As DisneylandForward prepares to finally physically take shape, Disneyland Resort was poised to close a ride early this year so that work could begin on a much anticipated new area. A portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area of Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure will be transformed into a new version of Pandora – World of Avatar. To make way for this new experience, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! was set to close in “early 2026”. However, Disney has announced that it will remain open into 2027, with younger families in mind, who have limited offerings at the park.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! opened in 2006, replacing Superstar Limo in what was essentially the first phase of the reimagining of Disney California Adventure. While it will no longer be represented on the West Coast, a Monsters, Inc. door coaster is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

Pandora – World of Avatar

According to Disney, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! remaining open will not delay the upcoming Pandora – World of Avatar. That being said, it is kind of unbelievable that at least one more full year of operation for the Backlot area wouldn’t somehow push this project back. Of course, Disneyland Resort hasn’t actually announced an opening timeframe for this new area, so we may actually never know.

Pandora – World of Avatar was confirmed to be headed to California in some shape or form in a 2023 earnings call. At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2024, a model and concept art were shown, and the boat ride was revealed.

The ride (and surrounding land) will be inspired by “Avatar: The Way of Water” and the following films in the franchise. It won’t be the same experience as the existing Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The decision to keep Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue open is primarily driven by the attendance of young families and Disneyland’s new focus on this group of guests. Keeping this ride open will give guests with small children visiting now another option at DCA, and presumably give Disney some time to get other offerings for this demographic up and running by then.

“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!”

In line with this focus on the attendance of young families, beginning March 22, 2026, and continuing through the year, “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” will invite Disneyland Park guests to an immersive celebration of the heart and humor of the critically acclaimed Disney+ animated series, Bluey, inside the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park.

Fantasyland Theatre will transform into the grounds of Bluey’s school, where guests can join the fun of Bluey’s best day ever. Throughout the day, Bluey and her sister Bingo will appear live on stage, joining a troupe of comedic actors and musicians. Together, they will bring to life the popular music and games that are emblematic of beloved Bluey episodes, inspiring young families and guests of all ages to participate.

The Fantasyland Theatre closed at the end of 2025 to make way for the brand new show featuring Bluey.

Ride Video of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

Watch our video of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! below.

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