Disneyland files permits to demolish popular ride to make way for Avatar land

It’s the Happiest… Construction Site on Earth.

Disney has quietly filed confidential demolition permits tied to a future Avatar-themed attraction planned for Disney’s California Adventure — even though the existing Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue ride isn’t expected to close until 2027.

The permits, first flagged by Theme Park IQ, cover the Monsters Inc. building and the Hollywood Lounge quick-service location, according to the Orange County Register.

Disney officials confirmed the filings support long-term expansion work in the Hollywood Land area, but emphasized the permits are part of early planning.

Theme Park IQ, which offers real-time updates and schedules for Disney and Universal parks, noted that the permits are in their early stages “so don’t expect anything to happen for awhile.”

Disney previously announced the Monster’s Inc. ride would remain open until 2027 after earlier expectations pointed to a possible 2026 closure, as previously reported by the Register.

Keeping the family-friendly ride open longer is intended to maintain balance in the park’s attraction lineup while Disney continues early development work on the Avatar expansion.

The new attraction will draw inspiration from multiple films in James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise, including “The Way of Water” and upcoming installments, and is expected to feature a boat-based ride through a bioluminescent Pandoran rainforest.

Concept art shows towering rockwork, cascading waterfalls and glowing cave environments similar in scope to the existing Pandora land at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Construction timelines remain fluid, but the project is not expected to debut until at least 2028 or 2029.

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