Disneyland Adds Coco, Avatar; Monsters Inc. Ride Closing

Disney has announced that the upcoming Coco-themed attraction at Disneyland will be built in areas currently used primarily for backstage operations near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. The new Avatar-themed land will occupy a section of the Hollywood Backlot area. As a result, the Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! ride will permanently close in early 2026 to clear space for the Avatar expansion.

These updates were shared on the Disney Parks Blog alongside new concept art, confirming that construction for the Coco attraction will begin this fall in backstage zones. Originally revealed at D23 2024, this Coco experience will be the first-ever attraction based on the cherished Pixar film.

The attraction will take inspiration from classics like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney’s creative teams will bring the film’s skeleton characters to life with advanced Audio-Animatronic technology. These figures will appear in surprisingly lifelike ways that audiences need to see firsthand.

The Avatar destination remains in early development, with more specifics—including construction timelines—to be shared later. Also detailed at D23 2024, this new land will draw from Avatar: The Way of Water and upcoming Avatar films, offering a fresh interpretation of Pandora.

Pandora – The World of Avatar has been a mainstay at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom since 2017, and soon Disneyland will have its own dedicated area inspired by James Cameron’s epic films.

Although it’s always disappointing to say goodbye to a favorite attraction like Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, fans can look forward to a complete Monsters, Inc. land at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. This new area will include the first suspended roller coaster in a Disney park, taking guests through the iconic door warehouse.

Alongside news about the Coco and Avatar additions, Disney confirmed plans for a new parking structure and transportation hub on the east side of Disneyland Resort. It will replace part of the Manchester cast parking lot.

This facility will provide around 6,000 parking spaces, dedicated shuttle and rideshare pick-up areas, security screening, and direct access from Disney Way—streamlining parking and traffic across the resort. A pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard will lead to an all-new entrance plaza, with convenient access to and from Harbor Boulevard.

For more Disney updates, explore our guide to Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, 14 reasons to visit Walt Disney World during its Cool Kid Summer event, and the reveal that Magic Kingdom’s upcoming Cars land will be named Piston Peak National Park.