News Monster Inc Land Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

[IanDLBZF]

When modern theme park companies are investing capital (reluctantly) they will look for any budget cut available, including slashing items the loss of which is detrimental to the park. Look at Universals actions in the lead up to Epic, or think back to the whole, “thanks Shanghai” thing. This is not an obscure notion.

And both companies have their share of doing stuff, much to the backlash of their fans.

 

[Cliff]

Many fans, love MuppetVision 3D and are heartbroken that Jim Henson's last project is being destroyed. Meanwhile, other parks fans literally could NOT care less about this attraction.

I dunno but is the "legacy fans" vs. "modern audience" marketing debate?? Who has the money and which one does Burbank care more about? (it's my guess is that in recent years, Burbank staff itself now skews more towards a more "modern audience" demo with a lot of "legacy" creatives being pushed out???)

Maybe we can all agree that Burbank really does NOT care what "legacy fans" think? Yes, "legacy" fans are angry and crying and screaming full-blast... with all their might.... straight at a literal brick wall??.

Sorry, but I see Burbank "moving on" and getting away from it's "legacy" past. (Along with other future announcements that "legacy fans" will find disturbing.)

Maybe I'm completely wrong?

 

[splah]

what is a the other shoe to drop was filled by a few citizens of hollywood?

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

When modern theme park companies are investing capital (reluctantly) they will look for any budget cut available, including slashing items the loss of which is detrimental to the park. Look at Universals actions in the lead up to Epic, or think back to the whole, “thanks Shanghai” thing. This is not an obscure notion.

There are more, but let’s take your own examples. The changes to Epcot’s plans occurred in part because a new management team took over at Disney. What is taking place in 2026? They also took place because of a shift in the national economic situation. What is likely to happen in the next several years?

Of all the things in the pipeline, Monsters will probably be completed because it is largely just overlaying the Monsters IP on top of GA.

 

[Jrb1979]

Many fans, love MuppetVision 3D and are heartbroken that Jim Henson's last project is being destroyed. Meanwhile, other parks fans literally could NOT care less about this attraction.

I dunno but is the "legacy fans" vs. "modern audience" marketing debate?? Who has the money and which one does Burbank care more about? (it's my guess is that in recent years, Burbank staff itself now skews more towards a more "modern audience" demo with a lot of "legacy" creatives being pushed out???)

Maybe we can all agree that Burbank really does NOT care what "legacy fans" think? Yes, "legacy" fans are angry and crying and screaming full-blast... with all their might.... straight at a literal brick wall??.

Sorry, but I see Burbank "moving on" and getting away from it's "legacy" past. (Along with other future announcements that "legacy fans" will find disturbing.)

Maybe I'm completely wrong?

I agree. My guess is a lot of legacy fans are also AP holders. We all know how they feel about them.

 

[celluloid]

Yes and it cost more money to build an attraction and produce a stage show.

That is only if a new stage show happens.

 

[Gusey]

To everyone shocked, SHOCKED by the suggestion that some announced additions may not get built, what is it this board always says about Phase 2s? That they always happen?

Disney is getting a new management team in 2026. What happened to projects under construction the last time the company got a new CEO? How does Wall Street feel about theme parks and the massive capital expenditures they require? Is a new CEO in the modern age likely to try and make a strong impression by increasing, ignoring, or slashing such expenditures?

What effect will changes in the national economy have on new construction? What effect has economic instability had on past Disney World projects? Are high tariffs and massive labor shortages likely to raise, lower, or not effect construction costs? How is a new management team likely to respond to an uncertain economy?

But as history has proven, anything that was actually under construction when Chapek bcame CEO did end up being built. The only projects cancelled back in 2020 were the ones where construction hadn't begun (Spaceship Earth & Mary Poppins & PLAY!), with Reflections being delayed for construction to begin again this year. Construction is set to begin on Monsters Land, Cars & Villains, Tropical Americas and Avengers Campus @ DCA in 2025, and Coco in 2026, before the new CEO comes in. The only one without a start date is Avatar at DCA

 

[DarkMetroid567]

I don't think Avengers Campus has been a very big success for Disney, which would probably make them far less interested in spending the kind of money it would require to both buy the IP and then construct a land for it.

