Just Announced: Location of Avatar Land at Disneyland, to Replace Hollywood Backlot and Monsters Inc. Attraction

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.

20% Off site-wide, plus Free Shipping on all orders of $65+

Over 75+ Designs! Your next park shirt is just a click away

Looking To Book Your Dream Disney Vacation?

Save time & money on your vacation

Your Disney vacation should create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a first-time Disney vacationer or looking to plan your next magical adventure, it isn’t enough just to go on a Disney vacation. We want you to talk about your vacation for years to come and create memories you’ll cherish forever. Vacation is calling! Are you ready to answer?

REQUEST QUOTE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jonathan Cotton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I’m no stranger to Disney planning, as a Disneyland magic key holder and DVC member. I’m the person people ask for trip planning advice. But I had never been on a Disney cruise, and had heard great about Nate and decided to reach out. I’m so glad I did because we could not have been happier with our experience. His tips and insights were incredibly helpful, and he was incredibly responsive any time we had a question. Who do the Disney experts turn to when they need help? Nate, that’s who.

We’ll definitely be using him again.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Andria Skornik 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Our experience working with Nate as our Disney vacation planner was exceptional. He was responsive and thorough. He gave us insights that made the trip go much more smoothly. We were able to really relax and focus on quality time as a family and have so much fun doing it! I will definitely reach out for any future trips.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 rpwoodjr 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Could not have wanted or expected more from Nate, our Distrips and More agent as we planned our 2025 Disney World trip. Nate was VERY responsive to emails and texts and more than willing to do whatever he could to guide us and answer our questions.  On several occasions I emailed him over the weekend not expecting a response until Monday but each time he responded before the weekend was over.  He even participated in a Zoom session with our group of five seniors as we planned our trip. He also helped us at the 11th hour when we added a family member to our travel group less than a month before our trip.  Without a doubt, I will reach out to Nate when I'm ready to plan my next trip to Disney World!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Homero Rendon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We are so thankful we used Nate to plan not only our first Disney trip, but also our second. He made the process so easy for us, especially for us since it was our first time going. There was a lot to consider and many decisions to make, such as where to stay, when to go, and what to experience. Nate really helped us narrow down what we wanted to do overall, but he didn’t stop there. He provided detailed guides to help us navigate the airport and find our transportation to the resort, as well as a guide to explore the resorts and make sure we saw the best Christmas decorations. One of the many amazing things he also did was set up our dinner reservations for us. This saved us so much stress and allowed us to get some of our top choices. From the moment we landed in Orlando to the moment we headed back home, he made sure everything went smoothly. You truly can’t go wrong with going to him for your next trip.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Lee Mathes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate was absolutely the best planner I have ever had.  Will most definitely be using him again.   He took care of everything and kept me on track.  Was so very helpful in making all the dining reservations and everything.   Can't thank him enough.   He made our trip completely stress free!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Amanda Moran 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nathan has been an amazing trip planner for me! So helpful and responsive. I am a very type A person -- so someone who is even more on top of their game than me -- is so so appreciated! Nathan has booked 3 trips for me (1 completed 2 pending) and it was perfection. Thanks again!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Hyperion Adventures Podcast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate has helped us with our vacation planning for the last couple of years and we couldn't be happier with his service and expertise. We've used other travel agents in the past and none of them have done as phenomenal a job to make sure every detail is taken care of as he has. Switching to Nate was one of the best decisions we've ever made. He's always quick to answer questions and works tirelessly to make sure we get everything we want from our trips. Plus, he's just a genuinely great person who is wonderful to work with. Whether you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, or any other vacation, Nate is the guy you want putting it all together! Five stars across the board!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 7 reviews 
 
   
 
 

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!