Horizons Showcase: Monstropolis

Today during “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, Neil Patrick Harris brought a few special guests out to tell us about the new sights coming soon 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 open to guests in 2027. Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, and Chris 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.

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

Chris 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 sleeve that he thinks will bring down the house. Hopefully not literally.”

What could go wrong?

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.

Next door, the Monsters University Alumni Club has also opened its doors to human visitors eating at Archie’s.

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.”

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 souvenir to remember our visit.”

Michael also showed off the dining location we have all 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.

Michael 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.”

Monstropolis is starting to take shape as construction continues at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort! Steel rises behind the walls, new details emerge almost daily, and with every milestone, the world of Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, 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 their world for generations. Which raises an interesting question: if humans were never meant to enter the monster world … why are the doors finally opening to us?

As it turns out, the answer is already making headlines in the city of Monstropolis. Through the pages of the Monstropolis Horn, the city’s official newspaper, monsters are talking about a “historic decision” that’s about to seriously mix things up for monster kind.

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

As Monstropolis evolved, so did its connection with the human world. You may have heard of the HR department, but you haven’t heard of this HR department … that’s right, I’m talking about 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 as welcomed guests.

The newly instated department has been spearheading a moment that was once thought impossible: inviting humans into Monstropolis for the very first time. And that invitation has a name.

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 snarl – 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 scaly, furry, and fang-filled face – brought together not by screams, but by laughter.

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 everyday 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 the 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!) on the Disney Parks Blog for more details as Monstropolis gets ready to roll out the welcome mat on H.U.M.A.N. Day in 2027.