Avatar Land, Coco Attraction Set for Disneyland; Monsters Ride Closing

Disney has confirmed that its upcoming Coco-themed attraction will occupy currently backstage areas near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. Meanwhile, the new Avatar-themed expansion will transform part of the Hollywood Backlot, resulting in the permanent closure of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! by early 2026.

The Disney Parks Blog shared these developments along with preliminary artwork, revealing that construction for the Coco attraction will commence backstage this fall. Announced at D23 2024, this marks the first-ever theme park experience based on the acclaimed Pixar film.

Drawing creative inspiration from classics like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney will employ cutting-edge Audio-Animatronic technology to bring skeletal characters to life with unprecedented realism. According to Imagineers, these figures will deliver "must-see-to-believe" moments.

The Avatar land remains in preliminary development, with specific construction timelines and additional features still to be announced. Introduced at D23 2024, this expansion will reinterpret Pandora with elements from Avatar: The Way of Water and future franchise installments.

While Disney World's Animal Kingdom has hosted Pandora - The World of Avatar since 2017, this marks Disneyland's first dedicated Avatar experience drawing from James Cameron's cinematic universe.

Though fans may regret losing Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, Disney confirmed plans for an immersive Monsters, Inc. land at Hollywood Studios featuring Disney Parks' first-ever suspended rollercoaster navigating through the franchise's famous door warehouse.

Beyond these attractions, Disney revealed infrastructure upgrades including a new eastside parking structure and transportation hub replacing part of the Manchester cast parking lot. This facility will offer approximately 6,000 parking spaces with dedicated shuttle zones, security screening, and optimized traffic flow via Disney Way.

The development includes a pedestrian bridge spanning Harbor Boulevard, creating a streamlined arrival experience while maintaining boulevard access. This comprehensive enhancement aims to improve resort-wide circulation.

For more Disney updates, explore our coverage of Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebrations, 14 Cool Kid Summer experiences at Walt Disney World, and Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park.