If you've walked past Grand Avenue at Disney's Hollywood Studios lately, you've probably noticed the construction walls, scaffolding, and rapidly changing facades signaling that Monstropolis is well underway. The new land is partially replacing the former Muppets Courtyard, with several existing buildings being reimagined to fit the Monsters, Inc. universe and the Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster being built as a true expansion of the park's footprint.
The most concrete restaurant news: Mama Melrose is officially being transformed into Harryhausen's, a table-service spot named after the iconic eatery in the original film — the one where Mike Wazowski takes Celia out for her birthday before everything goes sideways. Next door, the former PizzeRizzo space is being converted into a counter-service restaurant, with construction suggesting the existing layout will largely be preserved and refreshed with new Monsters, Inc. theming. Meanwhile, the old MuppetVision 3D theater is becoming The Glob Theater, a brand-new show venue. Walt Disney World has filed permits reflecting $22.4 million spent on the building's structural transformation alone — separate from whatever the show itself will cost — and Imagineers have reportedly described the production as packed with technology.
On the construction front, observers at the park this month have noted meaningful visual progress: steel beams in an X formation — meant to eventually be themed as chopsticks, mirroring the Harryhausen's restaurant from the film — have appeared at the entrance to that building, and window frames with teeth and horn-shaped details have shown up on several facades, suggesting structural work in the courtyard area is largely behind them.
As for timing, construction permit expirations point to The Glob Theater potentially being ready by spring or summer 2026, though the broader Monstropolis land — including the coaster — is expected to open early 2027. The 2026 D23 Expo is widely anticipated to bring more formal announcements, possibly including detailed looks at building facades, food, merchandise, and entertainment planned for the land.
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Disney Tourist Blog has the full breakdown of construction photos, permit details, and D23 predictions.
