Good afternoon from the D23 Expo, where Disney is unveiling the future of its theme parks, movies, television shows, and experiences here in Anaheim. Walt Disney Imagineering has a dedicated pavilion on the show floor called Imagineering: Horizons, and one question it answered was whether the Avatar destination is still moving forward. A new model on display confirms that it is. The model also raises some new questions about what the finished land will include.
New Avatar Destination Model Debuts at D23 Expo 2026
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- A new model at Imagineering: Horizons confirms the Avatar destination is still planned for Disney California Adventure
- Imagineers say the model represents only a portion of the full land
- The model includes a segment of the Disneyland monorail that could help clarify how the land fits into the Hollywood Backlot
Avatar Destination Still Moving Forward
There had been some speculation among fans that Disney had shifted direction on the Avatar project. Some believed Disney would build a Zootopia-themed area at Disney California Adventure instead of the Avatar destination. BlogMickey did not report on that rumor because our sources indicated it wasn’t the case, as we noted in our D23 Expo predictions. The new model at Imagineering: Horizons settles the question.
We spoke with Imagineers in the pavilion, and we can confirm the model on display represents only a portion of the upcoming land. Previously released concept art already indicated that the area would be larger than what the model shows. That art depicted the boat ride segment in the model as just one part of the larger destination. That said, it’s not perfectly consistent with the new model. The Disney Experiences Showcase Saturday evening could confirm more of the land’s layout and scope.
What the Model Reveals About the Land’s Footprint
A look at the model seems to confirm there’s more to this land than a single facade, a short outdoor boat ride path, and some beautiful rockwork. The full scope remains unclear until Disney shares more. We have a look at the model below, with more detailed photos coming in a future article.
One notable detail in the model is the inclusion of a segment of the Disneyland monorail. Currently, the monorail cuts through a portion of Disney California Adventure. Lining the model with what we know about the monorail’s route could give a better sense of how the land fits into a portion of the Hollywood Backlot. That said, the comparison only works if the monorail keeps its current path through the area once construction wraps up.
Story So Far
- February 2023: Disney CEO Bob Iger announced an Avatar experience was coming to Disneyland during an earnings call.
- March 2023: D23 said the coming Avatar experience would be as amazing as Pandora, The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, though specifics remained under wraps.
- November 2023: Disney confirmed the Avatar experience would be located at Disney California Adventure.
- June 2025: Disney announced the Avatar destination would replace a portion of the Hollywood Backlot, with Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue closing in early 2026 to make way for it.
- August 2026: A new model at D23 Expo’s Imagineering: Horizons pavilion confirms the destination is still moving forward, though Imagineers say it shows only a portion of the land.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!