Monstropolis at Disney World: News from D23 2026

Monstropolis at Disney World: News from D23 2026

By: Disney Destinations

During “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” at D23: the Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, Neil Patric Harris brought a few special guests out to tell us about the new sights coming to Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

 

“Welcome to Monstropolis,” written by Disney Legend, Randy Newman, is the first song that Randy has composed for a Disney theme park, and you’ll hear it next year when Monstropolis opens to humans.

 

That’s right, while work continues on the door coaster, parts of Monstropolis will be open to guests in 2027. Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, and Cris Beatty, Vice President, Walt Disney Imagineering, were played onto the stage to talk about the dynamic moments and locations you’d expect to see in Monstropolis.

 

Glob Theater

Chris explained that humas are invited to attend a new show at the Glob Theater, titled “Welcome to Monstropolis,” just like Randy Newman’s new song.

 

Chris also revealed that the monsters in the show will introduce humans to Monstropolis, and highlight how similar monsters and humans really are.

 

“Mike and Sulley will be our hosts,” Chris said. “Sulley has been working on a small, homespun show, but Mike – ever the showman – has a few surprises up his sleve that he thinks will bring down the house. Hopefully and literally.”

Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza

People and monsters all love pizza, and Monstropolis’ top-rated pizza will be your go-to place to grab a slice. Humans may recognize Archie, Fear Tech’s beloved six legged mascot, but after years of being “borrowed” by mischievous MU students, he’s become a fan favorite on both campuses.

 

Monsters University Alumni Club

Head on down for a who’s who of all the student clubs, fraternities, and sororities at MU. Chris said you’ll even find a tribute worth browsing. “Inside the Alumni Club is the elite Scarer’s Club, honoring the school’s legendary scarers from years past.”

 

Scareporium

And you’ll want a little something to commemorate your visit to Monstropolis. The Scareporium, as Chris said, will be,” … a shop where all of us human tourists can grab a great souvenirs to remember our visit.

Harryhausen’s Restaurant

Michael also showed off the dining location everyone has been waiting for, the location of one of Mike and Celia’s most unforgettable dates.

 

With a new menu to lay your eyes on (whether you have one, two, or ten), a visit to Harryhausen’s will spotlight the famed sushi chef, brought to life here as a new Audio-Animatronics figure. Watch his many tentacles whip up delicious-looking Monster-worthy creations, but don’t worry, there’s more than just sushi on the menu.

 

Michel said that it will be, “A menu unlike anything else we offer at Walt Disney World. It will be a great place to bring your Schmoopsie-poo for a romantic meal.

Discovering Monstropolis at Walt Disney World

Monstropolis is starting to take shape as construction continues at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort! Steel rides behind the walls, new details emerge almost daily, and with every milestone, the world of Disney and Pixar’s Monster, Inc. is roaring to life. Through a creative collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering  and Pixar Animation Studios, guests will finally be able to take in all the monstrous sights, tastes, and sounds of Sulley and Mike’s world.

 

But this isn’t just a new land taking shape it’s the beginning of a new story.

Monstropolis – the monster city now powered by laughter – is getting ready to give humans a glimpse of what’s been hidden from the world for generations. Which raises an interesting question: if humans were never meant to enter the monster world … the city’s official newspaper, monsters are talking about a “historic decision” that’s about to seriously mix things up for monster kind.

 

A Laugh That Changed It All

For generations, Monstropolis ran on fear, and not just because the monsters used screams to power their society; monsters were scared of us, too! Humans were seen as dangerous, toxic, and completely off limits. I mean, who could forget the decontamination protocols for a 2319!

 

When James P. Sullivan and Mark Wazowski (you know, with one eye) discovered that human laughter generates far more power than screams, it didn’t just transform the energy crisis, it transformed Monstropolis itself. Fear gave way to curiosity. Caution gave way to connection. And for the first time, the doors separating the monster world from ours no longer felt like barriers.

 

What started as breakthrough inside Monsters, Inc. quickly became something much bigger: a citywide shift in how monsters viewed humans. Scales felt from their eyes – well at least for the monsters with scales to shed.

