Disney’s Monstropolis Land to Transport Fans into the World of Sulley and Mike

Get ready for a roar-some adventure as Disney World prepares to unveil its highly-anticipated ‘Monsters, Inc.’ themed land, Monstropolis, in 2027. Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this immersive destination promises to transport fans into the world of Sulley and Mike, where laughter and screams will blend in a way that will leave visitors of all ages in awe.

According to Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, Walt Disney World Portfolio at Walt Disney Imagineering, Monstropolis will be a place where the once-separated worlds of humans and monsters come together in a celebration of friendship and laughter. ‘Monsters, Inc.’ is an iconic Disney franchise that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, and we’re thrilled to bring its magic to life in a way that’s never been seen before,’ Hundgen explained.

Central Element: Theatrical Experience

A central element of Monstropolis is its theatrical experience, which will be an integral part of the land’s offerings. Hundgen emphasized that the theater experience would be an important addition to the land, providing guests with an immersive and memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression. ‘We knew the door coaster was the cornerstone of the experience,’ Hundgen said. ‘It feels like just giving them a coaster would shortchange the experience. So, we embarked on this idea of a theater experience that would really orient our guests to Monsters.’

Collaborating with Pixar and Industrial Light & Magic, the team has developed high-definition panels combined with physical characters. The show will feature a new original song written exclusively for the park by composer Randy Newman. ‘It’s the first time Randy has ever written something exclusively for a Disney theme park,’ Hundgen revealed, calling the song a perfect complement to the high-thrill rollercoaster that will be located nearby.

The High-Thrill Rollercoaster: A Showstopper

The land will feature a Disney’s first-ever suspended rollercoaster ride, which Hundgen declared as ‘a showstopper.’ The coaster will be a major highlight of the land, transporting guests 40 feet high in just four seconds. ‘When you think about show-stopping moments in our canon, this will rank as one of the biggest and best,’ Hundgen teased. He credited the Imagineering team and their research and development efforts for pushing the boundaries of innovation.

The rollercoaster will combine high-tech illusions with old-school tricks, all infused with the humor and heart of the ‘Monsters, Inc.’ characters. ‘We’re drawing inspiration from immersive theater and optical illusions that make you feel like things are actually there—paired with physical elements that truly are there,’ Hundgen explained.

Merchandise and Dining Experiences

Monstropolis will also feature merchandise locations and new restaurants, including Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, inspired by the mascot from ‘Monsters University,’ and Harryhausen’s, the sushi restaurant featured in the first film where Mike and Celia went on their date. ‘We’re reimagining Harryhausen’s as a brand-new space,’ Hundgen shared. ‘The menu will be wildly fun. Imagine sushi dishes inspired by the monster world: sushi rolls, tempura satays, all with iconic names that feel straight out of the film.’

Guests can also look forward to an animatronic octopus sushi chef. ‘We’re going to have a full-on animatronic sushi octopus figure, cooking up sushi and playing host,’ he confirmed.

Monstropolis is scheduled to open in 2027, with restaurants, merchandise experiences, and the theater show debuting alongside the new land. Hundgen expressed excitement about the ambitious project, stating that it will be a ‘fantastic addition to Hollywood Studios and Walt Disney World as a whole.’