Monstropolis Is Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios: Everything We Know So Far

Disney has shared exciting new details about Monstropolis, the highly anticipated Monsters, Inc.-inspired land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.
While construction continues behind the scenes, Disney is beginning to reveal the story, setting, and immersive experiences guests can expect when they eventually step into the monster world. If you're a fan of Sulley, Mike Wazowski, and the beloved Pixar film, this expansion is shaping up to be one of the most exciting additions to Walt Disney World in years.

A New Chapter for the Monsters, Inc. Story
Earlier this week, Disney released the above "news article," which gave fans their first in-depth look at just what is in store once this land opens up. Rather than simply recreating scenes from the movie, Disney is building an entirely new story that allows humans to finally visit Monstropolis.

Fans will remember that the original Monsters, Inc. story ended with a major discovery: human laughter produces significantly more energy than screams. That breakthrough changed the way monsters viewed humans. They were no longer a threat.

According to Disney, the city of Monstropolis has evolved dramatically since then. Fear of humans has given way to curiosity, and the once-strict separation between the two worlds is beginning to disappear. Now, for the first time, humans are being invited into Monstropolis as honored guests on H.U.M.A.N. day.

What's H.U.M.A.N. Day?
H.U.M.A.N. Day, which stands for "Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice" (awww!), is happening the day that you visit Monstropolis. The event serves as a cultural exchange between monsters and humans, celebrating the newfound relationship between the two worlds. Guests visiting Monstropolis will become part of this story, experiencing a city that is opening its doors to humans for the very first time. It's a super cute and seriously clever way for Disney to explain why guests are able to enter a world that was once considered completely off-limits.

​The Department of Human Relations
Of course someoneneeds to be in charge of H.U.M.A.N. day. Enter: HR: Monstropolis' Department of Human Relations.

This organization has been tasked with helping monsters better understand humans and preparing the city to welcome visitors from the human world. The concept adds another layer of world-building and creates opportunities for the kind of storytelling and details Disney fans love discovering throughout the parks.

Exploring the Streets of Monstropolis
Disney has also shared a glimpse of what guests can expect when walking through the new land.

The city will feature bustling streets filled with monster-sized businesses, unique architecture, and recognizable locations from the Monsters, Inc. universe.

Among the locations Disney has confirmed are:

• Harryhausen's (!!!), the famous restaurant featured in the original film. I don't know about you, but I've wanted to eat at Harryhausen's since 2001. Also, I'm going to be seriously sad if this restaurant doesn't include an octopus animatronic. 
• The Glob Theater. I'm wondering if we'll eventually see the Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor moved here. Regardless, I hope that there will be an Easter Egg shout-out to the dearly departed Muppet-Vision 3-D inside the theater (sigh...).
• More storefronts and city buildings that bring Monstropolis to life

Disney appears focused on creating a fully immersive environment that feels like stepping directly into the movie.

Why Disney Fans Are Excited
We have a Monsters, Inc ride at Disney California Adventure (for now...), but it's a stand-alone ride in a back lot. It's nothing like what Monstropolis will be. The combination of immersive storytelling, beloved characters, detailed environments, and Disney's commitment to creating living, breathing worlds has many fans eagerly anticipating what could become one of the most popular areas at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Construction Is Well Underway
Recent images released by Disney show steel structures rising behind construction walls at Disney's Hollywood Studios. While Disney has not announced an opening date, visible progress suggests the project is moving steadily forward. As with many large-scale Disney projects, additional details will likely be revealed over time, including attractions, dining experiences, entertainment offerings, and interactive elements throughout the land. There's hope that more details will be released at the D23 convention in August. 

Stay tuned as well all continue to anxiously await more info (and dream of Harryhausen's sushi).