This Permanent Disney Ride Closure Is Keeping Us on the Edge of Our Seats

Hey Disney…aren’t you forgetting something?

Mike’s reaction to learning his ride was closing for Avatar.

A lot’s changing at Disneyland these days. Galaxy’s Edge modifications, the resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, and Disney California Adventure land expansions and new ride projects have dominated discourse — and for good reason. However, one thing we’ve anticipated talking about has been dormant for some time, and we’re wondering what gives.

Among projects like the new Coco ride and massive Avengers Campus expansion, Disney California Adventure is also working on a new Avatar-themed land. The new land will be situated in the Hollywood Land backlot area, which means we’ll be saying goodbye to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! fairly soon.

Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue

Disney has confirmed that the attraction is slated for permanent closure sometime in early 2026 — but here’s the thing: It’s already 2026, and we still have no idea when the ride is closing.

Roz

As of this writing, the ride is still open and operating like normal despite living on borrowed time. It is going to close down after years of seemingly surviving removal rumors. And now it’s stuck in a limbo that stresses us out each time we visit.

Mike, Sulley, and Boo

A beloved family ride that provides respite from some of California Adventure’s more thrilling rides while offering air-conditioning and a really fun ride experience, Monsters, Inc. has consistently been dependable, nostalgic, and a real joy to ride. Seeing it go is bittersweet, but the uncertainty of when makes matters more tense. A park staple since it replaced Superstar Limo officially in 2006, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! takes passengers through Monstropolis while retelling the story of the iconic Pixar film.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

Early 2026 could mean January (unlikely at this point) or any time through March or April. Until Disney says something, your guess is as good as ours. Unfortunately, the uncertainty affects 2026 Disneyland travel planning, and the best advice we can give is that if riding Monsters, Inc. one last time is your priority, make your way out to Anaheim ASAP.

Monsters, Inc. ride

As previously mentioned, the looming closure is tied directly to Disney’s massive plans for James Cameron’s Avatar franchise to arrive at the Disneyland Resort. The new land will be based on Avatar: The Way of Water and its sequels (a notable difference from Animal Kingdom’s Pandora), and will feature a thrilling boat adventure ride.

©Disney

For now, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! remains open, but the clock is ticking. In the meantime, we’ll keep you posted on all the latest Disneyland Resort news, so keep it posted right here at AllEars to stay in the know!