Disneyland Resort just dropped some massive news, and fans are both buzzing with excitement—and boiling with frustration. As part of the ongoing DisneylandForward expansion plan, the resort is set to undergo a massive transformation that includes:
- The closure of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! at Disney California Adventure (DCA),
- The addition of a brand-new Avatar-themed land inspired by The Way of Water,
- A Coco-themed boat ride coming near Pixar Pier,
- A new pedestrian bridge and infrastructure upgrades across Harbor Boulevard.
The future of Disneyland is becoming bolder, broader—and much more IP-driven. But fans are deeply divided over what’s being lost and what’s replacing it.
Monsters, Inc. Ride Is Officially Closing
Beloved by families and Pixar fans alike, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is closing in early 2026 to make way for Pandora. The ride has been a staple of DCA since 2006 and is one of the park’s most kid-friendly attractions.
For many longtime guests, this closure is personal. The ride brought charm, humor, and a slower-paced experience in an increasingly fast-moving park. Its removal represents a broader shift: the end of an era for quirky, original-style DCA attractions.
Frustration Over Timing & Florida Favoritism
Fans are particularly upset that this closure was announced just days after Walt Disney World shuttered Muppet Courtyard in Hollywood Studios to begin construction on a new Monsters Inc-themed land. That means:
- Disneyland is losing Monsters Inc,
- Walt Disney World is gaining a full Monsters Inc land.
“Why are they removing it here when Florida is getting an upgrade? It feels like we’re getting punished.”
– Reddit user, r/Disneyland
It’s a pattern Disneyland fans have noticed before: Florida gets the newer, shinier versions of popular IPs, while California loses out.
Pandora Comes to DCA – But Not Everyone Is Happy
One of the most controversial announcements is the addition of a brand-new Avatar land to Disney California Adventure.
Inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water, the new land will include:
- Bioluminescent lagoons and floating rock formations,
- An immersive boat ride featuring sea creatures like the Tulkun,
- High-tech storytelling and expansive set pieces.
But here’s the issue: many fans don’t want Avatar at Disneyland—and especially not in DCA.
Avatar at DCA? Fans Say No, Thanks
For years, fans have appreciated that Pandora – The World of Avatar was a unique, exclusive experience only available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida. The idea of cloning it—or reimagining it—for DCA feels unnecessary, even forced.
“Avatar belongs in Animal Kingdom. It fits the theme, the conservation message, and it’s a destination. Bringing it to DCA just waters it down.”
– Disneyland fan on Instagram
There’s a growing sentiment that Disneyland Resort should be investing in original concepts or California-themed expansions, not duplicating lands from across the country.
DCA’s Identity Crisis: Still “California Adventure”?
These recent announcements have reignited an ongoing debate: Should DCA even be called Disney California Adventure anymore?
Once home to attractions themed around California history, landscapes, and culture, the park has gradually transformed into a home for big-budget Disney IPs:
- Pixar Pier (replaced Paradise Pier),
- Avengers Campus (replaced part of Bug’s Land),
- Cars Land (a success, but IP-heavy),
- San Fransokyo Square (Big Hero 6),
- Now: Coco and Avatar are on the way.
“At what point do we just admit DCA is no longer about California at all?”
– Reddit user on r/Disneyland
The name feels increasingly misleading as the park shifts fully into Disney IP territory. Some fans argue it’s time to rename the park entirely to reflect what it’s truly becoming: Disney’s Cinematic Universe Park.
Coco Boat Ride Brings Color and Culture
Not all the news is controversial, though. Many fans are thrilled about the new Coco-themed boat ride coming to DCA. It will be the park’s first attraction centered on Coco, and it’s being built near Pixar Pier, behind Paradise Gardens.
What We Know:
- The ride will take guests into the Land of the Dead with music, animatronics, and vibrant visuals.
- Inspired by Coco’s themes of family, remembrance, and music.
- Expected to blend storytelling styles similar to Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
This is one addition fans across the board are excited about. Not only does it add cultural diversity to the park, but it also gives Pixar Pier another strong anchor.
New Walkway & Parking Structure Over Harbor Blvd
Disney is also focusing on infrastructure with the DisneylandForward plan. Coming soon:
- A new 6,000-space parking garage on the east side of the resort.
- An upgraded transportation and security hub for rideshares and shuttles.
- A pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard to allow smoother guest entry.
This is a huge win for guest experience. Currently, crossing Harbor can be chaotic, especially during peak seasons. The bridge will improve safety, flow, and accessibility for families, guests with disabilities, and hotel visitors.
DisneylandForward: The Future is Here
All of these changes are part of the broader DisneylandForward initiative—a decades-spanning plan to reimagine underused spaces around the resort. With approvals from the city of Anaheim, Disney is preparing to add:
- New lands themed around Avatar, Coco, and possibly Frozen, Zootopia, Black Panther, and Tangled.
- Expanded entertainment offerings,
- Better guest infrastructure.
It’s a bold, ambitious effort to keep Disneyland Resort competitive globally—but it’s coming at the cost of fan-favorite experiences and the park’s original identity.
Key Dates to Know
| Announcement | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Monsters, Inc. Closure | Early 2026 |
| Avatar Land Construction | Begins Early 2026 |
| Coco Ride Construction | Starts Fall 2025 |
| Harbor Pedestrian Bridge | Estimated by 2026–27 |
No exact opening dates have been revealed for the new attractions yet, but construction will begin soon.
Final Thoughts: Growing Pains or Missteps?
Disneyland’s new chapter is all about scale, spectacle, and synergy—but not everyone is convinced it’s the right move.
On one hand, you have:
✅ Stunning new attractions with modern tech
✅ Culturally rich storytelling (Coco)
✅ Long-term planning for crowd control and infrastructure
On the other:
❌ Beloved rides being removed (Monsters, Inc.)
❌ Frustration over clone lands (Avatar)
❌ DCA losing any resemblance to “California”
The Disney fan base is split. Some see this as long overdue progress. Others feel like the unique spirit of DCA is being erased in favor of franchise synergy.
What remains true: Disneyland is changing faster than ever. And if this week’s announcements are any indicator, the next decade will look nothing like the last.