Enter: The Department of Human Relations

As Monstropolis evolved, so did its connection with the human world. You may hve heard of the HR department, but you haven’t heard of this HR department – the Department of Human Relations. This new team established by the city has been tasked with sinking their teeth – and in some cases, their very BIG teeth – into helping monsters better understand humans into Monstropolis for the very first time. And that invitation has a name.

H.U.M.A.N. Day: A Celebration with a Purpose

H.U.M.A.N. Day, short for “Humans Understanding Monsters Are Nice,” marks a historic milestone for the city. Part celebration, part cultural exchange, the event is designed to introduce humans to life inside Monstropolis while helping monsters discover that humans are not so frightening after all. Now that’s something to smarl – ahem, smile about!

 

Human guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way. For the first time, two worlds once separated are meeting face to scaley, furry, and fang-filled face – brought together not by screams but by laughter.

Exploring the Streets of Monstropolis

As more of Monstropolis comes into view, one thing is clear: move over, cities of the human world! Monstropolis is going to be the next big vacation destination!

 

Storefronts line the streets, industries hum alongside every life, and every corner reflects the quirky, character filled world fans fell in love with. And of course, it wouldn’t be Monstropolis without a few iconic stops along the way. Places like Harryhausen’s – yes, THAT legendary restaurant monsters line up for – and Glob Theater help bring the city to life, adding even more personality, energy, and can’t-miss moments around every corner.

 

There’s still plenty more to uncover, so keep an eye or two (or six or eight!) for more details as Monstropolis gets ready to roll out the welcome mat on H.U.M.A.N. Day in 2027.

Two Piston Peak Rides Coming to Magic Kingdom Announced at D23

Two Piston Peak Rides Coming to Magic Kingdom Announced at D23

By Disney Destinations

 

New details have been revealed about the high-octane attractions and spectacular scenery coming to Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom!

Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along

Making its public debut, the second attraction coming to Piston Peak was announced: Miss Fritter’s Spin-Along.

Inspired by the “Diva of Demolition” from Cars 3, the ride will feature Miss Fritter as a School-bus-Sized animatronic who hosts a stampeding bash at her “wildest demolition derby yet.”

Cars Ridge Run Rally

Further details were also revealed around the Piston Peak’s previously announced racing attraction. On Cars Ridge Rally, racers will travel through the rugged beauty of America’s national parks, including a climb up Piston Peak itself, where an icy, snow-covered mountaintop awaits.

 

After reaching the top, racers will plummet down for a camelback descent and later navigate an exhilarating geyser field. The race ends by circling the Old Tankful geyser before a sprint to the finish line where Lightning McQueen and Mater are covering the race live on Racing Sports Network.

Revolutionary Ride Technology and Construction

Cars Ridge Run Rally will debut a completely new ride vehicle, designed not to simulate an off-road car, but to be one. The attraction design is unlike the typical theme park system, and guests will “feel every bump, drop, and rock because the vehicle’s tires and suspension are truly driving over a reacting to them.”

Piston Peak National Park Builds on the Story of Frontierland

Cars from around the country are fueling up to be the wildest racer in the “wheelderness.” Of course, we know that fans are curious to see how the exciting new backdrop for the big rally race will fit into the waters, landscapes, and storytelling at Magic Kingdom. Piston Peak National Park will continue the sweeping storytelling tradition that has crossed Liberty Square and Frontierland since opening day.

 

Westward Ho! Crossing into the New Frontiers at Magic Kingdom

Since the early days of Magic Kingdom, adventurous guests have traveled across space and time as they pass from Liberty Square and Frontierland. Starting with architectural influences from upstate New York and colonial America in Liberty Square, before traveling to a bear-y fun center in the North Woods, a stop by New Orleans at Tian’s Bayou Adventure, and ending in the Arizona bluff at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

 

At the heart of all these stories are heroic characters with a belief in themselves that help forge a path to their dreams. To continue this journey in great American storytelling, Piston Peak National Park will be part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom.

 

Welcome to Piston Peak National Park

Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers. While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.

 

From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged Mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.

