10 Things You May Not Know About the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

1. Building History

Initially, the theater was home to a show called Circle-Vision 360, which opened in October 1971. Several films were shown throughout the years, beginning with America the Beautiful, showcasing breathtaking scenery from around the country. In 1974, it was replaced by Magic Carpet ‘Round the World. The following year saw the return of a new and improved version of America the Beautiful, which ran until 1979 when Magic Carpet ‘Round the World returned for a five-year run. In 1985, a new film, American Journeys, premiered. Each film provided an exhilarating experience, fully immersing Guests in the breathtaking scenery on screen. The technology debuted in 1955 at Disneyland as Circarama. In Tomorrowland, the Circle-Vision 360 films comprised nine images projected from individual projectors on a wrap-around screen, surrounding Guests with an immersive visual experience.

2. The Timekeeper

In 1994, the Timekeeper attraction opened, featuring the impressive Audio-Animatronic figures of the Timekeeper and Nine-Eye. The Timekeeper attraction took Guests on a thrilling journey through time. The show featured the talents of Robin Williams and Rhea Perlman and “cameo” appearances by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. After a 12-year run, the Timekeeper closed its doors to make way for a new type of attraction.

3. The Monsters Arrive in Tomorrowland

In 2001, the Pixar film Monsters, Inc. was released, becoming an instant classic. It was inevitable that Mike Wazowski, Sulley, and their pals would find a home in the Magic Kingdom, and Tomorrowland was the perfect location. The Circle-Vision 360 theater was transformed into the Laugh Floor. Gone was the wrap-around theater (which required Guests to stand throughout the show), and in its place, Imagineers created a sit-down theater. The futuristic stylings of the Timekeeper gave way to the whimsical world of Monsters, Inc., creating a fun-filled environment straight out of the Pixar classic.

4. Oh It’s a Comedy Club!

The working name of the show was the “Laugh Floor Comedy Club.” In 2007, the name was shortened to “Laugh Floor” because Imagineers felt the original name was too long.

5. Monsters in Disneyland

In 2006, the dark ride Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! opened at Disney’s California Adventure. Using the same technology that made Turtle Talk with Crush such a fan favorite, Guests are immersed in a fun-filled show they can actually participate in. To bring the characters to life and to allow them to interact with the audience, state-of-the-art technologies were incorporated that allowed off-screen (and talented!) Cast Members to provide the voices and control the actions of the monsters that appear on stage.

6. Way To Go!

In 2008, the attraction was honored with a nomination for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project by the Visual Effects Society. The nominated producers and artists included Roger Gould, Liz Gazzano, Joe Garlington, and Daniele Colajacomo.

7. The FIZT Button

Midway through the queue, you’ll see a keypad (to be used by the monsters, of course!). The digital readout typically reads OLOL (get it?), but see if you can find the button labeled FIZT. This is a reference to the software that was developed to render Sulley’s hair…which was no mean feat back then! “FIZT” was short for “physics tool,” and every time Sulley moved, FIZT would ensure that his fur moved accordingly, even allowing for wind and gravity. Interestingly, FIZT also controlled the movement of Boo’s clothes. Pretty ingenious!

8. Bring On the Performers!

Buddy Boil (sometimes Betty Boil) is a purple monster with long eye stalks atop their head, performing sketches that often include a mind-reading act.

9. I Think Every Answer is “Paris”

Another favorite performer is a yellow, two-headed monster whose names change based on who is performing the characters’ heads at the time (common names are “Sam and Ella” or “Mac and Jeeves”). The duo will give Guests a “geography quiz,” where the monsters demonstrate their knowledge (or lack thereof) of human world geography and ask selected Guests some fun (or embarrassing, depending on your point of view) questions.

10. The Monsters Need Your Jokes!

Marty Wazowski, a smaller, orange version of Mike and Mike’s nephew, often interacts with younger guests in the audience. Got a joke you’d like to share? As you wait to enter the theater, you’ll get special instructions on how to text in your favorite! Who knows, you might be famous…in Monstropolis anyway.