First Monsters Inc. Land Permit Filed: Demolition Set to Begin at Hollywood Studios

Hey Disney Vacationers! If you’ve been keeping an eye on what’s next for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, here’s your first real sign that something big is coming: Walt Disney Imagineering just filed a Notice of Commencement to demolish the Stage 1 Company Store in the Muppet Courtyard area. And yep—this looks like the first Monsters Inc. Land permit filed as the park begins its next big transformation.

Let’s break it all down.

What the Permit Says (and Why It Matters)

The permit lists PCL Construction Services as the contractor. If that name sounds familiar, it should. PCL has worked on some pretty major theme park projects, including:

• Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs
• World of Disney at Disney Springs
• Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
• SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood

This isn’t just a permit to gut a small store—this is the opening move in a phased demolition and infrastructure shift for a much larger land overhaul. According to the permit, the work includes demolition, infrastructure preparation, and utility modification.

Translation: They’re not just knocking down walls. They’re preparing the ground for something major. Based on the concept art, it looks like the Stage 1 Building is removed completely, then replaced with what looks like a smaller kiosk/park area.

Goodbye Stage 1 Company Store, Hello Monstropolis

For longtime Disney fans, the Stage 1 Company Store was a hidden gem—tucked just to the side of MuppetVision 3D. It sold all kinds of Muppet-themed merchandise and helped give the area a cohesive charm. It closed back in 2020 and never reopened, though it occasionally made special appearances for May the 4th Star Wars celebrations or Jollywood Nights.

Now, it’s officially being cleared out—and not just to sit empty. This is the first confirmed step in transforming Grand Avenue into a brand-new Monsters Inc. Land.

Based on the most current version of the concept art, it appears the Stage 1 building will be completely removed and replaced by either a smaller kiosk or store and open green space. It may be assumed that the removal of the building is to help with guest flow from the front of the land to the upcoming Monsters, Inc. suspension door coaster (the headliner attraction).

What’s Coming to Monsters Inc. Land?

While Disney hasn’t officially dropped the full blueprint, here’s what’s widely expected and already in the development pipeline:

• Monsters Inc. Suspended Door Coaster – This would be Disney’s first-ever suspension coaster. Think soaring through the door vault from Monsters, Inc., with track above the ride vehicles.
• Monstro Theater – This would replace the current Muppet*Vision 3D location and feature an all-new Monsters-themed show experience.
• Harryhausen’s Sit-Down Restaurant – Expected to go in where Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano currently sits, themed to the sushi restaurant from the film.

⚠️ Note: While most of this is backed by solid internal plans and permit movement, Disney has not confirmed the menu or exact structure of Harryhausen’s. Based on theme and location, it’s likely to be a Japanese-style table service spot—but that’s still speculative for now.

What About PizzeRizzo?

That’s still a question mark. So far, Disney hasn’t filed anything definitive about what will replace PizzeRizzo. But here’s what makes sense:

• It shares a kitchen with Mama Melrose, which is a logistical bonus.
• Hollywood Studios still needs more quick-service options.
• The area needs to stay active with family-friendly food choices.

So odds are good it will become a new quick-service restaurant, but again—that’s our educated guess, not confirmed fact.

Closures Are Coming by June 2025

If you’re planning a trip, here’s what you need to know:
Disney has announced s the closing date for the rest of the Muppet Courtyard area, including:

• Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano – May 10, 2025
• PizzeRizzo – June 7, 2025
• MuppetVision 3D – June 7, 2025

So if you want one last viewing of MuppetVision 3D or a final order of Muppet-themed pizza, this is your window.

How This Will Impact Guests in the Near Future

With this demolition project now active, you should expect some guest impacts, especially near Grand Avenue and the Muppet Courtyard. That could include:

• Construction walls going up around Muppet Courtyard post June 7, 2025
• Possible changes to foot traffic patterns through Grand Avenue
• Noise or temporary closures during demolition and infrastructure work

If you’re planning a visit soon, it’s worth keeping an eye on updates from Disney or trusted planning sources so you’re not caught off guard.

A Quick Look Back at Muppet Courtyard

For fans of the Muppets, this area has always been a quirky corner of Hollywood Studios. It never quite fit with the rest of the park’s theming, but it had charm—and MuppetVision 3D* has been a fan favorite since opening day.

So much so, Disney is rethemeing Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster to The Muppets. This is could be the start of a Muppet mini-land. At least this blogger hopes so!

It’s tough to see it go, but Disney is clearly betting big on the Monsters Inc. franchise. And with the level of immersion we’ve seen in recent lands like Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora, the tradeoff might just be worth it.

Final Thoughts

The first Monsters Inc. Land permit filed signals a major turning point for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Grand Avenue is officially on the clock. While we’re still in the early stages, this demolition permit confirms Monstropolis is coming.

The next month or so will be your last chance to enjoy this little corner of the park as we’ve known it. And soon, we’ll be boarding suspended doors and grabbing a bite at Harryhausen’s!

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!