Disneyland announces it is shutting down beloved ride as part of wave of changes at the park
Disneyland has revealed it is shutting down one of its beloved rides to make way for a new attraction.
The California resort announced last summer that a new Avatar themed ride would be making its way to fans.
But now it has emerged that will be at the cost of a beloved fan-favorite attraction; Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!
The ride is set to close at the beginning at 2026 in order to make way for a new era of Disneyland.
The current attraction whisks riders through scenes from the Monsters Inc universe as characters Mike and Sulley race through the streets of Monstropolis to rescue Boo.
It was launched in 2006, allowing millions of guests to enjoy the 20-year run.
Not only is Monstropolis getting a makeover, part of Disneyland California Resort's backlot where the ride is located will be reconstructed to immerse park-goers into the world of Avatar.
However, unlike Florida's Disneyworld, this iteration will not be based on the original 'Avatar' film.
Disneyland is undergoing some big changes, but at the cost of a fan favorite ride
The California resort announced last summer that a new Avatar themed ride would be making its way to fans
Instead the area will become a visual recreation of 'Avatar: The Way of Water' According to Disney Parks Blog and may even feature concepts from upcoming Avatar films.
Concept imagery shows the headlining ride taking fans through the sparkling blue lagoons of Pandora.
The area will be centered around the water, recreating the landscape of the film and allowing park-goers to feel fully immersed, as if they are Avatars themselves.
Disney officials describe the addition as 'dynamic, intense and an emotional experience on a grand scale', the LA Times reports.
An opening and construction timeline has yet to be released.
But Park-goers who loved the Monsters Inc ride are mourning its closure.
'So disappointing. Why they would make an Avatar land is beyond me. Part of the appeal of DCA is it's better for littler kids. This was one of the anchor rides for that experience. More disappointment,' wrote X user Rami Elghandour.
'They should just give us a Monsters Inc. land instead,' said another user.
But it means Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is being scrapped to make way
Park-goers who loved the fan-favorite attraction are mourning its closure
'This sucks! Avatar fits ten times better in Animal Kingdom than DCA… transitioning from Hollywood Land to Avatar? Really? Nope. Down with the idea—would rather have the Muppets back and keep Monsters Inc. alive to preserve kid-friendly rides in the park! There's not enough for little ones to do!' another fan chimed in.
'@DisneyParks has no idea how to do the 'theme' in theme parks anymore. Just random stuff everywhere now,' complained another.
'R.I.P. Monsters. I'll forever miss you,' one user simply mourned.
The new themed area was announced alongside other exciting additions to the Disneyland landscape, including a new 'Coco' attraction located near Pixar Pier at Disneyland California Adventure.
This will mark the first 'Coco' activity in any Disney theme park, Disney Parks Blog writes.
'The attraction will be filled with the characters — and music! — you know and love from the beloved movie, as you join Miguel on a trip to the land of the dead.'
Construction will begin in in fall 2026.
Disney also plans on adding two new 'Avengers' attractions to Avengers Campus in Disneyland's California Adventure, although creators have yet to release a timeline for their construction.
Concept imagery shows the headlining ride taking fans through the sparkling blue lagoons of Pandora
Instead, what was once the home of friendly monsters Sulley and Mike, will become a visual recreation of ' Avatar: The Way of Water .' According to Disney Parks Blog
Other exciting additions include a new 'Coco' attraction, the first at any Disney theme park
Disney also promised a new parking structure to accommodate demand for their millions of guests, according to Disney Parks Blog.
'This new area will provide approximately 6,000 parking spaces, shuttle and rideshare areas, security screening and dedicated access for traffic off of Disney Way, improving parking and traffic flow throughout the resort area'
While this transformation marks an ending for many beloved rides, Disneyland continues to add one new attraction after the other in theme with new films and fan favorites.
As Monster's Inc. fans mourn the loss of the classic ride, Avatar fans can get excited about ushering in a brand new era.
'This is just the beginning of exciting growth here at Disneyland Resort, and we look forward to sharing more about all of these projects in the future,' a spokesman said.
