New Model & Boat Confirms Avatar Attraction is Still Coming to Disney California Adventure at Disneyland!
A model of the Avatar experience in the Imagineering booth at the 2026 D23 Expo reveals the scale & scope of the Pandora land replacing the Hollywood Backlot (and more) in Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort. This post features photos of the details, along with everything we know so far as this expansion.
Before looking at the model, let’s start with basic background from the 2024 D23 Expo (not a typo–two years ago) when the project was finally fleshed out and given concept art as part of that year’s Parks Panel. With this so-called “Avatar experience,” we’re venturing deeper into Pandora with a new destination at Disney California Adventure.
While Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is based on Oscar-winner James Cameron’s “Avatar” film, this new destination at Disneyland draws inspiration from “Avatar: The Way of Water” as well as other sequels to bring the world of Avatar to life in a brand-new way.
Back in 2024, Imagineer Ali Rubinstein joined Josh D’Amaro on stage to dive deeper into the new space including how guests will go on the adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora and the beauty and danger that come along with the journey.
This new and thrilling excursion will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora. This is going to be a dynamic, intense and emotional experience on a grand scale that we know our guests will love. The excursion will take guests in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora, discovering dense forests, and more along the way.
That announcement answered some questions, but many persisted. The biggest was the location, which was assumed to be the Hollywood Land Backlot. That was subsequently confirmed last summer. The new model helps further visual the layout of Pandora West thanks to the presence of the monorail on the far right side.
For reference, the Avatar experience won’t just be taking over the Hollywood Land Backlot and (mostly) unused soundstages. Thanks to the new Eastern Gateway (above) re-routing the Esplanade entrance and moving bus drop-off elsewhere, the rockwork-covered show building for this boat ride will basically be built where guests enter the Esplanade today.
This would seem to suggest that Pandora West or the Avatar Experience or Destination or whatever you want to call it will be oriented sideways. That would mean that the guest path faces the park entrance and the rockwork at the back of the land basically abuts Harbor Boulevard. I could be mistaken about this as I’m quite sleep-deprived at the moment, but that’s my read on the orientation of the land and model. It should be the little bit of building on the far left of the above concept art.
It’s also the one that makes the most sense, as it wouldn’t require re-routing the monorail or concealing its presence in an on-stage environment that’s supposed to be the lush landscape of Pandora. It’ll simply be hidden by virtue of its location along the backside of scenic elements, rockwork and (presumably) show buildings.
Let’s take a look at the Avatar experience model from the 2026 D23 Expo show floor:
The other good news when it comes to the Avatar experience is that the boats are massive, seating 5 guests per row with 6 rows. Without double-checking, this reminds me a lot of the high-capacity Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland. Interesting.
That’s not the only recent boat ride to go with high-capacity seating. Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea also has boats like this for multiple attractions, and the newer Frozen rides in Hong Kong and Paris likewise accommodate more guests than the Maelstrom retrofit at EPCOT. High capacity boat rides are a big win, especially for high demand rides!
Otherwise, the biggest news from the Avatar experience model beyond the land’s orientation around the monorail and ride vehicles is its very existence. Previously, Pandora was thought to be on thin ice. Avatar appearing in model form at the 2026 D23 Expo addresses one of the biggest questions coming into the event…
Our Commentary
It’s been a long and winding road for the so-called Avatar Experience at Disneyland Resort.
As noted above, Disney’s big reveal of Pandora West came at the last D23 Expo in 2024, when multiple pieces of concept art were revealed during an on-stage presentation; a small model of the rockwork appeared thereafter in the Imagineering booth on the show floor.
Disney CEO Bob Iger first announced an Avatar “experience” coming to Disneyland back on February 8, 2023. Sure, we have new concept art, a specific park, and even a land within that park where it’ll be located. But we still don’t know a whole lot beyond that, over 3 years later.
Disney has now repeatedly stated that the new Avatar “destination” is still in “early development.” This suggests construction isn’t slated to start anytime soon–and never was. No changes; nothing to see here. The project will likely reach its 4th anniversary without visible progress having been made.
