When Walt Disney Parks and Experiences announced a brand new inverted Monsters Inc. roller coaster coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests were immediately wondering where the new attraction and accompanying Monstropolis land was going to go. Many initially feared that the Monsters would be moving into the spot currently occupied by Jim Henson’s Muppetvision 3D and the surrounding Grand Avenue area that marks the entrance to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
A screenshot of Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios via DocumentDisney YouTUbe
But on a recent livestream episode of the Tammy Tuckey Show, a former longtime Disney animator who worked in the Disney’s Hollywood Studios animation studio from 1989 to 2001 seemed to confirm that it would be the former animation studio and Star Wars Launch Bay shutting its doors rather than the beloved Muppet attraction.
The animator in question, Laurie Ashbourne Sacks, started in the animation studio when it first opened in what was then known as Disney’s MGM Studios in 1989. Starting her career in the paint department, Sacks worked on animated classics like The Little Mermaid. She eventually moved on to animation check during the production of Beauty and The Beast, where she would check the quality of animation cells before they were sent off to the California studio. She continued to divide her time between Orlando and California until 2001, leaving partway through production on Lilo and Stitch.
During the conversation, Sacks let slip that she received word just last week that the animation studio building would soon be demolished. This can be heard in the clip below.
“News just came down last week that they’re tearing down the entire structure,” she said. They’ve obviously moved animation out to make room for Star Wars in the park. But even the new building, they’re getting rid of [it].”
She then adds that there hasn’t been an official announcement of this yet, insinuating that this is insider information. When another panelist asks if this is for the Monsters Inc ride, Sacks confirms that it is.
A screenshot of Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios via DocumentDisney YouTUbe
Before Muppet fans the world over breathe a collective sigh of relief, it’s important to remember that there has been no official word from Disney on this yet, so That Park Place is taking this as a strong rumor at this point.
Many believed that the Monsters Inc. attraction would replace Muppetvision because the official concept art released by Disney showed an area that resembled parts of Grand Avenue, with one building even looking an awful lot like the façade of Pizzerizzo, the quick service eatery directly across from the Muppet theater. Many decried this potential move by Disney as Muppetvision 3D is one of the very last projects created directly by Jim Henson in which he performs the iconic role of Kermit the Frog.
A screenshot of Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios via DocumentDisney YouTUbe
READ: Will Disney DESTROY The Last Bit Of Jim Henson’s Legacy With Monsters Inc. At Hollywood Studios?
The animation studio in Disney’s Hollywood Studios was once a working animation studio in the backlot of the theme park. This studio produced classic films like Mulan, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and The Beast, and many more. It became part of an attraction in the Animation Courtyard called The Magic of Disney Animation. There, guests could take a tour of the studio and look in on the animators through windows in a space they referred to as “The Fish Bowl.”
The animation studio was closed in 2004 and The Magic of Disney Animation attraction was closed in 2015 to make way for the Star Wars Launch Bay. The Launch Bay is a Star Wars themed area displaying models of vehicles, locations, and lightsabers from the movies and TV shows. It also houses four character meet and greet locations, including Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and BB-8, along with a special Disney Visa cardholder exclusive photo experience.
Concept art for Monsters Inc. Land via Disney Parks Blog
There is also a replica of the Mos Eisley Cantina from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope where guests used to be able to meet Jawas and stormtroopers on a daily basis. An art gallery and gift shop were also once a part of the space, however they were closed down some time ago. The Launch Bay was also once home to the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party. This allowed guests to dine alongside stormtroopers on a dessert buffet and charcuterie before receiving priority viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and projection show that has since been discontinued.
The Launch Bay was once seen as a sort of placeholder for guests waiting for the opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. But since the themed land opened in 2019, many have felt as though it no longer serves a purpose.
Concept art for Monsters Inc. Land via Disney Parks Blog
If Monsters Inc. does take over the Animation Courtyard as this rumor would suggest, then it would replace The Star Wars Launch Bay, the former site of Disney Junior Live on Stage, which has been converted to a dance party location for kids, a few gift shops, and some character meet and greet locations with Disney Junior favorites.
What do you think about the Animation Courtyard as the potential site for Monsters Inc.? Do you believe that Disney is really leaving The Muppets alone? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
Marvin The Movie Monster Montanaro is a YouTube commentator and personality specializing in movies, TV, video games, and professional wrestling. He can be found on his channels Tooney Town TV and Tooney Town Wrestling with daily content and weekly livestreams. He can also be found on That Game Place, the That Park Place video game channel.
NEXT: Disney Cuts Funding For Cast Member Aspire Program For Higher Education
