There are now construction walls up along the edge of Muppets Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios as crews prepare to transform the area into a “Monsters, Inc.” land.
Muppets Courtyard Construction Walls
The red walls run behind Ice Cold Hydraulics, one of the only parts of Grand Avenue still open. MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo had their last day of operation on June 7, while Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano closed in May.
Our reporter could hear what sounded like a drill behind the walls, but there are no visible signs of construction yet. Most of the buildings in Muppets Courtyard will be re-used for the “Monsters, Inc.” land, just with new decorations and theming.
Our reporter also saw bubbles rising from behind the walls. Though MuppetVision 3D closed to guests on June 7, Cast Members will actually be the last to experience the show on June 10. It seems there were already Cast Members in the courtyard for the final celebration, which includes food from PizzeRizzo and games.
The rolling planters at the entrance to Muppets Courtyard were also set up to allow Cast Members to enter.
Two Cast Members stationed at the planters have a pin board for trading with guests.
Across from the courtyard’s entrance, the pressed penny machines are gone from Grand Avenue. There were two machines, which offered MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo designs.
Check out our last look at the details of MuppetVision 3D and watch our video of the final (public) show below.
There are rumors Disney is recording a final MuppetVision 3D show for archival purposes. The actual film was digitized a decade ago, so it is preserved.
The “Monsters, Inc.” land will transport guests to Monstropolis and include the long-anticipated door roller-coaster, which will be Disney’s first suspended and first vertical lift coaster.
Monstropolis concept art indicates that Mama Melrose’s will become Harryhausen’s. PizzeRizzo could remain a quick-service restaurant while the MuppetVision 3D theater appears to host a new show. The entrance to Monsters, Inc. and the coaster will be at the back of the land in what is currently a backstage area.
The Muppets, meanwhile, will move to the other side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The reimagining will take place next year.
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