Monsters, Inc. Land Update: Uncertainty Persists at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Muppets Future May Be Looking Brighter

Aug 17, 2024 in "Monsters Inc. Land"

Gallery / 5 Photos
Monsters Inc. Land Concept Art

Posted: Saturday August 17, 2024 7:40am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Recent developments suggest that Animation Courtyard is gaining traction as the likely location for Disney's upcoming Monsters, Inc. land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Monsters Inc. Land Concept Art

Reports indicate that Cast Members currently occupying the large office space within the former animation building behind Star Wars Launch Bay have been informed they will soon need to vacate the area. This move hints that Animation Courtyard may be slated for redevelopment, addressing one of the challenges that previously made this location seem less feasible for the new Monsters, Inc. land.

While both Muppets Courtyard and Animation Courtyard have been in the running, this latest update strengthens the case for Animation Courtyard. However, there remains no definitive word from Disney on the final decision, and the company has not yet issued any official announcement or further clarification since Parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro announced the new Monsters, Inc. land last weekend.

Monsters Inc Land in Muppets Courtyard Concept Art

Some fans speculate that Disney might have floated both locations in early concept art to gauge reactions, particularly concerning the potential loss of the Muppets. By keeping both Muppets Courtyard and Animation Courtyard in play, Disney could be assessing which option would generate less backlash from the fan community. This theory gains some credibility considering Disney's cautious approach to announcing the final site, contrasting with the more decisive reveal when Cars was announced to replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom.

As we continue to monitor this evolving story, it remains possible that both areas are still under consideration, but the chances of the Muppets surviving this redevelopment seem to be growing.

Monsters Inc. Land Concept Art

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AidenRodriguez73112 days ago

Well yeah.. they forced to. Disney has one of the most expansive libraries of beloved movies, franchises, and more under their belt while Six Flags has very few IPs they can use and have to answer to a higher-up for approval.

Brer Panther12 days ago

Ah. @Agent H said "a Six Flags park", and I don't think of Knotts' Berry Farm as a Six Flags park even with the merger. One of the Six Flags parks should do a Looney Tunes-themed log flume, that would be cool.

Dranth12 days ago

That is good to hear. Atlanta was one of the worst parks (I have been to) last time I was there. Granted that was a while ago at this point.

TrainsOfDisney12 days ago

While the train ride itself is quite boring - the equipment used is really a treasure. Walter Knott purchased narrow gauge equipment from the Denver & Rio Grande and the park maintains them in period paint and lettering - it’s the most historic theme park operation I know of. It’s also the only place I’ve ever gotten to ride a real stage coach

FigmentJedi12 days ago

Six Flags Over Texas revived a classic dark ride from their early years with Pirates of Speelunkers Cave, Georgia's given the Monster Mansion characters some love with walkaround characters, and America and Fiesta Texas have done new original Steampunk flavored attractions. Yeah they'll never have the resources to go as hard as the big leagues can and the DC characters will remain entirely squandered in their hands, but they're putting more into original theming then Disney is these days.

Agent H12 days ago

Whenever I get out to California.

Mike S12 days ago

You should it was fun. Timber Mountain and the mine ride were highlights.

Jrb197912 days ago

How so?

TrainsOfDisney12 days ago

They also added quite a bit of regional theming in Atlanta - so there are some good things happening too.

Dranth12 days ago

Hopefully, but after reading through the last few earnings calls, I am not buying it. It least not yet.

Jrb197912 days ago

They always were going to sell off some parks. California Great America is sold and likely Six Flags America. They also have done major investments into Cedar Point, Six Flags over Georgia, Six Flags over Texas and Magic Mountain. They have plans for Great Adventure in making it a destination park similar to Cedar Point. The goal is to get the former Six Flags parks up to Cedar Fair standards

Dranth12 days ago

Not exactly, they merged management so you have a mix of each up and down the company. The CEO of Cedar did stay in that role post merger, which is a good sign, but the new head of the board is the old CEO of Six Flags. Maybe it all works out, but they already announced cost cutting goals and are talking about selling some of the parks.

Jrb197912 days ago

It's only Six Flags in name. Cedar Fair is the one in control. They just took the Six Flags name as it's one most people know.

Dranth12 days ago

It is a little. Knotts had 80 some years of other ownership to become what it is. Six Flags hasn't had it a year yet. If Knotts hasn't fallen apart in the next 4-5 years, I will be pleasantly surprised.