Tomorrowland in Disneyland Park to be Reimagined

Tomorrowland in Disneyland Park to be Reimagined

By Disney Destinations

Yesterday’s tomorrow, today! On stage during the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress Disney experiences showcase Chairman Thomas Mazloum announced some very exciting news for Disneyland Resort: a reimagining of Tomorrowland in Disneyland park is in the works!

 

The transformation of Tomorrowland will honor the legacy of the original land while reimagining its future. Disneyland Resort will strive to preserve what guests cherish most, while also introducing new experiences and possibilities for the next generation of fans.

 

Walt Disney Imagineers are already beginning to dream up the next chapter of innovation and storytelling for Tomorrowland with new attractions, more open spaces and new places for Disneyland guests to dream about the future. The plans for Tomorrowland will restore the spirit of optimism, innovation and possibility that inspired Walt Disney to create “a vista into the world of wonderous ideas…” in 1955 and have defined the land for decades.

 

We cannot wait to reveal more about the plans for the transformation of Tomorrowland in the years ahead!

Delightfully Bewitching New Details about Villians Land at Magic Kingdom

Delightfully Bewitching New Details about Villians Land at Magic Kingdom

By Disney Destinations

Magic Mirror on the wall, which land is the most menacing and magnificent of them all? This question was answered during the Disney Experiences showcase, Horizons: A Carousel of Progress.

 

Villains Land will bring a devious and dark “magic” to the Magic Kingdon, while managing to be cohesive with the storytelling of the broader park.

What is the Storyline of Villains Land?

References from classic characters from Walt Disney animation Studios will inspire Villains Land, while the overarching story is a brand new, original take on those iconic villains. The Magic kingdom invites you into a fairytale and Villains Land is no exception…

 

In many fairytales, the real journey begins when you stray from the safe path and instead turn towards the vast, foreboding forest. If you dare enter the forest of Villains Land, you may soon come across a Wishing Well that’s been torn asunder. Under most circumstances, a Wishing Well would indicate pure and good energy at work, but something dark happened to this one. Once upon a time, someone made an evil wish here – a wish so evil it corrupted the stone and broke oopen the structure, spreading the Well’s poisoned magic through the forest.

 

This sinister setting is tempting for those with wicked intentions, so, one by one, the villains have come here to try and claim the last of the Wishing Well’s power. Villains Land will be shaped by those who have used the dark magic to conjure the perfect new lairs for themselves. These mighty fortresses and gleaming palaces not only reflect the personality of the villains who own the, they invite guests into a tantalizing treasure trove of treats, trinkets, and more temptations. The size and scale were compared to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, so there will be no shortage of space to explore and enjoy a bit of mischievous fun.

 

Villains Land will have two major attractions, in addition to shops and restaurants.

Maleficent Coaster in Villains Land

The first is an exhilarating coaster experience, where guests will come face-to-face with the Mistress of All Evil herself, Maleficent. Guests will race through enchanted briar surrounding her frightening mountaintop fortress – if you’re feeling brave enough to answer her invitation. This coaster will include elements they’ve never attempted before on similar attractions, so it is set to be a truly groundbreaking project.

Mirror Realm Dark Ride in Villains Land

                                                                                                 

There’s a second headlining attraction of Villains Land: a ride featuring a whole array of your favorite Disney Villains – hosted by the Magic Mirror.

 

Guests will find the Magic Mirror when the Evil Queen keeps him in the catacomby beneath her pristine palace. After making their way to him, he’ll magically transport you into his mystical Mirror Realm to see things on the other side of the mirror. There, in his ethereal real, guests will be transfixed by countless Disney Villains conjured in ways only the Magic Mirror can do. A combination of special effects and physical set pieces will bring his Mirror Realm – and these iconic Villains – to life.

 

 

Disney Cruise Line D23 Announcements from Horizons Panel!

Disney Cruise Line D23 Announcements from Horizons Panel!

Some information is not exactly new as it has been out for a while or could be seen from ship itineraries at the end of posted itineraries.

