In a big shift for Disney California Adventure Park, the beloved Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! ride will soon close to make room for a new attraction based on Avatar. The announcement has stirred emotions among longtime fans, as the family-friendly dark ride has been a staple of the park’s Hollywood Land area since 2006.
The ride, which follows Mike and Sulley on a mission to return Boo safely home while avoiding Randall and the Child Detection Agency (CDA), has been a hit with younger audiences and nostalgic adults. It’s known for its detailed sets, animatronic characters, and fun storytelling that captures the charm of Pixar’s 2001 blockbuster Monsters, Inc.
According to Disney, the ride will officially close later this year, though an exact date has not been confirmed. Fans are already flocking to the park to get one last experience with the lovable monsters before the doors close for good.
You can follow the latest Disneyland attraction updates directly on the Disney Parks Blog.
The decision to replace the Monsters, Inc. ride is part of a broader strategy by Disney to modernize and revitalize underused parts of California Adventure. Hollywood Land, where the ride is located, has long been seen as one of the park’s less popular sections, despite its Hollywood-themed aesthetics.
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, recently revealed during a shareholders meeting that a new Avatar-themed attraction will be taking over part of the Hollywood Land space. While few details have been shared, fans speculate the new ride could be inspired by Avatar: Flight of Passage, one of the most popular rides at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.
In his remarks, Iger said, “We are working on bringing an exciting Avatar experience to Disneyland. The franchise’s popularity and immersive potential make it a great fit.”
You can learn more about Disney’s plans for the Avatar experience by visiting The Walt Disney Company’s official newsroom.
While specifics remain under wraps, Disney has confirmed the new ride will be an “all-new Avatar experience” designed specifically for California Adventure. It will not be a copy of the ride from Florida but something unique that fits the California theme park layout.
This move is part of Disney’s \$60 billion expansion plan over the next ten years to bring more immersive storytelling to its parks globally. James Cameron’s Avatar universe is seen as a natural fit for these expansions, especially with several movie sequels in development.
For context, the Avatar franchise has already proven to be a crowd-puller. Flight of Passage remains one of the most praised rides in any Disney park, praised for its cutting-edge technology and emotional experience.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. While many are excited about a new ride, others are mourning the loss of a long-standing, family-friendly favorite.
Theme park enthusiast Lisa Coleman wrote on social media, “I grew up riding Monsters, Inc. with my kids. It’s sad to see it go, but I understand Disney always needs to evolve.”
Online Disney forums and fan pages are also buzzing with debates. Some fans argue that Hollywood Land needs a major refresh, and Avatar could be just the thing to revive interest. Others feel that Pixar’s classic characters like Mike and Sulley deserved a longer run or relocation rather than removal.
You can join fan discussions and updates on sites like WDW News Today.
As of now, no official timeline for the Monsters, Inc. ride closure has been released, and Disney has not announced when the new Avatar attraction will debut. However, construction is expected to begin shortly after the current ride shuts down, possibly by early 2026.
In the meantime, fans are encouraged to visit California Adventure to experience the Monsters, Inc. ride while it’s still open. Disney is also expected to release more details about the Avatar project during upcoming D23 Expo events and investor presentations.
Stay informed about Disney’s theme park developments through D23.com, the official Disney fan club website.
The closure of the Monsters, Inc. ride marks a significant transformation for Hollywood Land. With fewer attractions compared to other themed lands, Hollywood Land has long been due for a reimagining. Replacing a legacy Pixar ride with a new-generation Avatar attraction signals a push toward immersive and visually stunning experiences.
Industry experts believe this may be the first of several changes coming to the area. Some even speculate that the entire land could eventually be renamed or themed around sci-fi or futuristic storytelling to better align with Avatar and other franchises.
Disneyland is no stranger to change, and while saying goodbye to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! may be bittersweet, the promise of a cutting-edge Avatar attraction offers excitement for the future. As Disneyland continues to evolve with new stories, characters, and technology, guests can expect an ever-growing blend of nostalgia and innovation.
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