Disney has announced an exciting new addition to Disney California Adventure, a park already beloved for its imaginative attractions and immersive experiences. A Coco-themed ride, inspired by the acclaimed Pixar film, is set to be constructed near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier. This marks the first time the vibrant world of Coco will be brought to life as a full-scale attraction, combining music, storytelling, and Disney’s signature innovation. Here’s a deeper look at what this new offering will entail.
Location of the Coco Attraction
The upcoming Coco attraction will be located in an area currently used for backstage operations near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier. This choice of location locates the ride generally close to other popular Pixar-themed attractions, like the Incredicoaster and Pixar Pal-A-Round. Disney Imagineers are working to transform this area into an immersive space that reflects the vibrant colors, music, and culture that define the world of Coco.
This placement not only expands the appeal of Pixar Pier but also bolsters the broader thematic unity of Disney California Adventure. The new area is envisioned as a lively extension that serves to enhance visitor experiences in this corner of the park.
What to Expect from the Ride Experience
As we continue to add new experiences to Disney California Adventure, we’re excited to share that the upcoming attraction themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” will be built near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, in areas that are predominantly backstage today. Construction on this attraction is set to begin backstage this fall!
Disneyland ResortThe Coco-themed attraction will follow the story of Miguel as he journeys to the Land of the Dead. Like the movie, the ride will prominently feature music and unforgettable characters, creating a uniquely immersive experience for guests. While specific ride details are still under wraps, Disney has shared that the design will take inspiration from iconic attractions such as Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. The ride is set to include Audio-Animatronics, with Imagineers planning to use state-of-the-art technology to bring skeleton characters and colorful scenes to life in ways that promise to capture the spirit of the film.
Guests can anticipate not only a dynamic storyline within the ride but also an atmosphere steeped in the rich cultural elements of Coco. The queue and surrounding area are likely to feature interactive exhibits and themed decor, ensuring the experience begins even before guests board the ride.
The Role of Music and Technology
Music is central to Coco’s storytelling, and this is reflected in the design of the new ride. Songs from the film, including the iconic “Remember Me,” are expected to be woven into the attraction’s narrative. Beyond music, the ride will showcase Disney’s advancements in Audio-Animatronics and visual projection technology. These elements will help create an environment where guests feel fully immersed in Miguel’s adventure.
The goal of incorporating cutting-edge technology is to make every moment of the ride feel interactive and engaging, while also honoring the heartfelt messages of family, memory, and tradition that resonate throughout the Coco story.
Timeline for Construction
Construction for the Coco attraction is set to begin backstage this fall. While Disney has not yet announced an opening date, the project aligns with the broader expansion efforts underway at Disney California Adventure. This means that fans of Pixar and Disney theme parks can anticipate more news about the ride as development gets underway.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of the movie or new to its vibrant world, this attraction is set to create another reason to visit Disneyland Resort through a blend of cutting-edge technology, engaging stories, and heartfelt cultural representation.
Keep an eye on construction updates on the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get all the latest updates in your inbox as Disney continues to expand the magic at California Adventure.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
