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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