If you’ve been watching the construction walls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you know something big is brewing for Monsters, Inc. And now, thanks to the latest Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board of Supervisors meeting agenda, we’re getting a much clearer look at the “Monsters, Inc. door coaster” currently under development. The filing reveals the faint but distinct outline of the show building and track, confirming details of what promises to be a groundbreaking new attraction.
This exciting update came via agenda item 7.5 for the Board’s October 24 meeting. It outlines the approval for a “Developer Agreement for Construction of electrical infrastructure to service Project L,” which is the internal codename for the Monstropolis land. These types of infrastructure agreements often give us the earliest peeks behind the curtain, detailing necessities like service yards, underground duct banks, and directional drill systems for new construction.
The included graphic in the agreement shows the coaster’s show building prominently. We’ve had hints before, like a model suggesting the track layout and previous CFTOD filings giving us a general size estimate, but this graphic paints a much more complete picture. The new coaster is set to take over a portion of a backstage Cast Member parking lot, expanding the park’s footprint significantly.
This won’t be just any coaster, either. Disney is pushing the envelope by making it their first-ever suspended coaster and their first vertical lift coaster. Imagine heading straight up and then soaring through Monstropolis! The coaster cars will also have the ability to rotate, adding an extra layer of dynamic movement and storytelling to the ride experience. It’s a definite step up for Hollywood Studios.
The larger Monstropolis land is truly taking shape around this centerpiece attraction. It’s set to revitalize the former Muppets Courtyard, which saw significant closures recently. Mama Melrose’s closed in May, followed by PizzeRizzo and MuppetVision 3D in June. Mama Melrose’s is slated to become Harryhausen’s, the iconic restaurant from the original Monsters, Inc. film, while PizzeRizzo will likely transform into a new quick-service option. The fate of the MuppetVision 3D theater, however, remains unannounced.
This project, alongside the Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom and the Cars Piston Peak National Park addition at Magic Kingdom, shows Disney’s commitment to injecting new life into its Florida parks. With a preview center already open at Hollywood Studios showcasing concept art for Monstropolis, it’s clear Disney wants guests to get excited. We’ll be keeping a close eye on Project L as more details emerge about this ambitious new world coming to Hollywood Studios.