Genuine question: under what metric is Avengers Campus not a success beyond “Disney forums and enthusiast blogs don’t like it”?

I don’t like Avengers Campus and WEB Slingers blows. But DCA’s attendance is stronger and stronger and WEB Slingers, is, somehow, very popular.

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

But as history has proven, anything that was actually under construction when Chapek bcame CEO did end up being built. The only projects cancelled back in 2020 were the ones where construction hadn't begun (Spaceship Earth & Mary Poppins & PLAY!), with Reflections being delayed for construction to begin again this year. Construction is set to begin on Monsters Land, Cars & Villains, Tropical Americas and Avengers Campus @ DCA in 2025, and Coco in 2026, before the new CEO comes in. The only one without a start date is Avatar at DCA

My guess is Avatar is slated for 2026 as well and there're going to go through with that to avoid ticking off James Cameron.

 

[Casper Gutman]

But as history has proven, anything that was actually under construction when Chapek bcame CEO did end up being built. The only projects cancelled back in 2020 were the ones where construction hadn't begun (Spaceship Earth & Mary Poppins & PLAY!), with Reflections being delayed for construction to begin again this year. Construction is set to begin on Monsters Land, Cars & Villains, Tropical Americas and Avengers Campus @ DCA in 2025, and Coco in 2026, before the new CEO comes in. The only one without a start date is Avatar at DCA

What the heck makes you think Villains land is set to begin construction in 2025? Or the Muppet show replacement or the RnRC replacement?

And the EPCOT redo underwent significant changes and cuts AFTER construction began.

 

[Casper Gutman]

By the way, I asked this before and it’s a pretty significant issue -

Does Muppets have a stage? Does it have a backstage?

 

[Figments Friend]

Backstage yes.
A actual stage to stand on, not currently that I am aware of.
With the forthcoming removal of the penguin orchestra however, one could likely be built fairly easily.

-

 

[Gusey]

What the heck makes you think Villains land is set to begin construction in 2025? Or the Muppet show replacement or the RnRC replacement?

And the EPCOT redo underwent significant changes and cuts AFTER construction began.

The Rivers of America will close in 2025 to make way for Cars and Villains. Whilst the land's attractions won't begin in 2025, the foundations for Villains Land will begin in 2025. Muppets Show is part of the Monsters Inc Land, where construction begins in 2025. There is literally no point in announcing all of these projects if, as you claim, Disney aren't going to build any of them

As for the Epcot redo, the only thing to have signigicant changes was CommuniCore Hall vs the Festival Center, and even then a festival center was still built, it just wasn't good

 

[danlb_2000]

Interesting. I could see it. That would open a lot of doors for Disney. Doesn't Universal have to use it or lose it? Or at the very least it frees up a lot of characters being able to be used then.

Gotta love rumors. Hope they are true. Hope Disney goes all in if and when something happens.

Universal only needs to keep the land open and properly maintained to keep the contract.

 

[Disnutz311]

Universal only needs to keep the land open and properly maintained to keep the contract.

Correct. What I was asking if Pokemon goes to Marvel Island like some pointed out as possible rumors suggest, then does Universal lose the Marvel rights? Or at the very least, removing Marvel Island allows Disney to use more characters in their own parks because they are no longer represented in the island at Universal.

 

[The Leader of the Club]

Correct. What I was asking if Pokemon goes to Marvel Island like some pointed out as possible rumors suggest, then does Universal lose the Marvel rights? Or at the very least, removing Marvel Island allows Disney to use more characters in their own parks because they are no longer represented in the island at Universal.

Yes. If Universal replaces Marvel Superhero Island, the rights revert to Disney.

That’s why most insiders think Pokémon is actually going to replace Springfield in USF.

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

One thing I wonder is perhaps Universal is eyeing at replacing MSHI with a Wicked land. That movie is on track to do gangbusters at the box office, and prehaps Universal will fast track something for the parks.

 

[wdwfan22]

Yes. If Universal replaces Marvel Superhero Island, the rights revert to Disney.

That’s why most insiders think Pokémon is actually going to replace Springfield in USF.

Pokémon is going to where Springfield is, however there are rumors for floating for replacing super hero island.