The most recent “development” was that the Avatar Experience still appeared on a slide about future projects Disney released during its August 2026 earnings call. That followed months of chatter that Zootopia was replacing Pandora, a narrative the spread like wildfire, and was being treated as a foregone conclusion. Despite this, we still have yet to hear a single credible rumor to support this. It is, as before, purely speculative!
That slide certainly suggests that Avatar hasn’t been axed, but we didn’t view it as conclusive. There’s a lot in there that’s inaccurate or outdated, and it’s meant to illustrate the scale of the monetary investment, not be an exhaustive or complete picture of projects.
Accordingly, one of the entries in our 12 Things Disney Will (and Won’t) Announce for Disneyland was “Avatar Axed or Affirmed.” Here’s what we wrote:
As an “only good news” event, it’s unlikely that the company is going to state, outright “Avatar is dead.” But one way or another, we’ll be able to read between the lines and know where Avatar stands after the Parks Panel. If Disney announces Zootopia for DCA “by popular demand” or as a result of “listening to feedback from our fans,” that will mean Avatar is dead. If Avatar is not mentioned except in passing, that will mean Avatar is dead. Conversely, if extensive time is devoted to it, that will (obviously) mean it’s happening.
Even before the Parks Panel, this ‘Avatar Experience’ model in the “Imagineering: Horizons” pavilion on the show floor of the 2026 D23 Expo most definitely affirms the Avatar land project. At least, for now. Timelines being what they are for this and other projects, it’s still on “cancellation watch.”
This model will certainly put the Zootopia “rumors” to rest, at least for another 6 months or so. However, as previously discussed, we’re still not expecting construction to even begin on Pandora West until after Eastern Gateway comes online (or is in the home stretch of construction), so the rumors will almost assuredly resurface in the next two years when there’s minimal movement on the project.
That also gives Disney time to reevaluate and quietly cancel the project with a bit of cover, should they so desire. What else, if anything, is announced for Disneyland Resort during the 2026 D23 Horizons Parks Panel will be a tell. If there’s a lot in addition to what’s already on the table, perhaps that hints at Pandora still being on thin ice. But for now, this model firmly affirms that the Avatar Experience is happening.
As previously discussed, there are a few valid reasons for the uncertainty around the Avatar Experience, even after Disney has shared more, beyond just the distant timeline that pushes Pandora’s opening into the 2030s.
The first is how Avatar: Fire and Ash performed at the box office. Although I find the “Avatar is actually unpopular” narrative to be exhausting, we can’t help but point out that the franchise has had diminishing returns, especially at the domestic box office. How it’s performing in China is irrelevant at a park where over half of guests come from California.
The second is that Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke off-the-cuff about the Pandora expansion at Disneyland way back in 2023, announcing a project that was not in active development at Imagineering. Or at least, wasn’t ready for a reveal. That they’ve been scrambling since to figure out something, and that process isn’t fast.
The third was the CEO change that happened earlier this year, when Josh D’Amaro took over from Iger. In 11 Great Changes Josh D’Amaro Could Make at Walt Disney World for Big Wins as New CEO, we discussed how it’s common for CEOs to make major changes to set the tone and legacy build. Of the projects that are underway, Avatar is the most obvious candidate for that. We’ve gone on to discuss how Zootopia would be a savvy switch for several reasons, from logistics to costs to fan reception.
The final possibility, and the one that strikes me as most likely, is that Pandora is really-for-real project that will come to fruition, but won’t open until 2031 or later. Because the second point above is probably accurate, and because work can’t begin in earnest until Eastern Gateway gets going. Equally significant, since Pandora involves outside input from known perfectionist James Cameron.
We’ve more or less been down this road before with Pandora – World of Avatar at Walt Disney World. It was announced very early in development, nothing happened for a few years, fans assumed it was cancelled, and then the full reveal happened. It was built as announced and is still a smash sensation, almost a decade later.
To that and a couple of these points, Disney recently shared during an earnings call that Pandora – World of Avatar is the #1 ranked land at Walt Disney World in terms of guest satisfaction. (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is #1 at Disneyland.) From that perspective alone, it makes sense that Disney would want to build a lavish version of Pandora – World of Avatar in DCA.
