Walt Disney Imagineers have officially announced Dark Avenue for Monstropolis at Disney's Hollywood Studios — and they've also shared an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the work happening behind the construction walls.
Dark Avenue in Monstropolis
Dark Avenue is the main street that will lead guests to the Monsters, Inc. factory, which will house the land's featured suspended door coaster. The avenue will be home to several restaurants, shopping, and more — making it the heart of the new Monstropolis land.
Behind the Construction Walls
Imagineers offered a closer look at the thematic details being installed throughout the land, including pillars, teeth, and much more. To give Monstropolis a believable sense of place, the team drew inspiration from how real cities develop over time — bringing together different eras and "monster-fying" them into a cohesive world.
Rather than recreating animated structures directly from the films, Imagineers explained that they took details and scenes from the Monsters, Inc. movies and placed them into the context of how a city would organically grow. The goal is to create spaces influenced by the animated films, not simply a replica of them.
The team also consulted with Pixar to learn more about the buildings in the world of Monstropolis — including details like weight capacity and structural supports, since monsters are, after all, very heavy creatures. And because monsters come in all shapes and sizes, Imagineers have worked to create different-sized doors throughout the land.
Guests will also notice the windows of Monstropolis, which are similar to human windows but feature monster-inspired details like teeth, horns, and eyes — details designed to pull guests right into the story from the moment they arrive.
To make sure no detail is missed when real structures are built, Imagineers have created realistic mock-ups of pillars, arches, and more. And beyond the architecture, the team is also working on graphics, music, smells, and other elements that bring a land fully to life.
What Else Is Coming to Monstropolis?
Monstropolis has taken over the former Muppets Courtyard, with a new coaster show building added as an expansion into what was previously a backstage Cast Member parking lot. The door coaster will be Disney's first-ever suspended coaster and first vertical lift coaster.
The Glob theater — which previously housed Muppet Vision 3-D — will be home to a new show officially called Welcome to Monstropolis! With Sulley & Mike, featuring an original song from musician and composer Randy Newman.
Mama Melrose's will be transformed into Harryhausen's, the restaurant visited by characters in the first Monsters, Inc. film. The land will also feature additional shopping and dining venues.
Monstropolis is set to open in phases beginning next year, though no specific opening date has been announced.
Other Topics Covered by Imagineers
- Piston Peak balloon tests
- Tropical Americas architecture
- Augmented Reality at Lakeshore Lodge
- Fake palm trees for the Encanto casita
What do you think about the construction progress at Monstropolis? We'd love to hear your thoughts!