Disney has just shared a major update on future expansion plans at Disneyland Resort, and there’s a lot to be excited about. Disney’s recent announcement includes news about parking upgrades to brand-new lands, attractions, and some surprising closures.
Let’s break it all down and talk about what’s coming, what’s going, and what it means for your future trips to the Disneyland Resort.
A New Way to Arrive at Disneyland
First up, a major infrastructure upgrade is coming. Disneyland will be building a brand-new parking structure and transportation hub on the east side of the resort (currently part of the Manchester cast member lot). This new area will include:
- Around 6,000 parking spaces
- Space for rideshare pickups, shuttles, and security screening
- A dedicated entrance off Disney Way, meant to ease traffic flow
- And perhaps most excitingly – there will be a new pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard leading into an all-new arrival esplanade
If you’ve ever arrived at Disneyland through the Harbor Boulevard entrance, you know how crowded and hectic that area can feel. This upgrade could be a huge improvement for guests staying off-property or arriving via rideshare.
Disney tells us construction will start in Fall 2026. So, we can’t expect this new experience to debut anytime soon. BUT, it’s the first step toward even bigger changes on the horizon.
Big Expansion Plans for Disney California Adventure
Now let’s talk about the fun stuff: new attractions.
Disney confirmed that two major additions are coming to DCA:
- An attraction themed to “Coco”
Disney announced at last year’s D23 event that a Coco-themed attraction was coming to DCA. At that event, Disney promised that this first-ever ride in a Disney park to feature Coco will be filled with the music and characters from the movie. We will join Coco on a trip to the land of the dead. I love this movie, and can’t wait to see what Imagineering does with this terrific material!
- A new Avatar-inspired destination
Disney Imagineering worked AMAZING magic when they designed and created Pandora, the Avatar themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The land is absolutely beautiful and both attractions are still extremely popular, even after several years.
This new Avatar themed destination at Disney California Adventure will draw its inspiration from the second Avatar film, Avatar: The Way of Water. We don’t much beyond that YET, but I am really looking forward to finding out what Imagineering will have in store for us.
Both of these new lands will expand the park significantly. The “Coco” attraction will be built in backstage areas near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, and the Avatar land will be developed in the Hollywood Backlot area.
Here’s what we know so far about Disney’s expansion plans:
- “Coco” Attraction: Construction will begin this fall (2025) backstage. Disney had not given us an opening date yet. However, this is a clear sign that Paradise Gardens is being set up as a mini-Pixar hub.
- Avatar Destination: Still in early planning stages, but it will replace the current Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! ride. This ride will close in early 2026 to make way for the new Avatar land.
So, if Monsters Inc. is a must-do for your crew, make sure to plan a visit before early next year.
The Bottom Line
This is the biggest expansion announcement we’ve had at Disneyland Resort in quite a while. Between the upgraded arrival experience, major new attractions, and expanding Pixar and Avatar storytelling, Disney is clearly investing heavily in the California parks.
Of course, construction takes time. Park-goers can expect detours, closures, and crowds during these transitions. But if you’re planning trips in late 2026 and beyond, these upgrades could totally reshape your Disneyland experience.
I’ll keep updating as we learn more about Disney’s expansion plans for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Stay tuned for construction timelines, concept art, and opening dates!
P.S. Don’t forget: Disneyland is currently celebrating it’s 70th Anniversary. This Happiest Celebration is not to be missed!
