The Monsters, Inc. Coaster Disney Almost Built in 2008 (Ep. 122)

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey open the door to a Monsters, Inc. coaster project that surfaced back in 2008, long before the attraction announced at D23 in 2024. Jim explains how an accidental cast-member video revealed the plans, from a Celia-led reception area to a chaotic finale with Mike and Sulley. They also discuss changes at Disney’s Character Warehouse outlets and the appeal of McDonald’s Disney Villains Boo Buckets.

NEWS

• Disney’s Character Warehouse at the Vineland outlets prepares to move into a larger space, while Jim and Lauren consider what outlet expansion could mean for leftover park merchandise.
• McDonald’s Disney Villains Boo Buckets mix Halloween nostalgia with familiar characters as the bucket tradition marks its 40th anniversary.
• Jim plans a visit to the Hallmark holiday pop-up at Disney Springs, and the hosts look at Monsters, Inc. anniversary merchandise.

FEATURE

• Pete Docter’s door-hangar chase inspires an early coaster concept for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with the former Mickey Avenue soundstages in the mix.
• A video appearing on the cast-member portal in July 2008 gives Jim an unexpected look at a project envisioned for Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary in 2011.
• The proposed ride includes a Monsters, Inc. open house, scream and laugh canisters, and an explosive finale that leaves Mike and Sulley needing bigger canisters.
• Jim traces how the financial crisis shelved that proposal and reflects on the long road to the Monsters, Inc. land announced in 2024.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR

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Jim and Lauren explore an early Monsters, Inc. coaster plan, Disney outlet changes, and the nostalgia behind McDonald’s Boo Buckets.

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