Five new arches have been installed on the former PizzeRizzo facade at Disney's Hollywood Studios as construction continues on the new Monstropolis themed land. Crew members were observed actively working on the arches over the restaurant's patio area on Friday, 24th April.
The installation marks visible progress in transforming the former Muppets Courtyard into a Monsters Inc. themed area. PizzeRizzo closed alongside MuppetVision 3D in June 2025, with the restaurant's billboard removed later that year.
What changes are happening to the former Muppets Courtyard?
The entire Muppets Courtyard area is being reimagined as Monstropolis, bringing Pixar's Monsters Inc. franchise to Hollywood Studios. The former PizzeRizzo building has seen multiple transformations over the years, having previously operated as Toy Story Pizza Planet Arcade before its 2016 conversion to the Muppets-themed restaurant.
The five newly installed arches suggest significant structural changes to the building's exterior. However, Disney has not revealed what purpose the former restaurant will serve in the completed Monstropolis land.
What attractions will Monstropolis include?
The centrepiece of Monstropolis will be a new door coaster constructed in the former backstage Cast Member car park. This attraction will mark two firsts for Disney: the company's first suspended coaster and first vertical lift coaster.
Mama Melrose's restaurant will also transform as part of the development, becoming Harryhausen's with a Monsters Inc. theme. The fate of the MuppetVision 3D theatre building remains unconfirmed.
When will Monstropolis open at Hollywood Studios?
Disney has not announced an opening date for Monstropolis or its door coaster attraction. The ongoing construction work, including the recent arch installation, indicates the project is progressing, but guests await official timing details.
The PizzeRizzo Monstropolis transformation represents a significant shift for this corner of Hollywood Studios. The area's longstanding Muppets presence is making way for the popular Pixar property, though several details about the final configuration remain unconfirmed.
