Popular Disneyland attraction closing early next year to make way for 'Avatar' expansion
Disney California Adventure Park has been through several iterations since opening in 2001. The park opened with mostly lands and attractions that paid homage to the Golden State, but has since added more experiences based on Disney films in the years since.
But each exciting new addition usually meant the loss of a beloved ride (or rides) as well. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror was replaced by Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission Breakout in 2017, and A Bug's Land closed in 2018 to make way for the Avengers Campus opening in 2021, just to name a few.
Next on the chopping block is a fan-favorite attraction in Hollywood Land: Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
This slow-moving dark ride actually replaced a cult classic attraction called Superstar Limo. We don't have time for a full Superstar Limo history lesson here, but just know it is common knowledge that several animatronic characters from the original ride were repurposed for the retheme. This includes Disney breathing new life into a Drew Carey animatronic by throwing him in a "Child Detection Agency" uniform. If that's enough to pique your interest, I highly recommend you spend some time researching the history of Superstar Limo.
But I digress. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! takes riders on a madcap taxi cab ride through Monstropolis, with appearances by several popular characters and settings from the "Monsters, Inc." films. The ride is a hit with kids and adults alike, but as Mike said in the original "Monsters, Inc." film, "There's more to life than scaring."
Related: Disneyland's $1.9 billion plan for new lands and attractions gets final approval by city council
Disney announced late Thursday evening that Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will close permanently in early 2026 so work can begin on the park's next transformation. Disney shared that a portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area will become a new "Avatar destination in Disney California Adventure" and that the "Monsters, Inc." attraction will close to "make way for this new experience."
Disneyland name-dropped an "Avatar experience" for Disneyland in early 2023, further expanding on what guests can expect during last year's Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The concept art from that time depicts a slow-moving boat ride inspired by "Avatar: The Way of Water" and the future "Avatar" films.
But even in Thursday's blog post, Disney referred to it as an "Avatar destination" and not an attraction, with new concept art that shows what appears to be a walk-through experience akin to Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at Disney World. In short, we still don't know much about what guests will be able to experience in this new area.
If Disneyland's "monster mash" has you already missing Mike and Sulley, you'll be happy to know they are moving to Disney's Hollywood Studios at Disney World. The Muppet Courtyard area, home to Muppet*Vision 3D, closes June 7 so construction can begin on an entire "Monsters, Inc." land.
There aren't many details yet on the new land, but we do know it will be home to the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney park. The coaster will take riders through the door warehouse, just like in the original "Monsters, Inc." film. Guests will also be able to visit the laugh factory that powers the city and meet their favorite cuddly characters.
Construction is set to begin this year, but there is no opening date yet for this new land.
Back at Disneyland, "Avatar" isn't the only thing moving in at California Adventure. The park is set to get the first-ever "Coco"-themed attraction at any Disney park: a boat ride to the Land of the Dead as depicted in the film.
In Thursday's announcement, Disney shared that the attraction "will be built near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, in areas that are predominantly backstage today" and that "construction ... is set to begin backstage this fall."
As part of the expansion announcement, Disney also shared news regarding parking and transportation improvements. A new parking structure on the east side of the resort will add about 6,000 parking spaces, shuttle and ride-hailing areas, security screening, and a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard.
This is good news for those driving to Disneyland, but also for those staying in hotels near Disneyland, like the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance.
If you want to plan a Disneyland visit to say your goodbyes to Mike and Sulley, TPG has a few tips for saving money on your Disneyland vacation. Specially priced tickets are available during Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration, with prices as low as $100 per day with a special four-day ticket.
You can also save by renting Disney Vacation Club points to book your Disneyland hotel room and using one of our favorite credit cards for Disney vacations.
It's an exciting time of expansion for Disney California Adventure and Disneyland as a whole. Stay tuned to TPG as more details are announced.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.