 

[Surferboy567]

I wanted to wait a few days to let my opinions form away from all first reactions and it's now enough time to do this. This will be posted in both this thread and the other as the two projects are now linked. Without further ado, here is my opinion.

Monstropolis taking over Muppets Courtyard:

Not gonna sugarcoat this, upset we are losing Muppet*Vision 3D there really isn't any other way to say that. As a muppets fan, this show has always been enjoyed and most trips I would make a point of seeing it. Couple that with this is Jim Henson's last work also makes this closure sting a little more. In the back of my head though, really don't want to say this as Muppet*Vision is a great show it's a dated show. Not saying that they could have gave it some updates but I've always wanted more for them a proper ride like the one they were gonna build. Was holding out hope that possibly Muppets could hold on for another few years and Monstropolis could move into the wasteland that is Animation Courtyard. If we are all being honest with ourselves that would have just bought the show a few more years. It fails to bring in the crowds that Disney probably wants in that area. Plus, that area is fairly big and can see it utilized a little better. This might not be the total end for Muppet*Vision though. It would be nice if they could just move the show to another place all together. It would be a way to have their cake and eat it as the expression goes. The real reason this idea is more ok is because of the later announcement that the Muppets live on in another attraction. Chief reason for upsetting feelings for Muppet*Vision being removed was that Muppets would lose their spot in WDW now that isn't happening it helps to soften the blow so to say. These talks of preserving the film also help with this.

Monstropolis:

I haven't been a stranger to saying this in these fourms Monsters Inc is a special film. Always have wanted a land in some form. When D23 rolled around in August the announcement of the Door Coaster was a standout for me. With the looming possibility of Muppets closing did put a damper on that. The idea of this Door Coaster anchoring a land has always been an exciting possiblity. Couple that with a sushi restaurant coming into Hollywood Studios is even more exciting. The theatre that is staying is going to be impossible to live up to Muppet*Vision but at least the park is now truly adding capacity with the theatre staying in its current spot.

Rock "n" Roller Coaster:

The writing has been on the wall for a while on this one. Never ridden the coaster (been scared as of writing this) been inside the building to appreciate the coaster without actually riding this. Now that it is closing may need to take a Super Stretch myself. Last year, it was a pleasure to attend Aerosmiths last show music is legendary and it was an enjoyable concert. That being said, the ride is dated now with the members of Aerosmith as well as not many people knowing who they are. Not for one second did Muppets come up as an actual realistic replacement. Like most of the people in this fourms thought Disney didn't care about the Muppets. They wouldn't theme a massive E-Ticket attraction after them but here we are. No doubt, this is because they fear the backlash that comes with closing Muppet*Vision. Happy that Disney has catered to Muppets fan this time and is willing to throw us a bone. Interested to see "how" they actually go about doing this there is the cheap option and the slightly more ambitious option. The cheaper option is that just add Muppets branding to the existing ride, switch out the preshow, soundtrack on the limos, maybe some of the pieces along the route. To be honest, that might be enough. The slightly more ambitious option would be to add AA's of the Muppets in the preshow, launch, or end. This idea works well on paper and expect it to be a slam dunk. Going back to the "how" the wording they used in the announcement was interesting is this a Muppets coaster or a Muppets hosting artists coaster. If it is a truly Muppets coaster, that is probably better since the ride won't become dated as fast. What does the timeline look on this though? Can't imagine this would take that much time to retheme. The concern comes with Muppet*Vision down and Monstropolis under construction when would they find the time to also take down Rock "n" Roller Coaster, my mind goes to after Monstropolis is completed that would take too much time in my opinion.

This announcement is seen for me as the best possible option if they have to close Muppet*Vision they will live on in a massive E-Ticket and Monstropolis can be a bigger land because of it. Would I of liked if they used Animation Courtyard yes, but at best that would have only bought the show a few more years. The Rock "n" Roller Coaster idea might of never happened as well.

 

[mysto]

What if Universal's Marvel rights are not for sale? Seems likely.

What if Disney is uninterested unless they can buy the entire franchise? The franchise is somewhat fragmented it seems to me? Probably cost 100 billion buying rights from so many sellers.

There's nothing wrong with fantasizing.