Disneyland Resort Unveils Major Expansion Plans

Anaheim

The Disneyland Resort has announced ambitious expansion plans, which are expected to significantly transform Disney California Adventure by 2026. The expansion will introduce new attractions based on popular films such as Avatar and Coco, while also enhancing visitor accessibility through a new parking structure.

Details of the Expansion

One of the major highlights of the expansion is the nearly doubling of the Avengers Campus, where two new attractions will be added. As part of this transformation, the existing Monsters, Inc. ride, Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, located in the Hollywood Backlot area, is scheduled to close in early 2026. It will be replaced by an entirely new attraction inspired by the movie Avatar.

Additionally, a new ride based on the Disney-Pixar film Coco will be developed near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, making use of current backstage areas. This attraction will feature an audio-animatronic character, Miguel, who will guide guests through the spiritual Land of the Dead. Construction for the Coco attraction is anticipated to start in Fall 2025.

New Parking Structure

To prepare for an expected increase in visitor numbers, a new parking structure will be built, offering 6,000 spaces. Positioned on the east side of the park, this facility will include a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard, enhancing access for guests. The improved esplanade arrival experience will further facilitate easier visitor entry into the park.

Economic Impact and Community Engagement

The expansion is part of the DisneylandForward initiative, approved by the Anaheim City Council last year, which allows for significant zoning changes across the 490-acre Disneyland property. Disneyland Resort President has emphasized the importance of being ready to accommodate the predicted influx of guests as these projects progress.

The Disneyland Resort plays a vital role in the local economy, contributing approximately $16.1 billion annually to Southern California. This economic activity directly and indirectly supports around 102,000 jobs in the area. In addition, the resort generates approximately $279 million in tax revenue for the city of Anaheim, making up roughly 60% of the city’s general fund.

Background Context

The announcements regarding the new attractions were first made during the D23 Expo fan convention last summer. This expansion initiative comes on the heels of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance and diversify the park’s offerings. While Disneyland officials are currently unable to share further specifics related to the new attractions as they remain in the early stages of development, the proposed changes promise to deliver exciting new experiences for guests in the coming years.