Disneyland Sets Coco, Avatar Lands; Monsters Ride to Close

Disney has announced that the upcoming Coco-themed attraction at Disneyland will occupy currently backstage areas near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure. Meanwhile, the new Avatar-inspired land will take over part of Hollywood Backlot, leading to the permanent closure of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! in early 2026.

The Disney Parks Blog revealed these updates along with new concept artwork, confirming construction for the Coco attraction will commence backstage this fall. First announced at D23 2024, this will mark the debut attraction based on the acclaimed Pixar film.

Drawing creative inspiration from classic attractions like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney Imagineers will use cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics to bring the film's colorful skeletal characters to life in breathtaking new ways.

The Avatar expansion remains in early development phases, with additional details about construction timelines to follow. Revealed during D23 2024, this immersive land will showcase elements from Avatar: The Way of Water and future franchise installments, presenting Pandora in an entirely fresh interpretation.

While Pandora - The World of Avatar has delighted guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom since 2017, Disneyland will soon offer its own unique take on James Cameron's visionary universe.

Though saying goodbye to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! may disappoint some fans, Disney World's Hollywood Studios will soon debut an exciting new Monsters, Inc.-themed area featuring Disney's first-ever suspended rollercoaster journey through the iconic door warehouse.

Alongside these attraction announcements, Disney confirmed plans for a new eastside parking structure and transportation hub at Disneyland Resort, replacing part of the current Manchester cast member lot. This multi-functional development will include approximately 6,000 parking spaces, dedicated shuttle zones, streamlined security screening, and direct access from Disney Way.

The modernized facility will feature a pedestrian bridge spanning Harbor Boulevard, creating an enhanced arrival experience with convenient connections to the boulevard. These infrastructure improvements aim to optimize traffic flow throughout the resort.

For additional Disney updates, explore our guides to Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebrations, 14 must-experience attractions during Walt Disney World's Cool Kid Summer, and details about Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars-themed expansion, Piston Peak National Park.