Disneyland Closing Classic Attraction to Make Way For Avatar Land

A new “Avatar destination” is coming to Disneyland that will be inspired by Avatar- The Way of Water and will also take inspiration from the upcoming Fire and Ash third film along with future Avatar films.

We received more details about this Avatar land during last summer’s D23: Ultimate Fan Event and now we know WHERE in California Adventure this new land will be located although not everyone may be happy about it.

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Avatar Repacing Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! in California Adventure

Disneyland Rides Ranked Monsters Inc.

Disney is referring to this new project as the “Avatar destination” and has confirmed that it will replace a portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area in Disneyland’s California Adventure. This includes Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! which will close in early 2026 to make way for the new land.

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According to Disney, the project is still in the early stages of development and more details on the construction timeframes will be shared later. We have also confirmed that the Hyperion Theater will be staying which does give hope for future shows at California Adventure which is in great need of more entertainment.

New Concept Art Revealed for Avatar Destination

Avatar Disneyland
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Everything that has been shared so far about the Avatar destination has promised an experience on a large scale that is “worthy” of the Avatar franchise. Disney Parks Blog also shared another look at concept art for the Avatar Destination and I love this look at the land. This appears to be what guests will see when they enter the land which promises that same “wow” worthy moment that we associate with Pandora- The World of Avatar in Walt Disney World.

Many guests may be relieved that the new Avatar destination isn’t replacing Grizzly Peak in California Adventure which is what many folks were speculating especially with the nature-like scenery in that area of the park.

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But with growth does come some losses and I know many will be sad to see Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! go, especially families with younger kids. Monsters, Inc. fans can get their fix over at Walt Disney World though with the planned Monsters, Inc. land coming in the future including the famous “door coaster.”

This news was also shared along with more details of the upcoming Coco-themed ride to California Adventure which should help balance out the kid-friendly rides in the park as we say goodbye to Monsters, Inc. Disney also shared upcoming changes that will “unlock” the Disneyland Forward project and dramatically change the front entrance.

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About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay has been recognized as a Disney expert since 2017 and has been featured by outlets including CNBC, SFGate, NerdWallet, and Visit Anaheim. She visits Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando multiple times each year, giving her first hand insight into park operations, seasonal trends, crowd patterns, and touring strategies.

Her experience also extends to Disney Cruise Line, where she has sailed on every class of ship, visited both of Disney’s private islands, and participated in specialty sailings such as Marvel Day at Sea and Very MerryTime cruises. This depth of travel allows her to provide practical, data informed guidance across Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Universal theme parks, and related destinations.

As Content Director of Mickey Visit, Lindsay oversees editorial strategy and daily content, leading a team of writers who produce timely news coverage and general planning content. She leads the development and analysis of Mickey Visit’s crowd calendars, applying expert insight into crowd behavior, seasonal trends, and park operations. Lindsay writes touring plans, authors in depth reviews, and offers expert analysis on Disney experiences, while also analyzing the best and worst days to visit. She serves as an expert on Disney discounts, tracking and evaluating ticket offers, hotel promotions, and seasonal deals. She comes from a lifelong Disney family, has been visiting Disneyland since the 1990s, and is even in the middle of planning a Disney Cruise Line wedding.

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