The entrance to Monstropolis is taking shape at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and there is an interesting departure from the concept art. Aerial photos show concrete formwork tracing a clear curve through the entrance to the upcoming Monsters Inc. Land. The curve sets up an arc that bends the main walkway toward Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It is a small departure from the rendering Disney posted on the construction wall just feet away, but it is the kind of detail worth tracking as the land comes together.
Monstropolis Entrance Construction Curves Toward Galaxy’s Edge
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- A look at the curved entrance path now forming in concrete
- How that curve compares to Disney’s concept art
- The entrance columns rising along the path
AERIAL PHOTOS REVEAL BEND IN ENTRANCE WALKWAY
The clearest view of the work comes from above, in aerial photos from Bioreconstruct that capture the full footprint of the entrance area. A run of wooden concrete forms traces a sweeping arc across the cleared dirt, bending from one side of the site toward the other rather than running straight in. Crews in hi-vis vests were working on the forms when these photos were taken, setting rebar and bracing the edges. The curve is unmistakable from this height, and it is the defining feature of how guests will enter the land.
That curve is the part that caught my eye, because it does not match the concept art. When Disney revealed Monstropolis, the bird’s-eye rendering showed a more straight-on approach into the land, with the brick pathway flowing fairly directly toward a central fountain plaza.
To be fair, concept art isn’t a contract, and it can change. That said, I think that this is a notable departure from the art, and I wonder if there is something else at play here.
MONSTROPOLIS ENTRANCE CONSTRUCTION: COLUMNS TAKE SHAPE
During a recent visit, we noticed crews preparing the entrance columns for a concrete pour. Each column starts as a rebar cage, a tall lattice of vertical steel bars. One photo shows a cage fully exposed at the top, boxed in on two sides by form panels. Form panels already wrap another column nearby, hiding its rebar behind red-railed metal braced with raw lumber kickers.
On the ground, the shift toward Galaxy’s Edge can be felt. In the photo below, we’re standing perpendicular to the entrance, but the columns are pointed noticeably to our right. The columns face toward Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. They almost feel like they’re turning their back on the nearby Ice Cold Hydraulics snack stand. It’s a conscious choice, but why the departure from the concept art?
WHY DOES THE ENTRANCE CURVE TOWARD GALAXY’S EDGE?
Here is the part I find most interesting. The curve noticeably favors the nearby entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The formwork bends toward the nearby tunnel that connects the two lands. A curve that pulls foot traffic that way would smooth the connection between Monstropolis and Galaxy’s Edge, but what about the rest of Grand Avenue? Well, it’s not closed off, but could this pavement bend be part of a larger plan?
If you’ve made it this far into the article, let’s indulge in a bit of speculation. I wouldn’t say that this curved entrance makes for a better visual approach into the land. I don’t think it has to do with any sort of reveal. Instead, what if it’s a very early indication of the future? This is 100% speculation, and more of a gut feeling than anything else. That said, what if there was future development planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios that calls for there to be construction on the northern half of Grand Avenue? We’ve outlined the rough entrance curve in the photo below in red and a possible development area in yellow (or beyond).
With areas like Star Tours and the Indiana Jones Stunt Show nearby, fan speculation has been picking up in recent years, calling for new attractions. While we’re huge fans of the Indiana Jones stunt show, could its days be numbered with a new Indiana Jones ride coming to Animal Kingdom? Star Tours is oddly disconnected from the $1.5 billion Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land. Could it be reimagined in the future?
Adding a curve to the Monstropolis entrance could be a very early indication of future development in this area. Or, it could mean absolutely nothing. That’s the beauty of being a Disney theme park fan and allowing yourself to speculate a bit.
For confirmed details about Monstropolis, check out our reports below, sharing new info from Disney and a recent behind-the-scenes hardhat tour that we were able to attend:
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!