Disneyland Resort is officially entering a new era of expansion.
This week, the Disney Parks Blog unveiled eagerly awaited specifics about an extensive multi-year project aimed at introducing new attractions, significant infrastructure upgrades, and laying the foundation for future development. The announcement included plans for a new parking facility and footbridge on the resort’s east side, the addition of a Coco-themed attraction to Disney California Adventure, and fresh insights into the location of Bob Iger’s long-awaited Avatar destination, which will replace part of Hollywoodland.
Although Disney’s blog post only offered a general summary, Park Place can now disclose unique behind-the-scenes details, sourced directly from the project teams, regarding the upcoming changes. These insights reveal not just what to expect, but also the challenges ahead and the reasons behind the complexity of this phase in Disneyland Forward’s development.
Eastern Gateway Resurfaces with a New Approach
A significant portion of this week’s Disney announcements aligns with the objectives of an earlier project, known as the Eastern Gateway Project. This initiative was first proposed in 2016, and it envisioned constructing a large parking facility on the eastern side of Harbor Boulevard, a pedestrian bridge over the road, and a new security zone that would directly connect to the resort’s promenade.
2017 saw the termination of that particular project due to substantial opposition from Harbor Boulevard businesses. They contended that the bridge would divert pedestrian traffic away from their stores and accommodations, thereby isolating them from the resort’s foot traffic. For quite some time afterward, the area remained untouched. However, with Disneyland Forward as its banner, the expansion project has resurfaced—bringing significant alterations to steer clear of past mistakes.
Currently, under the Disneyland Forward banner, the development project has resurfaced with significant modifications aimed at avoiding previous setbacks.
Based on concept art provided by Disney and information from That Park Place, it appears that in the latest design, the security zone will start on the Disneyland side of Harbor Boulevard, rather than at the parking structure. This modification allows foot traffic from harbor-area hotels and businesses to enter the security area without needing to pass through the structure. This adjustment is significant as it seeks to garner public approval and avoid legal issues similar to those that affected the original Eastern Gateway project.
Disney’s Announced Plans
In their June 5th blog post, Disney confirmed several new developments.
A New 6,000-Space Parking Structure and Transportation Hub
Disney plans to construct a new parking facility on the present Manchester staff parking lot, located east of the resort. This building will offer around 6,000 parking spots and incorporate sections for shuttle services and ride-share pick-ups. The latter is particularly important in addressing the increasing demand from both cast members and visitors who are now relying heavily on car-sharing services to travel to the resort.
Notably, this proposal features a footbridge crossing Harbor Boulevard. This crucial element of the infrastructure connects straight into an upgraded promenade linking Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. The construction is set to commence in 2026.
Location for Coco Attraction Coming to DCA
At D23 2024, it was revealed that a new attraction inspired by Pixar’s Coco would be built within Disney’s California Adventure. According to Disney’s official blog post, this new addition will be situated in the vicinity of Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, displacing the currently unused backstage area.
According to Disney, construction will begin this fall.
Avatar Located in Hollywoodland
Disney has revealed plans to change part of Hollywoodland into an area inspired by the Avatar universe, as previously mentioned by Disney’s CEO Bob Iger during his initial earnings call after Bob Chapek’s dismissal.
As a movie buff, I’m thrilled about an upcoming project, but it seems we’ll have to bid a permanent farewell to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! starting early 2026. Unfortunately, there’s no set timeline for the construction of the new land yet, so stay tuned for more updates on that front.
That Park Place Exclusive: Coco, Avatar, and What Disney Isn’t Saying
Reliable sources familiar with the matter have shared comprehensive details about the upcoming stages of Disneyland’s expansion with us. However, it is important to remember that this information originates from a third-party source knowledgeable about the situation, making it currently just a rumor.
Coco: Smaller, Simpler, and Fast-Tracked
The “Coco” attraction is definitively going up at the northeastern corner of Disney California Adventure, just as announced, with our trusted sources verifying that no current structures will be torn down for its construction.
Instead of having a large backstage area for the attraction, it will have a small footprint, making the designers think innovatively about the ride’s layout. One possibility is that the ride system could include a turntable or unconventional track paths to navigate tight turns, as constructing a full-sized traditional water ride might not be practical in the available space.
The rate at which Disney’s new construction progresses is more influenced by the availability of free cash flow rather than simply being ready creatively to start building.
Avatar Land: Dependent on Infrastructure and Constrained by Scale
It appears that, as expected, the construction of the Avatar-themed land is set to take place within the current Hollywood Backlot area. However, reliable sources at That Park Place have indicated that the project will additionally need land from the northern transportation plaza. This implies that the area needs to be cleared before the building process can commence.
The progress on the project can’t continue until the newly built parking facility and footbridge are fully constructed and functioning. As long as this isn’t the case, Disney won’t be able to make any changes in their existing transport arrangements.
Moreover, it’s noted that the Disneyland Monorail track won’t be affected by the Avatar project. This limitation greatly reduces the scale of the new land, marking a significant contrast to the expansive ideas initially conceived for Marvel in the same location.
Timeline and Political Pressure
Disney has a knack for timing things perfectly, and it seems they’re playing that game with their Disneyland expansion. Insiders claim the resort is making swift moves under a favorable political climate. The current city council appears supportive of the project, so Disney is rushing to start construction on the parking lot and bridge before any significant changes in leadership take place.
Nevertheless, the company may encounter hurdles ahead. Ongoing disputes about easements or legal disagreements with nearby businesses continue to pose a challenge. To lessen this potential risk, it seems Disney is adjusting its public stance.
A New Tone with Harbor Boulevard Businesses
Instead of adopting the contentious strategy that led to the failure of Eastern Gateway previously, it appears that Disney is now leaning towards cooperation. Sources close to That Park Place claim that the company might provide financial incentives or discounts to Harbor Boulevard hotels and businesses to foster a harmonious visual appeal, much like Downtown Disney with its uniform design.
The aim is to set up consistent illumination, signs, and greenery to design a more inviting entryway. This concept has internally been referred to as designing a “Disney’s Downtown East” along Harbor Blvd, which would be advantageous for both Disney and its surrounding areas.
Design Homage and Theater Preservation
It’s said that the design for the upcoming pedestrian bridge draws inspiration from the original Disney Way entrance, which provided access to the resort on the east side before Disney California Adventure was constructed. This revamped bridge is meant to serve dual purposes: it will be practical as a gateway into the parks and also nostalgic, reminding visitors of the park’s history.
The Hyperion Theater is safe. 👍
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 6, 2025
In confirmation from industry reporter Scott Gustin on X, it’s been made clear that the Hyperion Theater will endure the transformations happening in Hollywoodland. This 1,984-seat theater, known for hosting Broadway-style shows for years, won’t be affected by the changes.
Conclusion
The expansion of Disneyland marks an exhilarating stage in the evolution of our beloved “Happiest Place on Earth.” Beyond the thrilling rides, this phase represents a complex, multi-faceted process that has been carefully planned over many years. While Disney’s announcement highlights upcoming attractions like those based on Coco and Avatar, the true narrative unfolds with the development of a parking lot, a bridge, and a strengthened bond with the city and community nearby.
Following our plans, it seems likely that Coco might become the initial release – provided we receive sufficient funding. However, Avatar, which has generated much excitement, will need to take a patient stance and wait for its opportunity in due course.
For now, all eyes are on Fall 2026.
That Park Place YouTube and T3PO host Vash Sky contributed to this report.
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2025-06-06 18:57