Hollywood Studios Construction Sees Removal of Muppets Water Tower for Monstropolis

Another Piece of Muppets Courtyard Disappears as Monstropolis Takes Shape at Hollywood Studios

The transformation of Muppets Courtyard into Monstropolis is picking up steam at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and another familiar piece of the area has officially vanished. The water tower that once sat atop Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has now been removed, marking yet another visible step in the land’s ongoing overhaul.

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This particular tower was perched on the corner of the restaurant’s brick façade, a subtle but recognizable part of the skyline for longtime fans of the area. With Mama Melrose’s set to become Harryhausen’s from Monsters, Inc., the removal signals just how dramatically this space is being reimagined. The future restaurant is expected to feature a bold new exterior inspired by the film, including oversized chopsticks holding an eyeball, which is about as Monstropolis as it gets.

This is not the first tower to come down recently, either. Another nearby water tower was removed just last week, leaving only a couple still standing for now. The tower above Gonzo’s Royal Flush, the former Muppets-themed restrooms, will remain but is currently surrounded by scaffolding as it gets re-themed. Meanwhile, a more distant tower near PizzeRizzo is still barely visible, though concept art suggests it will also be removed and replaced in a different location as construction progresses.

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Beyond the towers, the land is undergoing a full-scale transformation. Brickwork has been stripped from parts of Gonzo’s Royal Flush, revealing structural framing beneath as crews prep for a completely new look. Over at the former MuppetVision 3D theater, preparations are underway for its transformation into “The Glob,” with new marquee elements expected to follow. And at the far end of the land, supports for the upcoming Monsters, Inc. door coaster have already begun to rise, giving us an early glimpse at the scale of what is coming next.

With each removed tower and exposed wall, the Muppets are making their exit and the monsters are moving in. It is a big shift for Hollywood Studios, and one that is quickly becoming very real as construction continues to reshape the area.

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