Ultimately, our assumption is that Disney is going to bet big on Pandora West. That it’ll feature a blockbuster attraction utilizing the same ride system as Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland. For one thing, the concept art suggests as much. It looks like a land that’ll rival the Animal Kingdom version, just with different twists–and a potentially better headliner attraction.
For another thing, the approval of DisneylandForward comes with a requirement that Disney invest at least $1.9 to $2.5 billion over the course of the next decade. Beyond that, investing in Disneyland pays dividends, as the parks have been busier than ever and consistently crowded since reopening. Even more so than Walt Disney World. Part of that is obviously demographics, but Disneyland clearly has room to grow as a bona fide tourist destination.
There’s also the simple reality that you never bet against James Cameron. Everyone’s always saying that Avatar is a “forgettable” franchise, and yet, everyone also goes to see the movies and the rides have long lines, so it kinda seems like it’s also popular. Going big on Avatar at Disney California Adventure just makes sense, even if this seems to be the project about which Disneyland fans are least excited (for now…let’s revisit that enthusiasm once if/when it opens!).
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Your Thoughts
What do you think of Disneyland Resort getting Pandora West? What ride system do you think this innovative attraction will utilize? Excited for the prospect of the Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure technology making its way stateside? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
The more I sit with this, the more I feel like it’s future still really hangs in the balance. There wasn’t a ton that made me feel like “real” progress was happening (then again, it won’t be for a while as you indicate). The skeptical part of me feels they only had the model for Bob Iger who would be around for his Legend award. I’d be curious if other people heard more than I did at the expo; the imagineer near this model I chatted with was a concept art designer. During our chat, he mentioned he was very familiar with the exact footprint that the ride had to fit into. For me, this was interesting in 1. they were getting that specific with the location realities and 2. it still felt early stages. I also wonder if there are some practicalities with the shanghai pirates ride system that have so far prevented it from being built elsewhere? It is so surprising to me that we have not had anything confirmed/announced with it yet given how great it is. It might just be cost, but it strikes me that there might be some sort of safety or operational concerns that need to be worked through before this can become a reality? I would love an attraction with that ride system in the US and really hope it happens, regardless of attached franchise.
I selfishly wish FOP was coming to Disneyland, that is my all time favorite ride (and I don’t generally care much for simulated motion 3d rides)
I’m rather neutral about the Avatar IP. I enjoy the movies, but I wouldn’t call myself a fan. However I am a huge fan of the incredibly stunning visual artistry of the world of Pandora. I can only see this addition as a huge plus for DCA. A total WIN with no downside. It checks all the boxes: dining, shopping, adventure & a gorgeous immersive fantasy world.
Seems like it would make more sense to put some money into fixing up the current Monsters ride in DCA, add the doors coaster, and make it a Monsters mini land, but I didn’t like the first Avatar movie and haven’t seen any of the sequels so I’m definitely biased.
I think the more influential factor is that James Cameron is losing interest in producing more Avatar films. I’m sure that the official line won’t change, but internally Imagineers will be pivoting plans.
As someone who loathed the overcrowded, tiny Zootopia land and its incoherent, headache-inducing ride in Shanghai (think if the horrible DAK show was somehow Runaway Railway), this is a huge win. You don’t want that land coming anywhere near the domestic parks, it is way too small and features gross, garish color design. Shanghai Pirates is a top 5 Disney attraction in the world and this IP lends itself to the technology so well with its massive setpieces and incredible creatures and environments. Brilliant job to fit it inside the monorail as well, the entire project fits pretty neatly atop Mike and Sulley and into the area behind.
Seen far too many people moaning about this and giving a pass to them doubling the size of Office Park Land, which is the real sin happening at DCA.
I don’t think Imagineering went through the trouble of building this model for an attraction that is on thin ice. It’s happening bar something major and currently unforeseen.
I agree with the others saying a cool land is a cool land regardless of how much you care about the source material. And based on this model and the rumors about it using the Shanghai Pirates ride system, this sounds like it will be an incredibly cool land!
Just because we’re seeing the model now does not mean Imagineering built it now.
With that said, I agree that a cool land transcends source material. Or that sometimes source material with cool visuals and worldbuilding matters more than popularity or emotional connections. That’s a lesson we already learned with the first Pandora!
