By Colton Silva
On Saturday August 10th, 2024, Disney held its bi-annual D23 showcase at the Anaheim Convention Center. At this event, Walt Disney Studios showcases upcoming projects from multiple acquired studios under the Disney brand such as Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. Projects that are typically announced go from film and television to theme park expansions. With this most recent D23, Disney held a showcase dedicated to their worldwide theme parks and what’s next to come in the parks.
Very big and exciting announcements were shared to the public which left fans and general audiences thrilled for what’s to come. Until, a week after the convention came to a close, Disney decided to take to their websites and social media and released some new information regarding some of these expansions. These details covered when and where the new attractions and pavilions will be built. After the information was released, fans were left divided and spawned controversy amongst the community.
Here’s how I think this situation should be handled and what Disney should take into account before putting any shovels into the ground. First off, I will not be bringing up the announced Frontierland Cars pavilion that is taking over Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America. I choose not to bring it up because that is pretty much already set in stone and most likely can not be changed unless they still don’t have plans to use the unused plot of land near the suggested area being built.
Although, I do agree with the opinion that Rivers of America shouldn’t be messed with unless it’s for refurbishment. I believe that Disney does have plans for the previously mentioned unused land outside the area that haven’t been announced yet and I can’t think of any way they could still keep Rivers of America while also still adding a cars pavilion.
The main announcement I will be discussing is the newly announced Monsters Inc. Land being built in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As of now, Disney nor Walt Disney Imagineering—the Company responsible for creating the theme parks—has not commented on the question everyone is pondering.
“Where is this park going to be built? ”
There haven’t been any plots of land that have been bought by the company as of yet, and, since this isn’t a “Blue Sky Project”—meaning projects they hope to create—fans are left with 2 options in which they believe could be the most likely scenarios that could occur for these expansions.
Option 1: Disney takes down the Animation pavilion in space for Monstropolis
In Hollywood Studios there is a piece of the park entitled the Animation Courtyard, which is left basically empty most of the time. The pavilion holds attractions such as “Star Wars Launch Bay,” “Disney Junior Live” and the late “Voyage of the Little Mermaid.” While the land was popular at one point, it’s clear that this part of the park isn’t drawing attention anymore like it used to and it hasn’t been updated since 2018.
I think this would be the best place to put the new Monsters Inc. land because it has a great plot of land that could be used for its full potential. Plus, for the major E-Ticket attraction they want to build, they can build it around the perimeters of the Disney Junior show building and the backstage area as well. For those who might still be fans of the Launch Bay or the Little Mermaid show once it reopens, those can easily be moved into one of the unused theaters near Grand Avenue or Galaxy’s Edge.
I think this would be a great idea to use up a big and unpopular part of the park, save money and make fans happy. While this should be the best direction to take the project, there is a rumor that this isn’t the only option they have as to where they should put the new pavilion.
Option 2: Disney takes down Muppet Vision 3D in space for Monstropolis
There are rumors that Disney is also thinking about tearing down the beloved classic show, “Muppet Vision 3D” to make space for this new expansion—as well as tearing down other restaurants and stores themed to the muppets. There are many reasons as to why—if true—this is a horrible idea, one of which is space.
There is not enough space if they are trying to incorporate everything that has been announced/rumored. As of now, they are trying to add a massive E-Ticket attraction with a big show building, a possible restaurant, store and much open land to make the land feel more alive.
The main reason I believe this is a horrible idea is that it wouldn’t just be tearing down a silly old show. It would be tearing down a legacy, a dedication and part of theme park history. This was the last Muppet project worked on by late original creator, Jim Henson. This show is in dedication and tribute to him and everything he has done for the entertainment industry, Disney, and children and families around the world. It would be absolutely criminal to remove such a historic piece of what helped Disney become as big as it is now and to disrespect the man who brought to life one of the most famous groups of characters.
Option 3: Disney buys new land/expands outwards in space for Monstropolis
This option isn’t likely, but could also be a great option that could spare hate from fans from both Muppet Vision and Animation Courtyard. If I were to find land in the park to expand upon for the new land, I would probably put it behind Animation Courtyard. This could connect to Toy Story land in a little unused pathway at the end of the area. It could connect well theme-wise for both Animation Courtyard and Toy Story/Pixar. I also believe that area is already bought and just used for trees and backstage building for Disney Junior Live and other Toy Story attractions.
All in all, I really hope Disney thinks wisely about this. Muppet Vision means so much to a lot of people, especially for the Henson family and those who’ve worked with him or grew up with his work.
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