As a long-time Disney enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours wandering the magical realms of Disneyland and Walt Disney World, I must say that I find myself both excited and saddened by the potential changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
As a devoted fan, I eagerly anticipate the D23 Expo’s bi-annual reveal of exciting news across Disney’s expansive universe. However, with each new addition to the roster of upcoming Walt Disney World attractions, there lingers a sense of unease—the specter of an attraction being potentially axed.
A notable example arises from Disney’s plans to open Monsters Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios in the coming months. This is quite significant, as suggested by the initial sketches. However, progress often demands sacrifices, and some critics argue that the closure of MuppetVision 3D is the current trade-off. I, however, believe a more disheartening situation is unfolding, and such changes could deal a devastating blow to the historical significance of what was initially known as Disney MGM Studios.
What Are The Plans For The New Monsters Inc. Land In Disney’s Orlando Park
According to Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman, plans for a whole area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been unveiled, which will be themed around the 2001 Pixar animated film. This section promises the signature immersion synonymous with Disney Parks, and artistic representations depict Monstropolis inhabitants, both human and monster, coexisting harmoniously.
The main highlight of the proposed Monsters Inc. territory is set to feature the “first-ever suspended coaster in any Disney park,” providing thrill-seekers with an excursion featuring the iconic flying doors from Monsters Inc. This was likely every child’s dream back in 2001, and I must admit it looks quite intriguing. However, I don’t believe it justifies replacing MuppetVision 3D. Frankly, I find it surprising that the idea of removing MuppetVision 3D as a precursor to a new Hollywood Studios attraction was ever suggested.
Why I’m Not Totally Convinced Monsters Inc. Will Wipe Out MuppetVision 3D
There’s one key factor that I think will spare the Animal-style outrage over MuppetVision 3D and its potential extinction. That’s the fact that The Walt Disney Company actually owns this classic Jim Henson -created brand. If it was a case of a property being licensed from another studio or legendary rock band, I could see the fear.
For now, let’s pause our discussion on that topic, since there are two important aspects to consider regarding MuppetVision 3D. First, it’s an indoor attraction, meaning it operates regardless of weather conditions. Secondly, a seat replacement project was carried out at the end of 2023. These factors suggest that closing down the last Muppet project Jim Henson worked on before his death might not be necessary.
As of now, I’m relieved that The Muppets seem secure for the time being. That said, it’s high time I dusted off my map and took a closer look at some classic Disney Parks attractions that, from what I hear, might be facing an uncertain future.
The Disney Hollywood Studios Corner I’m Afraid Monsters Inc. Land Will Take Over
If you’re at all curious about changes happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I’d like to bring up the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith as a potential attraction that might disappear to make space. There have been whispers of a possible retheme for quite some time now, and with the band Aerosmith, led by Steven Tyler, announcing their retirement from performing this year, it appears that the future of this ride could be in doubt.
The door-hanging coaster seems to be an ideal swap for the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, as it brings to mind the structure of this Monsters Inc attraction initially. However, this switch might pave the way for a less pleasant situation, considering the potential impact on the entire Sunset Boulevard area.
On Grand Avenue, where MuppetVision 3D resides, it’s clear that Sunset Boulevard is significantly larger in size. Notably, a structure as high as the Monsters Inc. offices suggests that The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror may have a limited future ahead.
The strengthening of this theory becomes more evident when considering how Disney’s California Adventure swapped its previous feature for Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, and also acknowledging that the Rod Serling intellectual property is leased from CBS. If those two significant attractions were removed, only Fantasmic!, the Beauty and the Beast stage show, and a Cars attraction would remain. These remaining options could be perceived as either outdated or repetitive.
Disney Hollywood Studios Hasn’t Been Shy About Moving Away From Its Roots
As a gamer immersed in this magical world, I can feel the shift happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sunset Boulevard is now undergoing a transformation that aligns perfectly with the evolving mission statement. This corner, reminiscent of the old Disney MGM Studios, is just one more piece falling into place. The park’s name change, and the influx of IP-driven attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, have been clear indicators that times are indeed changing.
Moving forward with the shift away from the park’s original Hollywood influence, it seems fitting to place Monsters Inc. attractions in this area instead. However, there’s another part of Hollywood Studios that could be transformed more effortlessly without affecting either Grand Avenue or Sunset Boulevard.
Could Introduce Monsters Inc. Be Introduced Without Shelving A Major Attraction?
It appears that Sunset Boulevard could be the more practical area for renovation, however, reports from The Wrap hint at another potential site. Inside the Animation Courtyard, where once stood an actual animation studio, now lies a transitional space between Sunset Boulevard and Toy Story Land. Given that the main attraction is Star Wars Launch Bay (excluding a Joffrey’s Coffee stand), this area seems to be the most likely candidate for change.
Arranging Disney/Pixar attractions together seems as harmonious as combining chocolate and peanut butter. If the new land is part of an effort to modernize Disney’s Hollywood Studios, then redesigning Animation Courtyard aligns well with that objective. However, rumors from a recent report hint that the New York backlot in Grand Avenue might be up for replacement at a lower cost, which raises additional questions about how much space this attraction requires to achieve its aims.
To my friends, it seems we might be witnessing another indication that the golden age of classic Hollywood nostalgia could be fading at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While it’s worth noting that Disney Parks as a whole aren’t exempt from such changes, with even the Magic Kingdom retiring original attractions to make way for the new Cars rides, and more transformations are expected in the upcoming Villains section to bring it to life.
But there’s a very real reprieve that could be in the works for Sunset Boulevard and its vintage charms, as well as The Muppets and their 3D spectacular. In any case, if Disney’s Hollywood Studios is going to remove its classic charm once and for all, I want to make a simple request of the folks at Disney Parks: may I please have The Rocketeer helmet and jetpack stashed away at Peevy’s Polar Pipeline? I promise to only use it for the forces of good.
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2024-08-31 04:37