Summary
The wilds of Pandora are brought to Earth, as Disneyland is developing an incredibleAvatarexpansion for their California Adventure park at D23, complete with connections to the franchise’s upcoming installments. James Cameron’s visually stunning sci-fi hit returned in 2023 withAvatar: The Way of Water, and is expected to continue when theupcomingAvatar: Fire & Ashtakes viewers to less stable and hospitable regions of Pandora. With the third film having already finished filming and entered the post-production phase, a fourth and fifth movie are in early development and will bring the franchisee to a bleak depiction of Earth’s future.
While the D23Disney Entertainment Showcaseexplored the future of Cameron’s sci-fi epic on screen,Screen Rantwas present when it was revealed that a hugeAvatarexpansion will be brought to the Disneyland California Adventure park. While the franchise’s original Florida presence depicts the rainforest and floating mountains of the first movie, the new park will explore the regions featured inAvatar: The Way of Waterand future installments. Alongside grand recreations of Pandora’s biomes, a new immersive boat ride will also be developed that places guests into the action.
Avatar Is Avoiding Past IP Park Pitfalls
Early Development Is Considering The Franchise’s Future
ThoughAvatarhas proven itself as an asset for Disney withAvatar: The Way of Water’sbox-office success, viewers may be left waiting for some time to walk among the shimmering seas and volcanic peaks of Pandora for themselves. With D23 bringing only an announcement and glimpses at concept art for the expansion, it is clear that the park may not be open until closer to, or potentially after, the release ofAvatar: Fire & Ash. However, it is clear the corporation is taking on the lessons of past expansions, both successful and failed in constructing the park.
All 9 Lands At Disneyland, Ranked
Disneyland in Anaheim is divided into nine themed lands, the best of which include Fantasyland, New Orleans Square, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
As seen with Disneyland’s handling of theirAvengers Campuslocations andStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edgeparks, the Imagineers behind each park are capable of creating a theme park experience that fully immerses a guest within their source material. However, each park also bears the difficult caveat of being restricted to a specific location or setting from their franchise, with the hard work of cast members in costume helping keep the park up to date with new releases. However, with theAvatarCalifornia expansionincorporating yet-to-be-seen lore from far-off installmentsinto its development, the expansion is future-proofing itself from similar pitfalls.
While past Disneyland IP developments have for the most part been successful, Disneyland’s CaliforniaAvatarexpansion is sure to be a challenge. Cameron’s worlds pushed digital visual effects forward and left viewers stunned, which means it’ll be no easy task bringing them to life. However, with insight into where viewers will visit Pandora in the near future and plenty of experience, the new expansion could stand out as a marvel of Imagineering might once it opens its doors.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Cast
Avatar: Fire and Ash is a 2025 science fiction film continuing the saga of Pandora. Jake Sully and Neytiri confront a formidable new enemy, the Ash People, led by Varang. Struggling with personal loss and external threats, they strive to protect their family and Pandora’s future.
