Fans of Monsters, Inc. have a clearer picture of when they can step into the monster city at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress presentation at D23 in 2026, Disney confirmed that Monstropolis will open in phases, with the first wave of experiences arriving in 2027. Here is what will greet guests first and what will follow later.
A Phased Opening Ahead of Schedule
Rather than opening all at once, Monstropolis will welcome guests in stages. Four locations are set to debut in 2027: the Glob Theater, two restaurants, and a merchandise shop. The land’s signature roller coaster will continue construction and open later.
This is good news for anyone tracking the project. Earlier expectations pointed toward a single opening closer to 2028. Splitting the debut into phases means guests can experience much of the land sooner, while the more complex coaster takes the time it needs.
The Glob Theater and Welcome to Monstropolis
The Glob Theater, housed inside the former MuppetVision 3D building, will present a new show called Welcome to Monstropolis. In the story, Mike Wazowski and Sulley write, produce, and direct the show together, and the two bring very different styles to the job. Sulley leans toward something small and homespun, while Mike, the showman of the pair, has a few surprises planned.
The show takes its name from an original Randy Newman song written specifically for this production. It marks the first time Newman has created a song for a theme park. The story introduces human guests to the city of Monstropolis and highlights how much monsters and humans have in common. Disney has said familiar faces beyond the two hosts will appear, though the full cast has not been shared.
Quick Service at Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza
Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza will serve as the quick-service dining spot in Monstropolis, taking over the former PizzeRizzo building. The restaurant is themed around Archie, the six-legged Fear Tech mascot who has become a familiar face on both the Fear Tech and Monsters University campuses after years of being borrowed by mischievous students.
For guests looking for a fast bite while exploring the land, this looks like the go-to option once it opens.
The Monsters University Alumni Club
Right next door, the Monsters University Alumni Club welcomes guests dining at Archie’s. The space is built around the school’s student clubs, fraternities, and sororities, with references woven throughout for fans who know the campus well.
One highlight is the elite Scarer’s Club, which honors the university’s legendary scarers from years past. Named organizations represented in the space include Roar Omega Roar, Python Nu Kappa, and Oozma Kappa.
Table Service at Harryhausen’s
Harryhausen’s, the upscale restaurant featured in the original Monsters, Inc. film, will become a real table-service venue. The centerpiece is a new Audio-Animatronic sushi chef, seen preparing monster-inspired dishes for guests.
Sushi is part of the theme, but Disney confirmed the menu will offer more than that. The company has framed Harryhausen’s as a spot for a special meal, positioning it as the sit-down, occasion-worthy option in the land. The restaurant occupies the former Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano building.
Shopping at the Scareporium
The Scareporium will serve as the land’s merchandise shop, giving guests a place to pick up monster-themed souvenirs from their visit. Disney has described it as a spot for human tourists to grab a keepsake, which suggests it will carry the bulk of the land’s merchandise.
Specific product details have not been shared yet, but if you want to bring home something themed to Monstropolis, this is where to plan a stop.
The Door Vault Coaster Comes Later
The one piece not opening in 2027 is the Monsters Inc. Door Vault roller coaster. First announced at the 2024 D23 Expo, the coaster will continue construction beyond the initial phase, with an opening likely targeted for 2028.
It is worth noting the coaster is not delayed. Instead, the other four locations are simply arriving ahead of it. Once complete, the Door Vault coaster is set to become Disney’s first suspended roller coaster, which helps explain why it needs additional time.
Final Thoughts
Monstropolis is shaping up to be a land that guests can enjoy in stages, with the Glob Theater, two restaurants, and the Scareporium leading the way in 2027 and the Door Vault coaster following later. Disney has not confirmed specific opening dates for any of the four early locations, so the smart move is to treat these as a preview rather than a firm schedule. Keep an eye on Disney’s Hollywood Studios as construction continues and more details come into focus.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
