Say goodbye to a beloved piece of Disney’s Hollywood Studios history—the iconic PizzeRizzo sign has officially been taken down, marking the end of an era for the former Muppets Courtyard. But here’s where it gets emotional: as crews removed the vibrant billboard, featuring Rizzo the Rat proudly holding a pizza with the tagline “The City’s Top Rated Pizza” surrounded by flashing neon lights, it signaled more than just a physical change—it’s a symbolic shift in the park’s landscape. And this is the part most people miss: while the sign’s removal feels like a loss for longtime fans, it’s also a clear sign of exciting transformations to come. Let’s dive into what’s happening.
The PizzeRizzo billboard, once perched atop the green outdoor seating area, now leaves behind only a bare base on the roof. Below, the courtyard’s restrooms—known as Gonzo’s Royal Flush—are also undergoing changes, with crew members spotted scrubbing away at the exterior walls. Speaking of changes, the Gonzo’s Royal Flush sign recently came down too, further hinting at the area’s evolving story. For a final look at PizzeRizzo and the rest of the Muppets Courtyard before its transformation, check out our photo gallery here.
But here’s where it gets controversial: the space once home to PizzeRizzo—originally the Toy Story Pizza Planet Arcade before its 2016 re-theming—is being reimagined as part of Monstropolis, inspired by Monsters, Inc. While the PizzeRizzo building is expected to remain as a new quick-service venue, the exact theme is still a mystery. Concept art here offers glimpses of the future, but questions remain. Will the new design honor the Muppets’ legacy in some way, or will it be a complete departure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
The changes don’t stop there. The MuppetVision 3D theater is also being re-themed, with crews already removing iconic elements like these. While its new purpose is unclear, concept art suggests it will be renamed The Glob. Meanwhile, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will transform into Harryhausen’s, a nod to the restaurant seen in the original Monsters, Inc. film. And this is the part most people miss: these changes aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re part of a larger narrative shift, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
The crown jewel of this reimagined land? A groundbreaking roller coaster previewed here that will take riders through the Monsters, Inc. door vault. As Disney’s first suspended and vertical lift coaster, it’s already generating buzz. Construction is underway in a former parking lot see updates here, just outside the original Muppets Courtyard boundaries.
Now, the big question: Are you nostalgic for the PizzeRizzo sign, or are you ready to embrace the Monstropolis makeover? Share your feelings in the comments and on social media—we want to hear from you! For the latest Disney Parks updates, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Let’s keep the conversation going!