Disney has announced that Disneyland's upcoming Coco-themed attraction will occupy currently backstage areas near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure, while the new Avatar expansion will take over part of the existing Hollywood Backlot section. This redevelopment means Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will permanently close in early 2026.
The Disney Parks Blog shared these updates alongside new concept artwork, confirming that preliminary construction for the Coco attraction will begin behind the scenes this fall. First announced at D23 2024, this will mark the inaugural theme park experience based on the beloved Pixar film.
Drawing creative inspiration from classics like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney's team plans to bring skeletal characters to life through cutting-edge Audio-Animatronic technology - promising groundbreaking visual effects.
Development details remain limited for the Avatar expansion, which remains in preliminary planning stages with full construction timelines still undetermined. First revealed at D23 2024, the Pandora-inspired land will incorporate elements from Avatar: The Way of Water and upcoming franchise installments.
While Disney World's Animal Kingdom has featured Pandora - The World of Avatar since 2017, this marks the franchise's first dedicated land at Disneyland Resort.
To compensate for losing the Monsters, Inc. dark ride, Disney World's Hollywood Studios will debut an entire Monster-themed land featuring North America's first suspended rollercoaster winding through signature door portals.
Additional infrastructure upgrades include plans for a new 6,000-space parking facility and transportation hub replacing part of the Manchester cast member lot. This will incorporate shuttle zones, rideshare areas, security screening and optimized traffic flow via Disney Way access.
The complex will feature a pedestrian bridge spanning Harbor Boulevard, leading to redesigned resort entryways while maintaining direct boulevard access.
For more Disney updates, explore our guides covering Disneyland's anniversary celebration, summer highlights at Walt Disney World, and details about Magic Kingdom's Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park.
