Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a new behind-the-scenes look at how their teams use virtual and augmented reality to develop upcoming Disney Parks attractions. The latest video highlights Welcome to Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc.stage show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2027.
While construction continues on the new land, Imagineers can already step inside a virtual version of the experience!
How Imagineers Use Virtual Reality
In the video, Francesca, a Media & Art Pipeline Developer at Walt Disney Imagineering, explains how her team uses Unreal Engine, a 3D game development platform, to create detailed digital previews of attractions and entertainment. Her team works with show set designers, mechanical engineers, ride teams, and show programmers to combine their individual projects into one virtual environment.
This allows Imagineers to see an entire attraction working together, including lighting, animation, show timing, media, and Audio-Animatronics figures, before crews begin installing the finished elements.
According to Francesca, this is often the first opportunity for the different creative teams to experience an attraction in its entirety.
An interesting feature allows Imagineers to adjust their viewing height while wearing a virtual reality headset. They can experience the show from a child’s perspective or see what taller guests will encounter, helping designers identify potential sightline problems before construction.
What’s Coming to Monstropolis in 2027?
Welcome to Monstropolis will debut inside the Glob Theater, which takes over the former Muppet*Vision 3D location. The new live stage show will feature Mike, Sulley, and other familiar monsters, along with an original song by Randy Newman.
The surrounding Monstropolis land will also introduce several new experiences, including:
- Monsters, Inc. Flying Door Coaster: Disney’s first suspended roller coaster, inspired by the door vault sequence from the original film.
- Harryhausen’s: A table-service restaurant inspired by the sushi restaurant from Monsters, Inc.
- Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza: A quick-service restaurant inspired by Monsters University.
- The Scareporium: A new merchandise location.
Disney plans to open Monstropolis in phases beginning in 2027, with the roller coaster arriving later.
John and Corey from The DIS and Dreams Unlimited Travel recently went on an exclusive hard hat tour of Monstropolis construction, watch/listen for more on what they saw!
