Hey Disney Vacationers! The monsters are out—and the banshees are moving in.
Disneyland has finally confirmed the location of Avatar Land at Disneyland, and it’s a major shift for Disney California Adventure. A brand-new Avatar-themed “destination” will replace part of the Hollywood Backlot area, including the closure of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue in early 2026. While Disney is being cautious with its language—calling it a “destination” instead of “Avatar Land”—the project is very real and very big.
If you’ve been wondering exactly where this new land is going and what it means for the future of DCA, here’s what you need to know.
Avatar Land Will Replace Hollywood Backlot and Monsters, Inc.
This isn’t just an overlay or a minor update. Disney is clearing a sizable portion of the park to build this new area. According to Disneyland’s announcement, a section of the Hollywood Backlot will be transformed into a Pandora-inspired space, and that means the permanent closure of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue sometime in early 2026.
Disney hasn’t released construction dates yet, but this shift confirms they’re making room for a major, immersive land experience similar in ambition to what we’ve seen in Florida’s Animal Kingdom.
“We’re looking forward to transforming a portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area into our Avatar destination in Disney California Adventure… Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will close in early 2026.” – Disneyland
What We Know About the Avatar Experience
While we’re still early in the development phase, Disney gave a few clear indicators of what’s coming. This new Avatar area will not simply replicate Pandora – The World of Avatar from Animal Kingdom. Instead, the story and theming are taking a fresh direction.
Disney says the area will be inspired by The Way of Water, Fire and Ash, and future Avatar films. Expect to explore natural wonders of Pandora in brand-new ways. One major highlight is an all-new grand-scale attraction that will take guests on a thrilling journey across Pandora’s oceanic environments. It sounds like this ride will go beyond banshee flights and delve into the beauty and danger of Pandora’s underwater world.
This isn’t just a rehash of what we’ve already seen. It’s a West Coast evolution of the Avatar concept—tailored for Disney California Adventure’s layout, and promising to deliver next-gen Disney storytelling and ride technology.
Say Goodbye to Monsters, Inc. (and Superstar Limo)
Before the building housed Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, it was home to one of the most infamous rides in Disneyland Resort history: Superstar Limo.
When Disney California Adventure opened in 2001, Superstar Limo was the park’s only dark ride. It put guests in the role of a new celebrity navigating Hollywood in a slow-moving limo. The original version was supposed to be a fast-paced paparazzi chase, but following the tragic death of Princess Diana, Disney reworked it into a slow, awkward satire of Hollywood. It was not well received.
The ride closed less than a year later, making it the park’s first official attraction closure. In 2005, it reopened with a Pixar re-theme as Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue. This updated version used the same ride path but overhauled the experience to closely follow the story of the Monsters, Inc. film. It included a fun queue themed like a Monstropolis bus station and even used scent effects—like the faint smell of ginger in the Harryhausen’s restaurant scene.
Perhaps the most memorable element? Roz, the audio-animatronic at the end of the ride, who often delivered personalized comments to guests, like “Nice ears!” when spotting Mickey and Minnie ear hats. It was quirky, charming, and one of the better uses of that ride footprint—but its days are now numbered.
How This Avatar Land Will Be Different from Florida’s Pandora
If you’ve visited Pandora – The World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom, you already know the floating mountains and the stunning Flight of Passage ride. But Disneyland’s version will be different.
This new land is expected to focus more on Pandora’s oceans, based on what we’ve seen in The Way of Water. That means new creatures, new environments, and likely a brand-new anchor attraction that’s not just a copy of what Florida has.
The language Disney used—describing it as an “adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders”—suggests something ambitious. Think immersive storytelling, cutting-edge ride systems, and environments we haven’t yet seen in any park.
Timeline: What Happens Next?
Right now, Disneyland hasn’t released a full construction schedule. But based on what’s been shared, here’s what we can reasonably expect:
- Now through 2025 – Monsters, Inc. remains open.
- Early 2026 – Monsters, Inc. closes permanently.
- Late 2026 or early 2027 – Construction likely begins.
- No earlier than 2027 – Possible opening window for Avatar destination.
If you love the Monsters, Inc. ride, now’s your time to get those last rides in before the transformation begins.
Final Thoughts
The location of Avatar Land at Disneyland confirms one of the biggest expansions in years for Disney California Adventure. By replacing the Hollywood Backlot and Monsters, Inc. with an immersive Avatar experience, Disney is making a clear move to reinvest in the park with something bold, cinematic, and technologically ambitious.
It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a ride like Monsters, Inc., especially with its unique history and quirky charm. But the promise of a new attraction built around the oceans of Pandora has us genuinely excited.
We’ll keep watching for official construction timelines, concept art, and attraction reveals. Until then, don’t skip your last chance to ride with Mike and Sulley—because the future is coming, and it’s floating (and swimming) straight from Pandora.
FAQs: Location of Avatar Land at Disneyland
Where is Avatar Land being built at Disneyland?
It will be built in Disney California Adventure, replacing part of the Hollywood Backlot, including the Monsters, Inc. ride.
Is Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue closing?
Yes. Disneyland confirmed it will close permanently in early 2026.
Is this the same as Pandora at Animal Kingdom?
Not quite. While both are based on the Avatar films, Disneyland’s version will focus more on ocean environments and new film elements. It’s not a direct copy of Florida’s land.
When will the new Avatar land open?
There’s no official opening date yet, but based on timing, 2027 or later is a safe estimate.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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