Disappointing for our family (and I think Zootopia would have been a much better choice) but accepting that not everything has to be fit to my family’s preferences…less money we’ll spend on LLSP!
I’m just one person but I think my experience/opinions are fairly representative of a swath of the American public:
1. Saw the first two Avatar movies in the theater in 3D. Mind-blowing technical achievements and entertaining films (if a bit ham-handed in storytelling). I really don’t ever desire to stream them or watch them on the “small screen”. A pretty cool universe has been created, but my heart’s not really captivated by Pandora or its characters.
2. Was hoping to see the 3rd movie in theaters, but my family (wife and two teens) weren’t that into it, and based on middling reviews I couldn’t muster up the time/effort to fit it into our busy holiday schedule last year. And I have no real desire to stream it – feel like I kind of missed the bus by not having the theatrical experience (but I’m really not that regretful).
3. Pandora East is awesome (even though I liked but didn’t LOVE Flight of Passage due to my family all getting motion sick, and the river journey is a bit boring and one-note other than that crazy AA). And I feel like I’d be totally excited to experience this new attraction at Pandora West (or anywhere they built it!).
4. I probably have more affinity for the Zootopia movies (over Avatar) but the Zootopia ride in Shanghai looks terrible to me (from YouTube at least). Avatar/Pandora just seems tailor made for cool theme park rides/experiences, and having a deep emotional connection to films sometimes does more harm than good when experiencing their attractions (it’s nice to turn off the part of my brain that questions authenticity and faithfulness to source material).
All fair points!
My one bit of caution with the fourth point, though, is that the footprint here is mildly concerning to me. I really question how they’re going to fit in all of this and an impressive attraction. Which means that maybe it won’t be an impressive attraction.
Ma eyawrfya!
Yes, at a minimum based on this location, it will eat into the existing transportation plaza (at least where Toy Story drops/pickups), so they gotta get that Structure and new transportation plaza done before this can start, but the land is being cleared as I type this, and structures go up pretty fast.
Notice there’s a little bit of an emergency exit platform for the monorail on the model, so probably about right where Monsters sits now (given that facade is also an emergency exit platform).
My guess on this is that the building gets built, and maybe the Hollywood and Dine/Stage 12 building gets used as the mess/hall and retail location, with some retheming (ala the RDA mess hall) – and then that’s the “destination”. Will be interesting to see if that interior area that connects to the ride has maybe a shop in it, with an indoor entrance in a “bioluminescent” forest or something.
Still not *as* confident about this project without Landau (RIP) and Rhode, but we’ll see – it’ll be a really neat ride, and VERY unique as far as California theme park attractions go.
I don’t think the love/hate for Avatar matters as long as the ride is fun, unique and makes you want to ride it over and over again. I just wish they wouldn’t squeeze it in to the Hollywood Backlot area and build it over by the Pixar Place hotel where you have to walk through a tunnel before the big land reveal.
I’ve heard great things about Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure , but actually don’t know much about the ride system. Is it the same as the Peter Pan ride at TDS? I found that fun, but not mind-blowing.
Unrelated, but while we’re on the subject of California parks is there any update on the Avenger’s E-ticket? That feels like a longer timeline from announcement to fruition than Pandora West.
The ride system uses real boats that are really floating, but instead of following a flume, the boats are controlled magnetically by carriages traveling on an underwater track. The end result is basically a trackless dark ride (think Rise of the Resistance) on the water. It starts out feeling like a “normal” Pirates ride, but as the action unfolds, the boats can unexpectedly rotate and change speed/direction like dark ride vehicles would.
Thanks for the explanation, Andy. That sounds interesting.
Thank goodness. I am tired of the whining about Avatar coming to DCA. All the points you made are spot-on. Pandora at Animal Kingdom is quite simply one of the most stunning achievements WDI has made in the last 30 years… and Flight of Passage is one of the top attractions at any Disney park. People may not love the IP, but when you see literally thousands of people every early morning in Animal Kingdom stampede their way to Pandora, you realize that even if it’s not a universally beloved IP, that if Imagineering make something beautiful and immersive with an incredibly themed (and family friendly, I might add) attraction, the hordes will come… and as ALL of the surveys have shown… will love.