Disney has announced that the upcoming Coco-themed attraction at Disneyland will occupy spaces that are "currently backstage areas" adjacent to Disney California Adventure's Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier. The new Avatar land will also take over a "section" of the existing Hollywood Backlot. These changes mean Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will permanently close in early 2026 to make room for the Avatar destination.
The details were shared on the Disney Parks Blog along with new concept art, confirming that backstage construction for the Coco attraction will start this fall. Originally revealed at D23 2024, this will be the first-ever ride based on the acclaimed Pixar film.
The attraction will draw inspiration from classics like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. According to Disney, "the team will bring our skeletal cast of characters to life through cutting-edge Audio-Animatronic technology, and these figures will appear in ways you have to see to believe."
Development for the Avatar-themed area is still in its early stages, with additional details and construction timelines to be shared at a later date. First announced at D23 2024, this immersive zone will be inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water and "future Avatar films, offering a brand-new way to experience Pandora."
While Pandora - The World of Avatar has been a popular part of Disney World's Animal Kingdom since 2017, Disneyland will soon introduce its own version based on James Cameron's blockbuster series.
Although saying goodbye to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is bittersweet, guests will soon have the chance to visit Disney World's Hollywood Studios to explore an all-new Monsters, Inc. land. This area will feature the first suspended coaster in any Disney park, traveling through the film's iconic door warehouse.
Alongside updates for the Coco and Avatar projects, Disney confirmed that a new parking structure and transportation hub will be built on the east side of Disneyland Resort, partly on the site of the current Manchester cast member parking lot.
The new facility will include "approximately 6,000 parking spaces, dedicated shuttle and rideshare zones, security screening, and traffic access from Disney Way—improving parking efficiency and vehicle flow throughout the resort." A pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard will also connect to a "fresh esplanade arrival experience" and provide direct access to and from Harbor Boulevard.
For the latest updates from Disney, read our guide to Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebrations, 14 reasons to experience Walt Disney World this Cool Kid Summer, and details about Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars land—Piston Peak National Park.
