits fine in the current location and doesn’t really need the larger space. The 2030 version of me would rather save that space for something more substantial.

That's fair. I suppose it's better to save the AC for something big, though I really hope it's something original. Another clone land would be super disappointing, DHS desperately needs more unique offerings- I believe right now the only exclusive attractions are MuppetVision, Rock n Rollercoaster, and Tower of Terror?

 

[GoofGoof]

I also think this forum way overestimates how many people are upset about this. The majority of average Disney fans will likely be perfectly happy with this once it is all said and done. Assuming the Door Coaster is a fun attraction.

Yeah….probably true. That being said, what do the masses know? MV3D was a work of art, a fun show and a classic for the park. It isn’t the first classic attraction we will lose and it won’t be the last but it still hurts. I’m very disappointed to see it go and hold out hope they move it to another 3D theater.

Despite all of that I’m sure Monsters will be a nice area and likely will be better than the overall Muppet area which outside of MV3D was not so good.

 

[JackCH]

Alternatively, just rebuild MuppetVision in the Sunset Showcase and say they're making the "first ever true Muppets land". If the choices are no MuppetVision or MuppetVision on the other side of the park, I'd take that. As nostalgic as Muppets Courtyard is, it's been neutered for years, so I'd rather a fresh build that can go full Muppet mayhem.


That's fair. I suppose it's better to save the AC for something big, though I really hope it's something original. Another clone land would be super disappointing, DHS desperately needs more unique offerings- I believe right now the only exclusive attractions are MuppetVision, Rock n Rollercoaster, and Tower of Terror?

That's my feeling. I would rather Monster's go into the smaller space and save AC for something a bit more, even if it means we have to wait a little longer. It seems like the Monsters land was always mostly about the Door Coaster with everything else being minor (playground, a show). I'd rather that go in Grand Avenue's smaller usable space than AC.

I agree about it not being a clone land. I saw someone on here have a Superhero Courtyard idea (Incredibles, Big Hero Six, and maby Dr Strange if they could use him). I'd like something like that. But just something original would be great. Hollywood needs its version of Carsland and Toy Story just ain't at that level.

I agree on your Muppets idea. I just think it is a longshot. But I think a little Muppets miniland would be a good use.

 

[Jrb1979]

I agree with this assessment. I think it is pretty likely they have a few "land" ideas on the table and it is just figuring out which ones to use, and where they go. Monster's at Muppets courtyard is likely the cheapest and easiest to do while still "fitting" relatively well.

That is why I have said I am reserving final judgement on this until AC change is clear, which I know many on this site seem skeptical will happen any time soon but I disagree.

I also think this forum way overestimates how many people are upset about this. The majority of average Disney fans will likely be perfectly happy with this once it is all said and done. Assuming the Door Coaster is a fun attraction.

That's exactly it. Outside of people here, most of your average guest doesn't care about the Muppets or nostalgia of the parks. They want IP they know and new attractions.

 

[GoofGoof]

Alternatively, just rebuild MuppetVision in the Sunset Showcase and say they're making the "first ever true Muppets land". If the choices are no MuppetVision or MuppetVision on the other side of the park, I'd take that. As nostalgic as Muppets Courtyard is, it's been neutered for years, so I'd rather a fresh build that can go full Muppet mayhem.


That's fair. I suppose it's better to save the AC for something big, though I really hope it's something original. Another clone land would be super disappointing, DHS desperately needs more unique offerings- I believe right now the only exclusive attractions are MuppetVision, Rock n Rollercoaster, and Tower of Terror?

The 2 rumors I’ve heard are Zootopia and Simpsons (once Universal contract expires). Zootopia exists in Shanghai but would be unique in North America. Simpsons would be unique but would be constantly compared to Universal version. It wouldn’t be hard to beat out the rides but Universal has a pretty good land overall.

 

[Horizons '83]

That's exactly it. Outside of people here, most of your average guest doesn't care about the Muppets or nostalgia of the parks. They want IP they know and new attractions.

Doesn't make them right

 

[Charlie The Chatbox Ghost]

That's my feeling. I would rather Monster's go into the smaller space and save AC for something a bit more, even if it means we have to wait a little longer. It seems like the Monsters land was always mostly about the Door Coaster with everything else being minor (playground, a show). I'd rather that go in Grand Avenue's smaller usable space than AC.

I agree about it not being a clone land. I saw someone on here have a Superhero Courtyard idea (Incredibles, Big Hero Six, and maby Dr Strange if they could use him). I'd like something like that. But just something original would be great. Hollywood needs its version of Carsland and Toy Story just ain't at that level.

I agree on your Muppets idea. I just think it is a longshot. But I think a little Muppets miniland would be a good use.

A Superhero Courtyard is a great idea, committing to one IP could lead to issues when that IP becomes unpopular (which tbqh I think a Zootopia land would age very quickly), but making it a genre land like Fantasyland or Frontierland would allow for attractions to come and go without needing to retheme the entire land.

Superhero Courtyard with a Big Hero 6 coaster, Incredibles stage show and Dr Strange dark ride? I'm all for it.

 

[Charlie The Chatbox Ghost]

The 2 rumors I’ve heard are Zootopia and Simpsons (once Universal contract expires). Zootopia exists in Shanghai but would be unique in North America. Simpsons would be unique but would be constantly compared to Universal version. It wouldn’t be hard to beat out the rides but Universal has a pretty good land overall.

I think it'd be super easy to beat Universal if they just put more of an emphasis on recreating the show's world. I'm against Zootopia because personally I don't think that IP has proven its staying power. It's only 9 years old, unlike the Simpsons which have long proven they'll be relevant for a long time. If Zootopia is no longer popular in a decade, then you have a much more expensive problem to fix.

 

[JackCH]

Simpsons just doesn't excite me even a little bit. But not all IP is for everyone lol.

I agree on Zootopia not being a safe long-term bet.