Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue at Disney California Adventure just got a reprieve. Disney has confirmed the dark ride will remain open into 2027, pushing back a closure that was originally planned for early 2026.
Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum shared the news during a Disneyland Resort media briefing on February 19, 2026. The delay is part of the resort’s renewed focus on keeping experiences available for young families during the multi-year DisneylandForward expansion.
Why the Closure Was Planned
The ride was set to close to make way for a new Pandora, World of Avatar area coming to Disney California Adventure. A portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area in Hollywood Land will be transformed into a new Avatar experience inspired by “Avatar: The Way of Water” and future films in the franchise. The new land will include a boat ride and will be distinct from the existing Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
Pandora was first confirmed for the Disneyland Resort during a 2023 earnings call. Concept art and a ride model were shown at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2024.
Avatar Attraction Not Delayed
According to Disney, keeping Monsters, Inc. open will not delay the upcoming Pandora project. The resort has not announced a specific opening timeframe for the Avatar area, so the actual impact on the construction timeline is unclear. However, Disney is maintaining that the two things are not connected from a schedule standpoint.
A Focus on Young Families
The decision to extend Monsters, Inc. is driven by the fact that young families have limited ride options at Disney California Adventure right now. With multiple construction projects underway as part of the DisneylandForward expansion, Disney wants to keep as many family-friendly attractions running as possible.
This fits alongside other family-focused announcements from the same event. Disneyland is launching “Bluey’s Best Day Ever,” an immersive experience at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park, starting March 22, 2026. The resort is also introducing a $5.99 kids meal and has extended its $50 child ticket offer for kids ages 3 to 9.
About the Ride
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue opened in 2006, replacing the short-lived Superstar Limo. The ride takes guests through scenes from the original Pixar film aboard taxi cabs. While the ride will eventually close in California, a new Monsters, Inc. door coaster is already in development for Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
For now, families visiting the Disneyland Resort can continue to enjoy Mike and Sulley’s adventure through at least early 2027.
Source: Scott Gustin
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