On the latest episode of This Week at Walt Disney World (June 11, 2025), Greg and I explored the Disneyland Expansion Locations—complete with maps and visuals. Now, D23 has confirmed what we suspected: from Pandora to Paradise Gardens, major new lands and a redesigned entry hub are coming to the resort. Let’s break down exactly where they’re going.
Connected Parks, Big Moves
When you look at what’s happening at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, it’s all part of a larger plan. The only real loser might be Aerosmith, as their Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is being replaced at Hollywood Studios by Muppets Electric Mayhem. That move frees up the Muppets Courtyard for something new—Monsters, Inc.
As the Muppets move out, Monsters, Inc. can move into their new East Coast home at Hollywood Studios. That shift enables Disneyland to close Monsters, Inc., Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, making space for Avatar. Meanwhile, the expanded Disneyland entrance and parking structure solve capacity issues and reshape guest arrival, flow, and security—while also providing additional space for Pandora.
It all ties into the broader Disneyland Forward initiative. Let’s break down the Disneyland Expansion Locations confirmed so far.
New Transportation Hub, Parking Structure and Esplanade Entry
Disney has confirmed a new parking structure with approximately 6,000 spaces, complete with rideshare zones and shuttle areas. Most importantly, there will be a new pedestrian bridge leading directly into the Esplanade.
As we highlighted, this reimagined entry point connects the new parking structure to the heart of Disneyland Resort. Enhancing both the arrival flow and first impression for park guests. The parking structure and ramp will be located on the property that Disneyland purchased back in April and July of 2015.
Disney acquired the Carousel Inn for $32 million in April 2015. In July of that same year, it purchased 1515 and 1585 South Manchester Avenue for $48 million, the property located just north of the existing Pumbaa Parking Lot. In 2014, the Carousel Inn will have a bridge connecting the new parking structure, spanning over Harbor Blvd, directly to the Disneyland Resort.
Backlot to Become Pandora
As we speculated, the Hollywood Backlot area of Disney California Adventure will be completely reimagined to make way for a new Avatar-themed experience. This means that Monsters, Inc., Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will officially close in early 2026. While details remain limited, the new concept art aligns with what we projected: a new immersive land built in the former Hollywood backlot area of Disney California Adventure.
Where Avatar Fits: Hollywood Backlot and Bus Loop.
Along the left edge of the concept art for the new entrance, you can see a portion of a wall. The opposite side of that wall, which is not visible, is the edge of Disney California Adventure, and ultimately, the back edge of Pandora. These aren’t just entrance upgrades—they’re a key part of how the resort incorporates the addition of Avatar and larger crowds in the years to come.
The map reveals that Stage 17, Stage 12, the Backlot Stage, and even the Hyperion Theater will be absorbed into the new Avatar space. These buildings have hosted seasonal events but haven’t anchored long-term experiences. Their repurposing is a smart evolution—and a massive visual shift. All of those buildings, plus the land currently used as a bus loop, will be the new location of Pandora. My only questions? How do you hide the monorail within the land? Time will tell how these Disneyland Expansion Locations impact the entire Disneyland Experience.
Coco Attraction Confirmed for Paradise Gardens
Also confirmed is the upcoming Coco attraction. Unlike Avatar, this expansion will be constructed in the area that is currently considered a backstage zone. Construction kicks off this fall, and while no opening date has been shared, the announcement is perfectly timed to align with Coco 2, set to debut in theaters in 2029.
This new attraction doesn’t disrupt any existing guest-facing experiences, making it a clean and easy addition to the Paradise Gardens area. It’s a strategic win for Disney, giving fans more Coco ahead of the sequel’s release. The concept art shows the structure of the Incredible coaster looming behind the entrance plaza, so we can assume the attraction will be behind that coaster, which is perfect.
No Big Surprises, But Plenty of Validation
For longtime fans and sharp-eyed viewers, the D23 post didn’t reveal much that we didn’t already hint at. However, it does validate the speculation we shared in our latest video. From the placement of the Avatar area to the confirmation of Coco and the transportation hub, it all points to a well-coordinated expansion that redefines the Disneyland experience for the next generation.
What Comes Next?
While we can see some dominoes already falling, others remain behind the curtain. If Monsters, Inc. permanently relocates to Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Imagineering can finally close Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. That move would clear space for a long-rumored “New Tomorrowland” project for Walt Disney World—one fans have anticipated since Stitch’s Great Escape closed.
We’re looking at you, Destination D23, to drop more details on that front.
Stay tuned to Sam’s Disney Diary for more analysis, visuals, and commentary as construction begins and new details emerge!
