Tag: DisneyParksNews

Big Changes Ahead at Disneyland Resort: What We Know So Far

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:

Concept Art: Disney Parks
  • An attraction themed to “Coco”
Expansion Plans for Disney California Adventure
Concept Art: Disney Parks

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
expansion plans at Disney California Adventure
Concept Art: Disney Parks

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.

Expansion plans at Disney California Adventure, Avatar
Concept Art: Disney Parks

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.

expansion plans at Disney California Adventure, Avatar
Concept Art: Disney 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!

Email me for a free, no obligation quote today!

P.S. Don’t forget: Disneyland is currently celebrating it’s 70th Anniversary. This Happiest Celebration is not to be missed!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary
Photo: Disney Parks

Piston Peak National Park is Coming to Magic Kingdom—and It’s a Whole New Adventure

There’s something exciting rumbling in the distance at Magic Kingdom—and no, it’s not just Big Thunder Mountain. Disney has officially confirmed a brand-new land coming to Frontierland: Piston Peak National Park, inspired by the Disney and Pixar Cars universe and the animated film Planes: Fire & Rescue. And y’all… it sounds incredible.

This isn’t just a new ride or snack cart. This is a full-blown expansion—part of what Disney is calling the largest in Magic Kingdom history. So buckle up, because here’s what we know so far.

The Road to Piston Peak

You’ll find Piston Peak nestled between Liberty Square and Frontierland, following that familiar path of American storytelling Disney’s Imagineers love to weave. Think about it—on one walk, you move from colonial America to the frontier, through the musical forests of Grizzly Hall, down to the bayou with Tiana, and into the red rocks of the Old West. And now? We’re heading into the wild, mountainous majesty of a fictional national park built for racers.

Piston Peak National Park, Cars
Concept Art: Disney Parks

Piston Peak draws inspiration from the Rocky Mountains and America’s legendary National Parks. Expect towering trees, waterfalls, geysers, and—of course—Cars-themed chaos. According to Disney, you’ll be able to explore a visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, winding trails, and scenic vistas—all built using “Parkitecture,” the rustic, nature-blending style seen in real National Park lodges.

One of the things that has me excited about Piston Peak National Park is that the Imagineers are going in a very different direction from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. Cars Land is amazing, and visually, it puts you right in that first Cars movie. It would have been easy for Disney to use a lot of the elements from the existing Cars Land at DCA and plop them down at Magic Kingdom in Florida. Fortunately, that is NOT what they are doing. They’ve designed a completely DIFFERENT experience for Cars fans, and I am LOVING this National Parks concept.

New Rides, New Views, and a Whole Lot of Story

One of the most exciting parts? The off-road rally ride—where you can race through the wild terrain of Piston Peak. This attraction promises a new level of immersion in the Cars world, giving guests a chance to feel like they’re right in the middle of an action-packed adventure.

Piston Peak National Park
Concept Art: Disney Parks

The land will also serve as a visual bridge between Frontierland and Liberty Square. Trees, mountains, and water features will provide natural transitions, and guests will spot new details even from Liberty Square and the main part of Frontierland. What they won’t spot, however, is the Rivers of America. Speaking of which…

Closures Ahead: What to Know

Starting July 7, the Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island will close to allow construction to kick into high gear. I’ve been worried about the impact of these closures on the Magic Kingdom–especially the closure of the Rivers of America. I love the walk along the waterfront as you move from Liberty Square to Frontierland, and around to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain. I think the Rivers of America provides both beautiful scenery and helps keep this part of Magic Kingdom a little cooler during the hot summer.

I love watching the Liberty Square Riverboat take its short journey on the Rivers of America. Does anyone remember when they did a show on board the Liberty Square Riverboat themed to The Princess and the Frog? This was such a terrific combination–I really wish it had lasted longer! If you love the Liberty Square Riverboat, your last day to ride this attraction is July 6.

Liberty Square Riverboat
Photo: Disney Parks

I was really sad we were going to be losing all that water, and the lovely views that we currently have. However, the current plans for Piston Peak National Park have me cautiously optimistic. Of course, a lot can happen during big, years-long construction projects and plans (and budgets) can change. However, Piston Peak National Park looks like it will include a lot of water elements. Imagineers declared during a recent presentation about the new mini-land that there were so many waterfalls planned, they’d lost count.

Meanwhile, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is getting some updates of its own and will reopen in 2026 with “new magic” (Disney’s words, not mine—but you know I’ll be keeping tabs on that). I have heard that there will be geysers involved. Sounds pretty cool to me!

But Wait—There’s More Magic Coming

This isn’t the only thing heating up at Magic Kingdom this summer. On July 20, “Disney Starlight” debuts as the new nighttime entertainment, and The Beak and Barrel—a pirate-themed tavern—will be opening its doors to scallywags of all ages.

Beak and Barrel. Pirate Tavern in Magic Kingdom
Concept Art: Disney Parks

Oh, and in case you missed it: Disney is also building its first-ever land inspired by the Villains. It’s happening just beyond Big Thunder Mountain, and it’ll feature two major attractions, shopping, and dining. Yes, please.

The Bottom Line

Piston Peak National Park isn’t just another Cars ride—it’s a love letter to the great American wilderness, storytelling, and the playful spirit of Pixar. With immersive design, new thrills, and big-picture expansion plans, this area is shaping up to be something truly special.

Piston Peak National Park
Concept Art: Disney Parks

I’ll be sharing updates all summer long as construction begins and details emerge. If you’re planning a trip for late 2025 or beyond, you’ll want to keep a close eye on this one.

In the meantime, I’ll be over here dreaming of racing through the wilderness with a geyser or two going off in the distance. Ka-chow!

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
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