Why We're Already Worried About the HUGE Changes at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is in the midst of a massive transformation that has us both excited, and, if we’re honest, just a bit worried about the next few years at the park.

Over the next year, the park that began life as the Disney-MGM Studios almost 40 years ago will be undergoing massive construction projects at not one, not two, but three different corners of the park. Over my 30+ years visiting Disney theme parks, I’ve seen a lot of construction and refurbishment projects; however, I can’t recall too many instances of so many projects on this scale occurring in the same park at the same time, and all of this construction has me somewhat concerned.

Before we dive into those worries, a quick rundown of everything coming to Hollywood Studios.

Monstroplis Rising

Earlier this year, Disney sent Muppets fans into mourning with the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo (as well as the entirety of the former Muppet Courtyard area) to make way for the construction of the new Monsters, Inc.-themed land that was announced at the 2024 D23 Ultimate Fan Event.

The land is set to replicate the setting of Monstropolis from the Pixar film, and will be headlined by the LONG-rumored “Door Coaster.” This suspended coaster — the first such ride in Disney’s catalogue — will take guests through a full-scale recreation of the film’s iconic door factory sequence. The land is also scheduled to include a new theater show and the requisite themed dining and shopping. However, Muppet fans need not despair for too long…

Ready to Rock with the Muppets

Across the park, 2026 will see the closure of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and a construction and refurbishment project that will transform the E-Ticket into a Muppet-themed thrill ride.

The reworked coaster will revolve around Muppet band the Electric Mayhem performing a concert in Hollywood – taking over from the “Bad Boys of Boston” — while the Muppets have taken over G-Force records, as featured in a new pre-show. The exterior of the building will even be “Muppetized” as the iconic guitar will receive a new paint job. The project is expected to conclude in 2026.

Returning to its MGM Roots

In between the two, there’s a third ongoing project at the park, one which is a bit of a callback to its studio roots. The Animation Courtyard area, including Star Wars Launch Bay and Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance, shuttered on September 25th, to be reworked into a mini-replica of the Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, set to open in 2026.

The primary attraction in the area will be a new version of the Magic of Disney Animation, which those who’ve been visiting the park for decades, like myself, fondly remember as a cornerstone of the original MGM Studios experience. Some of the elements of the attraction that the AllEars team and I are most excited about include:

Theming based on the Emmy-winning Once Upon a Studio short that celebrated Disney’s 100th Anniversary. This will include “moving” portraits, as well as character meet & greets.

Sketch classes, where guests will be able to draw their own favorite Disney characters, similar to the original Animation Academy. This might be the most similar to the classic Studios park.
The Drawn to Wonderland playground, which will feature an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all designed in the style of Disney Legend Mary Blair.

Overall, the complex is going to be a family-friendly (including the aforementioned playground), air-conditioned area. Spaces like these are always welcome in Disney Parks!
The return of a version of the Sorcerer Hat! The new area will recreate the facade of the Roy Disney building on the Burbank lot, which includes a recreation of Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat! Of course, a different version of the hate was once the icon of Hollywood Studios.

So, Why Are We Worried?!

So, why are we worried? Well, this is A LOT of construction to be happening at once, and it’s certainly going to impact park operations. This holds especially true for the Monsters, Inc. construction project, as that work is right next to the entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, leading to bottleneck issues as well as crowding in Toy Story Land near the other Galaxy’s Edge entrance.

We will likely see an even larger increase in wait times once Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closes as well, which will put more wear and pressure on rides like Slinky Dog, Tower of Terror, and Rise of the Resistance. Lightning Lanes may really be your best help here to alleviate some of those long wait times!

Several massive construction projects are about to converge on Hollywood Studios over the next few months, which may lead to issues moving around the park. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Hollywood Studios.