The Disney Parks are always changing, and, for the most part, that’s a good thing. That doesn’t mean saying goodbye to classic and beloved attractions doesn’t stink.
Disneyland Resort expansion is underway, and part of the expansion plans includes MASSIVE changes coming to Disney California Adventure. Disney is building a new Coco ride and expanding Avengers Campus, all while installing a brand-new Avatar Land in the park. The new land will take up part of the Hollywood Backlot, and that means saying goodbye to a “perfect dark ride” attraction pretty soon.
To make space for the new Avatar land, Disneyland is permanently closing Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! in early 2026.
While we understand the need to make space for this new land that will no doubt be a huge draw, we can’t help but feel a little sad.
An anonymous AllEars reader said it best in a July 2025 review, writing, “My family loves Monsters Inc. and this ride was so fun!! They did a really good job making it just like the movie. It was super cute, and I especially loved the scene with all the doors! 👏 This was a perfect dark ride! “
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! opened in 2006 and has been a staple of Disney California Adventure ever since. In a land catering more towards an older audience, this attraction has been something the whole family can enjoy for almost 20 years.
This dark ride takes passengers in little taxicabs throughout Monstropolis on a journey that closely follows the events of the Pixar film. The ride features famous scenes, an interactive Roz audio-animatronic that can tailor her dialogue based on the passengers in the cars, ginger smells in Harryhausen’s, and a totally fun experience.
Saying it’s the perfect family dark ride isn’t that much of a stretch.
The Monsters, Inc. ride was initially Superstar Limo in 2001 when the park opened, but it quickly closed in 2002 after poor reception.
Superstar Limo was a dark ride that similarly transported guests through a cartoony version of Hollywood in a “stretch limo.” They were introduced to several animated celebrities such as Drew Carey, Cher, Whoopi Goldberg, Tim Allen, Regis Philbin, Antonio Banderas, Cindy Crawford, and more.
The ride was not well-liked and was quickly rethemed after the 2001 film.
Guests looking to experience Monsters Inc. at DCA one last time can do so all throughout the rest of 2025.
Taking its place, as we previously mentioned, will be the new Avatar land. This new land will be different than the one at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, taking inspiration from Avatar: The Way of Water and the following sequels.
Per Disney, the land will be home to a boat ride that will feature”an excursion in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora.”
We don’t really know much about the ride yet, other than the tease that it will invoke a sense of adventure and wonder — possibly offering some thrills.
When we learn more about this ride and the land as a whole, we’ll be sure to bring you the latest updates!
Moving on from Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is bittersweet and we’ll miss it. How do you feel about the ride leaving California Adventure for good? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned right here at AllEars for all the latest Disney news!
The New ‘Coco’ Ride at Disneyland Resort Announces Its Location!
Where do you rank the Monsters Inc. ride among the rest of the Disney California Adventure rides? Let us know in the comments!
The funny thing is that “Monsters Inc.” is such a successful franchise that Disney World is building a whole area just around that. Why not just move this ride over there instead? 🙂