Say Goodbye to this Disney-MGM Studios Original Era Restaurant

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is preparing for some major changes as it bids farewell to three beloved attractions in the Muppets Courtyard. Disney has officially announced closure dates for Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, MuppetVision 3D, and PizzeRizzo as the park prepares to welcome a brand-new Monsters, Inc. Land in the coming years.

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, an original restaurant from the park’s early days as Disney-MGM Studios, will be the first part of Muppets Courtyard to close its doors permanently on May 10, 2025. Known as “The Olive Garden of Hollywood Studios” due to it’s generic Italian atmosphere and typically lackluster menu, even the most die-hard Disney fans won’t be that upset to see it go. While it was never a standout for many guests, the restaurant holds an interesting place in Disney history

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in Disney World Hollywood Studios
Back Wall of Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in Disney World Hollywood Studios that features a pop-art depiction of the Mona Lisa in sunglasses and the back of  the Muppets 3D attraction gift shop can be seen

According to Disney lore, the space was initially envisioned as part of a Muppet Studio area. The restaurant was to be called the Great Gonzo’s Pizza Pandemonium Parlor, featuring whimsical props and gags inspired by the beloved characters. When this original Disney-Muppets merger fell through, Imagineers quickly re-themed the space, creating the backstory of Mama Melrose: a young Italian woman who came to Hollywood with dreams of stardom and opened a restaurant to share her family recipes.

Plate of pasta from Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano.
Interior of Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano showcasing the generic and fairly dated "Italian" decor and theme.

The closure of Mama Melrose’s is the first in a series of transitions to make way for Monsters, Inc. Land. Originally rumored to take over the Animation Courtyard, Disney revealed in December 2024 that the new land would replace what remains of the Grand Avenue area after the Star Wars expansion, and Muppets Courtyard. MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo will follow Mama Melrose’s, with their last day of operation set for June 7, 2025.

Muppets Courtyard, fountain and Muppets 3D Attraction in Hollywood Studios

While it’s bittersweet to bid farewell to Muppets Courtyard, the rumored arrival of Harry Hausen’s, the sushi restaurant from Monsters, Inc., adds an exciting new dining option to Hollywood Studios. Fans of the Muppets and Mama Melrose’s can still enjoy these beloved spots for a little while longer, but the countdown to change has officially begun.

Stay tuned for more updates on Monsters, Inc. Land and the new experiences coming to Hollywood Studios!