At this year’s SXSW panel, The Future of World-Building at Disney, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Disney Imagineer Michael Hundgen pulled back the curtain on the latest immersive land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios—Monstropolis.
Originally announced at the 2023 D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event, this Monsters, Inc.-themed expansion will transport guests straight into the bustling monster metropolis, complete with favorites like James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski. The highlight? A cutting-edge roller coaster that sends riders soaring through the iconic door vault, replicating one of the most thrilling sequences from the beloved Pixar film.
To make room for Monstropolis, Disney will begin phased closures of Grand Avenue in May 2025. The transformation will introduce new experiences, including the highly anticipated Harryhausen’s Restaurant, the Monstro Theater featuring an exclusive Monsters, Inc. show, and the land’s signature flying door roller coaster set inside the towering warehouse. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, excitement is already building.
“Imagineers have been dreaming of turning that door vault sequence into a ride ever since the film premiered,” Hundgen shared.
While full ride details remain under wraps, Disney has revealed an exciting first—this attraction will be the first-ever suspended roller coaster at a Disney Park, complete with a vertical lift that mimics the high-speed, gravity-defying adventure from Monsters, Inc.
As they unveiled an early animatic, guests got a sneak peek at how the experience will unfold. Riders will be lifted into the air before diving headfirst into the vast expanse of the door vault, racing alongside flying doors just like in the movie.
For Pixar, the realization of Monstropolis at Disney Parks is a dream come true.
“I can tell you that everyone at Pixar is thrilled with how this is coming together,” Docter said. “It’s truly surreal to step into this world for real.”
