Permit Filed for Harryhausen’s Restaurant in Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hey Disney Vacationers! Walt Disney Imagineering has officially filed a new permit for construction at the former Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and it points directly to the start of work on Harryhausen’s Restaurant, the full-service dining location coming to the new Monsters, Inc. Land. If you’ve been following the transformation of this corner of the park, this is the most concrete sign yet that Monstropolis is coming to life.

What’s Happening

The new Notice of Commencement filed by Walt Disney Imagineering lists PCL Construction Services, Inc. as the contractor, with the scope of work noted as General Construction. This type of permit usually marks the beginning of interior renovations and site preparation, meaning demolition is done and build-out is next.

PCL Construction Services is one of Disney’s go-to partners for major park projects. They’ve handled some seriously iconic builds over the years, including:

• Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs
• World of Disney at Disney Springs
• Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida
• Infinity Falls at SeaWorld Orlando
• SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood

PCL is also currently leading the reimagining of the nearby Muppet Theater into The Glob Theater, a new venue that will host a Monsters, Inc. show. Their involvement here gives fans confidence that this project is moving fast and in capable hands.

In short, the permit for Harryhausen’s Restaurant confirms that Disney is officially ready to turn blueprints into reality.

Where Harryhausen’s Restaurant Is Going

Harryhausen’s will take over the building that once housed Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, which closed earlier this year after more than 30 years of serving up classic Italian dishes in the Grand Avenue area.

That space sits right in the heart of what’s being transformed into Monstropolis — the Monsters, Inc.-themed land replacing much of the Muppets Courtyard and surrounding areas. The location’s size and layout make it a perfect fit for a full-service restaurant experience, and if Disney’s track record holds true, expect incredible theming both inside and out.

What to Expect in the New Monsters, Inc. Land

When Monstropolis opens, guests can look forward to an entirely new section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios inspired by Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. universe. The land will reportedly include:

• Harryhausen’s Restaurant – a themed dining experience based on the sushi restaurant from the movie.
• The Glob Theater – a reimagined stage show venue replacing MuppetVision 3D.
• A Flying Door Coaster – an attraction set in the film’s iconic door warehouse.

Together, these experiences will bring Pixar’s world of laughter and screams to life in a way Disney fans haven’t seen before.

What This Means for the Timeline

The filing of the permit for Harryhausen’s Restaurant is the clearest indicator yet that construction is moving into the next phase. Since demolition on the former Stage 1 building has already taken place and work on The Glob Theater is underway, this new filing suggests that Disney is staging multiple projects at once — a sign of aggressive progress.

While Disney hasn’t announced an official opening date for the new Monsters, Inc. Land, a typical build timeline suggests fans could see visible progress throughout 2025 and possibly an opening window in late 2026 or early 2027.

Real Talk: Why Fans Should Be Excited

As someone who’s spent a lifetime walking down Hollywood Boulevard at rope drop, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement here. Mama Melrose’s was a staple — but this change signals something bigger. Disney is giving Pixar fans the immersive experience we’ve always wanted.

Imagine walking through Monstropolis, hearing Roz bark reminders about paperwork, then sitting down for sushi under glowing monster lanterns inside Harryhausen’s. That’s the kind of storytelling that makes Disney… well, Disney.

Final Thought

The permit for Harryhausen’s Restaurant isn’t just paperwork — it’s proof that Imagineering is hard at work transforming this area of Hollywood Studios into something new and exciting. Keep an eye out for more updates over the next few months.

Because before long, we won’t just be watching Monsters, Inc. — we’ll be eating in it.

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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!