The one constant at Disneyland is change. While that usually means new attractions and shows everybody loves, it isn’t always good news. Sometimes change means beloved attractions closing. And while there may be something wonderful once the work is done, nobody likes to see attractions they love disappear.
Disney California Adventure has been preparing for a major update with an Avatar land on the way that is going to require the closing of the fan favorite Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue. The ride was initially set for closure in early 2026, but the reason no specific closing date has been revealed is that the timeline has shifted.
Mike & Sully To The Rescue Will Remain Open in 2026
During a recent briefing with a small group of journalists and influencers, Disneyland President Thomas Mazloum revealed that, in an attempt to better stagger ride closures as part of the massive DisneylandForward expansion, Mike & Sully, which had been planned to close in early 2026, will be staying open until sometime in 2027. Here’s certainly great news for fans who weren’t quite ready to say goodbye yet.
The decision to keep Mike & Sully around is part of a larger focus on promoting Disneyland Resort to families with children. A new child’s ticket was recently introduced, allowing kids 9 and under to get a park hopper ticket for only $50. And with new attractions on the way for the younger set, like the upcoming Bluey’s Best Day Ever show at Disneyland, the decision was made that a ride like Monsters, Inc., that would attract a younger guest, needed to stay open a while longer to give those kids more to do.
While details on the upcoming Avatar land remain scarce, and there has been no indication of even what year the land is expected to be completed, Disneyland has stated that the delay in closing Mike and Sully will not delay the new land’s eventual opening, based on whatever internal timetable the resort has for the project.
As a Disney parent, I wholeheartedly endorse this plan. I was once a kid who fell in love with Disneyland, which is what turned me into someone who loves Disneyland as an adult, and my kids are certainly heading down that path.
Park Hopping Restrictions Will Go Away At Disneyland Resort In 2026
Of all the changes at Disneyland following the pandemic reopening, the one I disliked the most was the restriction on park hopping. Guests visiting the park must decide which of the two Disneyland Resort parks they wish to visit first on any given day. Guests who buy a ticket that allows them to visit both parks on the same day have had to wait a few hours after the parks open to visit their second park.
However, Thomas Mazloum also informed our group that at some point later this year, all restrictions on park hopping will be lifted.
Mazloum made it clear during the discussions with our group that he understood that a Disneyland vacation wasn’t necessarily the easiest thing for families to do, but he’s committed to, whenever possible, making the experience simpler for both new and returning guests. He stated:
“As we celebrate 70 years of the Disneyland Resort, we’re also building for the future by focusing on the relevancy and quality of our product – simplifying the guest experience and bringing exciting new attractions and entertainment to The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Considering how important park hopping is at Disneyland Resort, this is a fantastic change. While I would love for the reservation system to disappear entirely, that does not appear to be happening anytime soon. While there are some details left to be ironed out regarding how this change will work, reservations will be less of a hindrance to park hoppers soon, and that’s a positive step.
These are two high-profile changes at Disneyland Resort that appear to be part of a larger commitment to making the experience better for everybody. I look forward to seeing what’s next.