Things Already known:

• It was reiterated, there will be 13 ships in the Disney Fleet by 2030, 1 year earlier than originally expected!
• DCL will double its ships in California sailing out of San Diego.
• Wish will go to Europe for the first time for the Summer of 2027.
• Magic and Wonder will go to Alaska, Summer of 2027.
• They will double the number of ships sailing out of San Diego, California.
• They announced the new class of ships that will start joining the fleet in 2029.
• 2 in 2029 and 1 in 2030.
• The new ships will allow DCL to go to new ports.

Here is the Tesser Video from D23 about the new ships.

DCL New Class of Ships

News on Believe:

Bow Art will be Tinker Bell! Fitting since we just lost the real Tinker Bell, Margaret Kerry a couple months ago.

Stern Characters will be Buzz and Woody from Toy Story writing Believe with Crayons!

Grand Hall Statue will be Moana!

More information will be given tomorrow.

 

I believe that tomorrow they may announce the theme of the 3^rd Main dining Restaurant and maybe Maiden Voyage Date. Honestly, I believe the Maiden Voyage Date, Homeport and general itineraries will be given during the Grand Revel, October 7^th. I don’t think much more will be said about Believe.

 

I think tomorrow they may announce more ships ordered, but I could be wrong. I will follow up tomorrow.

What is the Expected Lifespan of a Cruise Ship?

What is the Expected Lifespan of a Cruise Ship?

To be honest the expected lifespan of a cruise ship is 30 years. What happens next is up to the cruise line that owns it. Disney Magic will turn 30 in 2028 and Disney Wonder shortly thereafter in 2029. What is going to happen to them? Honestly, we don’t know. When will the ships retire? Again, we just don’t know.

 

Here are the options:

• Many cruise lines are sold off to a lower quality cruise line. They go to an extended dry dock for a complete inspection and the ship is completely reworked. They are cleaned up, renamed and rechristened.
• Scrap the ship for whatever you can get for the parts and components.
• They may sink the ship to make a new coral reef.
• There is a 4^th option that cruise lines have not availed themselves of but there are rumors about Disney doing it. None of these rumors are from a source who can verify this. I have heard enough to know Disney has heard about this idea and is possibly considering it. The 4^th option is to turn it into a seaside hotel docked somewhere.

 

Lets go back to when will they retire. I personally believe Disney will keep the ships sailing as long as possible. They will balance the cost of maintenance, standard operating expenses against the money earned continuing to use the ships. If they see if it is worth keeping them going rather than retiring them they will. Just because they can keep them going does not make it financially wise.

 

I strongly believe Disney is already looking at the ships last and maybe next standard, legally required, drydock/maintenance reports to make the decision. These drydock checks happen every 5 years. Magic had her last one May of this year. She will not be due for another drydock until 2031. So, I believe we will know about Magic’s fate around that time. They may already know it is time to retire her. That could be why the construction timeline of new ships was sped up. Disney Wonder had her last drydock in 2024. Wonder will be due for her next drydock until 2029. We will know then if she will retire or not.

 

If both ships pass inspection and dealing with maintenance and desired upgrades is not too expensive DCL may keep them running until the next Drydock inspection. I believe as long as they pass inspection they will keep them running. I can see Magic sailing until 2031 or 2036 and Wonder continuing her travels until 2034 or maybe longer. We will have to see.

 

I’ll be honest I’d love to see the two sisters eventually retired and turned into seaside hotels. Host them like a cruise ship. You can check in or out on a schedule like the ships normal Itinerary. Check in on Fri and check out Monday. Check in on Monday and out on Friday. Have the shows in the theater like you do at sea. Deck Parties, all ship board entertainment as normal. The Kids Clubs would be open and Rotational Dining would be served. They could even offer Port Adventures to local places. You can stay on the ship or go explore during the day. Totally up to the guest.

 

Having them as a hotel would allow people to experience the fun of a Disney Cruise without sailing. This would be good for people who are afraid of sailing. It would be great for those with medical conditions that do not allow for sailing away from shore. It would be wonderful for those who get seasick! Everyone could experience what a Disney Cruise is like, or at least get a sample.

 

 

What Do We Know About Disney Cruise Line West Coast and Alaska Expansion?

