PizzeRizzo Sign Removal: A New Era for Hollywood Studios (2026)

It’s the end of an era for Disney’s Hollywood Studios—the iconic PizzeRizzo sign has officially been taken down, leaving fans of the Muppets Courtyard with a mix of nostalgia and curiosity about what’s to come. But here’s where it gets emotional: as crews removed the vibrant billboard featuring Rizzo the Rat proudly holding a pizza, it marked not just the end of a beloved quick-service spot but also the beginning of a major transformation. And this is the part most people miss—while the sign’s removal is a visible change, it’s just the tip of the iceberg in Disney’s ambitious reimagining of the area into Monstropolis from Monsters, Inc.

The PizzeRizzo billboard, once a glowing beacon with its flashing neon lights and a playful arrow pointing toward the entrance, now leaves behind only a bare base on the roof of the green outdoor seating structure. The sign itself was a masterpiece of whimsy, showcasing Rizzo alongside the bold claim, ‘The City’s Top Rated Pizza.’ Its removal is a stark reminder of how quickly theme park landscapes can evolve, even as fans cling to cherished memories.

But here’s where it gets controversial: while many are excited for the new Monstropolis-themed land, others are mourning the loss of the Muppets’ presence in the park. Crews have been spotted scrubbing away remnants of the past, including work on the exterior wall of Gonzo’s Royal Flush restrooms, which are attached to the PizzeRizzo building. Even the Gonzo’s Royal Flush sign has been removed, further signaling the end of an era. Is this progress, or are we losing something irreplaceable? Let’s discuss.

For those wondering about the future, the PizzeRizzo building itself is expected to remain, though its new theme is still shrouded in mystery. The space, which originally opened as the Toy Story Pizza Planet Arcade before its 2016 re-theming, closed in June 2025 alongside the rest of Muppets Courtyard, including the beloved MuppetVision 3D. The theater, now stripped of its themed elements, is rumored to be renamed The Glob, though its exact purpose remains unclear. Meanwhile, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will transform into Harryhausen’s, a nod to the first Monsters, Inc. film.

The crown jewel of the new land will undoubtedly be the E-ticket attraction—Disney’s first suspended and vertical lift roller coaster, which will take riders through the Monsters, Inc. door vault. Currently under construction in a former parking lot outside the courtyard, this coaster promises to be a game-changer. But with all these changes, one can’t help but wonder: are we sacrificing too much of the park’s history for the sake of novelty?

And this is the part most people miss: while concept art has given us glimpses of what’s to come, there’s still so much we don’t know. Will the new quick-service venue in the PizzeRizzo building retain any nods to its Muppet roots, or will it be a complete departure? What surprises might Disney have in store for The Glob? These questions keep fans on the edge of their seats.

As we bid farewell to the PizzeRizzo sign, it’s clear that change is inevitable in the world of theme parks. But what do you think? Are you excited for Monstropolis, or do you feel a pang of sadness seeing the Muppets’ presence fade? Let us know in the comments and on social media—we want to hear your thoughts!

For the latest updates on this transformation and all things Disney Parks, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And remember, every ending marks a new beginning—even if it’s a little bittersweet.

PizzeRizzo Sign Removal: A New Era for Hollywood Studios (2026)
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