Exciting New Developments at Disneyland: Coco and Avatar Land Announced
Disney has unveiled plans for two major new attractions at Disneyland, promising to enhance the park’s immersive experience. The beloved Coco-themed ride will be situated in areas currently used for backstage operations near Disney California Adventure’s Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier. Meanwhile, a new Avatar-themed land will expand Pandora’s universe, occupying part of the existing Hollywood Backlot area.
Details on the Coco Attraction
The upcoming Coco attraction was officially announced at D23 2024 and will mark the first-ever Disney ride based on the Pixar hit film. Disney Parks Blog shared that construction will commence this fall in backstage zones, ensuring minimal disruption during the development phase. The new ride aims to evoke the magic of classics like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, with Disney promising an innovative experience.
Guests can look forward to stunning Audio-Animatronic figures, bringing the film’s characters to life in ways that will leave visitors amazed. Disney’s team is dedicated to creating a visually spectacular attraction with cutting-edge technology, making it a must-see for fans of the film and theme park enthusiasts alike.
Concept Art and Inspiration
Concept art reveals a vibrant, colorful design that captures the spirit of Día de los Muertos and Mexican culture. The attraction will feature skeletal characters in a lively, immersive setting, utilizing the latest Audio-Animatronic advancements to deliver a dynamic and engaging experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to see characters like Miguel and Hector in entirely new ways, enhancing storytelling and interactivity.
Avatar Land: A New Pandora Experience
The new Avatar-themed area is still in the early stages of development, with additional details to be shared later. Announced at D23, this expansion will draw inspiration from James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, as well as future Avatar films. It aims to bring Pandora to Disneyland in a way never seen before, expanding on the success of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, which has been open since 2017.
While specifics about the attraction are scarce, Disney has confirmed that fans can expect an immersive environment that captures the breathtaking beauty of Pandora’s floating mountains, bioluminescent forests, and exotic wildlife.
Imagery of the New Avatar Land
Concept art depicts a lush, otherworldly landscape filled with towering cliffs and glowing flora. Disney’s vision promises an experience that transports visitors deep into the heart of Pandora, offering new rides and attractions that deepen the connection to the film’s universe.
Farewell to Monsters, Inc.: Mike & Sulley Ride Closing
In an unfortunate but necessary update, Disney announced that the Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! ride will close in early 2026. This closure is part of the ongoing transformation to make room for the new Avatar land. Fans of the beloved attraction will have a chance to experience it one last time before it makes way for Disney’s next big adventure.
Looking ahead, Disney plans to introduce a brand-new Monsters, Inc. land at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. This new area will feature the first suspended roller coaster in a Disney park, which will send guests flying through the iconic door warehouse—an experience sure to delight fans of the franchise.
Additional Disney Park Enhancements
Alongside these exciting new attractions, Disney is working on infrastructure improvements to accommodate increased visitors. A new parking structure and transportation hub are planned for the east side of Disneyland Resort, replacing part of the current cast member parking lot. This new facility will offer around 6,000 parking spaces, shuttle and rideshare zones, enhanced security screening, and dedicated traffic access, all designed to streamline guest flow.
Furthermore, a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard will be constructed, providing a seamless connection to a revamped esplanade entrance, improving overall accessibility and traffic management across the resort.
Visual Concepts of the New Transportation Hub
Concept art showcases a modern, spacious transportation hub featuring sleek design elements, efficient shuttle zones, and clear signage. These upgrades aim to make visiting Disneyland more convenient and enjoyable for all guests.
Alex Hunter
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