These 4 Maps Show the Fate of Disneyland

The Disneyland Resort is changing in some pretty significant ways!

Train Station

Currently in the midst of its 70th Anniversary Celebration, there’s already a ton going on at Disneyland. However, once the festivities end, attention will turn toward the bigger picture. With decade-long expansion plans ready to be carried out, Disneyland is expanding and changing in ways that’ll transform the way we experience “The Happiest Place On Earth.” There are all kinds of new attractions and experiences coming to the Resort, so we went ahead and made some maps to show you exactly where things are (or might be) changing.

DisneylandForward is going to see some pretty big changes at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, the hotels, and even some space not being used currently for theme park purposes. We’re talking new amenities, attractions, lands, lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment. We might even see a third gate.

DisneylandForward concept art ©Disney

However, before Disneyland expansion runs, it has to walk. And that starts with CONFIRMED plans happening at Disney California Adventure.

Disney California Adventure

This park is actually getting an expansion, at least by the dictionary’s term. Since Disneyland is locked in by urban development and land the company already owns, using the word “expansion” could be misconstrued. With that said, Disney California Adventure is actually growing in size. However, as it expands, it’ll also lose one area.

The Hollywood Backlot area (or at least a portion of the area) will be giving way to a new Avatar-themed land.

An Avatar experience inspired by the recent Avatar film “The Way of Water” will come to Disney California Adventure and will provide guests an all-new experience in Pandora not previously seen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (Disney)

Not much has been revealed about the new area aside from three facts: It’ll be based on the Avatar sequels (differentiating itself from Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom), it will feature an adventurous boat attraction, and Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! (a dark ride in the Backlot) will be removed to make way for the new land. Monsters, Inc. is set to close permanently in early 2026.

An Avatar attraction coming to Disney California Adventure will take guests on a journey to explore the wonders of Pandora, and the dangers that come along with the trek.

So here’s the thing: The Hollywood Backlot is kind of a small space that probably wouldn’t do justice to the world of Avatar. So we’re speculating that more land could be used for this project in the map below. Of course, please remember that nothing has yet been confirmed on the actual dimensions of this land, so only use this as a reference as to what might be done.

Potential map
©Disney

Construction on this expansion has already begun, and we can see via the map below that space previously unused by guests at California Adventure will now play home to the new attractions.

Potential Avengers Campus Expansion

We also learned about a new Coco boat ride coming to California Adventure and where it’ll go.

Concept art

This ride looks to occupy a tucked-away space behind Incredicoaster and Pixar Pier/Paradise Gardens. It will not be replacing any existing attractions, as it will be built in a predominantly backstage area starting Fall 2025.

Potential area of the new Coco ride

The very first Coco-themed ride at Disney still doesn’t have a ton of specifics (like how much space it will inevitably take up), but we’ll let you know as soon as more details are released.

©Disney

These are just a few changes coming to the Disneyland Resort. The DisneylandForward project OFFICIAL information states:

“The plan allows for theme park attractions alongside hotels on the west side of Disneyland Drive and theme park attractions alongside new shopping, dining and entertainment to the southeast on what is today the Toy Story Parking Area.
DisneylandForward also calls for additional and new parking east and north of the theme parks and potential foot bridges across Harbor Boulevard and Disneyland Drive.”

We already know about a new transportation hub coming to the Resort, and some HUGE project announcements could be following. You’ll note that on the map below, some MASSIVE changes could be coming to the space west of Disneyland Drive. We’ll just have to wait and see what those changes are!

©Disney

For all the latest Disneyland expansion news, stay tuned right here at AllEars!

All the Expansions, Lands, and Rides Announced by Disney for 2025, 2026, and 2027

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Are you excited about these new projects? Let us know in the comments!

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