Disneyland Park in California is permanently retiring a cherished attraction.
Disneyland California is undergoing a significant transformation, with a focus on introducing more modern IPs to attract the next generation of fans. The Hollywood Backlot area is set to be reimagined, as the popular "Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!" ride makes way for new attractions based on the films Avatar and Coco [2][3].
The closure of the Monsters, Inc. ride is scheduled for early 2026. In its place, an Avatar-themed E-ticket boat ride will be built, aiming to bring the world of Pandora to life. Meanwhile, a Coco-themed attraction will be added to Pixar Pier, inspired by Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. Construction of the Coco attraction is set to begin in fall 2025 [2].
These changes are part of a larger expansion effort at Disneyland, which includes infrastructure improvements such as a new approximately 6,000-space parking structure and a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard. These changes are designed to accommodate the influx of new attractions and enhance the overall guest experience at the resort [2].
In addition to these new attractions, Disney parks will also add numerous other rides and attractions in 2024. Notably, Splash Mountain at both Disney World and Disneyland will be re-themed in 2024 [2].
Disney World will also see the addition of a Monsters, Inc. Door Vault Coaster, which is expected to open in 2026 or 2027. This is unrelated to the changes at Disneyland California but reflects Disney's continued investment in new Monsters, Inc. experiences [1].
The "Monsters Inc."-themed land at Disney World will include the first suspended coaster in Disney history [4]. These changes were announced by Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, at Disney's D23 event [5].
Longtime parkgoers have voiced concerns over the erosion of classic attractions and the increasing shift toward franchise-heavy experiences. However, these changes are part of Disney's ongoing efforts to evolve and stay relevant, while still maintaining the magic that has made Disneyland a beloved destination for millions [6].
In a time when Disney prices are rising, it might be beneficial to explore other things to do in Anaheim outside of Disneyland [7]. Nevertheless, the changes at Disneyland California indicate a commitment to innovation and a focus on bringing new, immersive experiences to the park.
References: 1. Disney Parks Blog 2. Disney Parks Blog 3. Orlando Sentinel 4. Blooloop 5. Deadline 6. CNN 7. Los Angeles Times
- Travel guides for the future might want to highlight the significant transformation happening at Disneyland California, as they revamp areas like Hollywood Backlot with new attractions based on Avatar and Coco, aimed at attracting the next generation of fans.
- For those interested in lifestyle and entertainment, keeping an eye on Disneyland's expansion is worthwhile, as they're also incorporating a Coco-themed attraction into Pixar Pier and building an Avatar-themed E-ticket boat ride, both set to begin construction in the near future.