What Do We Know About Disney Cruise Line West Coast and Alaska Expansion?

There are people saying that DCL is not planning on continuing past 2031 or so sailing out of San Diego or the West Coast. Information I read shows DCL is committed until at least 2040 to sailing out of the West Coast and to Alaska.

 

Here is what we know for sure:

·       2025 DCL signed a contract with Avalon, Catalina Island, Ca for preferred portage that will include 2 stops at Catalina Island each week min-September to mid-May and 1 stop per week mid-May to mid-September. This starts mid-September 2027. The original contract expires in 2030 but can be extended with 2 five-year renewals until 2040. Magic and Wonder are specifically named but there is a clause for a unnamed ship(s) to be added. This shows a strong commitment to the West Coast, Baja and Southern California sailings.

·       2026 DCL signed a contract with the Port of San Diego, Ca to have up to 2 ships calling San Diego home port. This contract will expire in 2031 and has no stipulation for extension but that does not mean it could not be extended. This shows at least a limited commitment to San Diego that could be extended.

·       2026 DCL and Icey Straight, Alaska announced a contract had been signed that gave DCL preferred portage there once per week. This contract expires in 2040. This shows long term commitment to Alaska.

 

What does this mean for 2028 and beyond?

• ·       2027 & 2028 DCL will have Magic and Wonder do mid-September to mid-May, Mexico 3, 4, 5, & 7-Night cruises with stops at Catalina Island.
• ·       Summer 2028 is a question mark. This season is completely up for speculation. New Itineraries coming out soon may give some answers. For the past several years DCL has had both Magic and Wonder in Alaska. Mid-May to Mid-September we do know 1 ship MUST stay in San Diego. It will have to be Magic or Wonder. I am assuming it to be Magic due to the fact Wonder was retrofitted back in 2011 to make her more comfortable for guests in Alaska. They could bring a 3^rd ship from the East Coast and take it to Alaska, but it cannot port at San Diego. San Diego has a limit of 3,000 guests per cruise ship. It cannot handle a ship with 4,000+ guests unless it is an emergency. At this time, only Magic and Wonder are currently under 3,000 guests. They carry 2,400-2,600 depending on what source you look at.

With this information about San Diego limits on ship size, I see a couple options for 2029:

• ·       Only one ship goes to Alaska while the other stays in San Diego. I will assume Magic will stay in San Diego.
• ·       They bring a 3^rd ship from the East Coast through the Panama Canale and stop at Port of Los Angeles or Long Beach and sail from there to Alaska. They may or may not do a couple cruises out of the Port of Los Angeles or Long Beach while there. This could be either a Dream or Wish-Class ship. Magic would stay in San Diego and Wonder will go to Alaska. This would allow them to maintain 2 ships in Alaska and still have one in San Diego.

 

What could happen beyond 2029?

• ·       2029 the first 2 of the 5^th-Midsize-Class of ship will join the Disney fleet. I am assuming the first will be added before mid-May of 2029. I’m guessing this because there are 2 ships of the same class being released in 2029. The new ship can dock in San Diego or even go to Alaska. That means it is a toss up who stays in San Diego.
• ·       2030/31 may be a sad year for us DCL fans, especially those of us who love the Classic Ships, Magic and Wonder. A Cruise Ships expected lifespan is 30 years. Magic turns 30 in 2028 and Wonder in 2029. It is possible they will retire these ships from the fleet. To be honest I think Disney can keep them going until mid 2030’s. If they do retire then I think 2 of the newest ships being released in 2029 will take their place here in California with the 3^rd being here in the summer months. I’ll share more on this is another post.
• ·       2031 may have some new things happening. If DCL does not renew the contract with San Diego they may move the ships to the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach or even the Port of San Francisco. I’m opting for LA or Long Beach more than San Francisco. If they do this then any ship of the Disney Fleet can be here in California.
• ·       If my thoughts are right the West Coast Disney Cruise Fans will have BRAND new ships to sail!! West Coast may also have it’s first Christening and Maiden Voyage when the newest ships arrive. Only time will tell!! Maybe D23 will give us more information.