Updated April 2026 — Everything you need to know about Coco at Disneyland Resort: the seasonal Plaza de la Familia celebration and the brand-new Coco boat ride currently under construction at Disney California Adventure.
If you’re searching for a Coco ride at Disneyland, you’re in the right place — but the answer depends on when you’re visiting. There is currently no permanent Coco-themed ride at Disneyland Resort, but one is actively under construction and a beloved seasonal Coco celebration runs every fall. This guide covers both.
The New Coco Boat Ride — Coming to Disney California Adventure
The biggest Coco news at Disneyland is the brand-new Coco-themed boat ride currently under construction at Disney California Adventure. Here’s everything confirmed so far.
What Was Announced
The Coco boat ride was officially announced at the D23 Expo in 2024 by Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro as part of a major expansion plan for Disneyland Resort. According to Disney’s official Parks Blog, the new attraction will celebrate the Disney and Pixar film Coco and take guests on a journey with Miguel to the Land of the Dead, featuring the latest in Audio-Animatronic technology.
What Kind of Ride Is It?
The Coco attraction will be a boat ride — a genre Disney has perfected over decades with Pirates of the Caribbean, it’s a small world, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney Imagineers have described their ambitions for this ride in the same breath as those classic attractions, signaling it will be a significant, story-driven dark ride experience rather than a simple float-through.
Based on concept art and announcements, the ride is expected to:
- Follow Miguel’s journey to the Land of the Dead
- Feature elaborate Audio-Animatronic figures of Miguel, Héctor, and other characters from the film
- Include the film’s beloved music — “Remember Me,” “Un Poco Loco,” and other fan favorites
- Capture the vibrant, colorful aesthetic of the film’s Land of the Dead with marigold bridges, glowing scenery, and spectacular set design
- Use cutting-edge Animatronic technology comparable to the most advanced Disney rides built in recent years
Where Will It Be Located?
The Coco ride will be built near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure, in areas that are currently predominantly backstage. According to ABC7, construction is set in areas behind Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind and right up against Disneyland Drive, making creative use of backstage space without removing existing guest-facing attractions.
Construction Status — April 2026
Construction is actively underway. Disney fast-tracked the project, with backstage groundbreaking beginning in Fall 2025 ahead of the originally announced 2026 start. As of early 2026, the construction site is fully fenced off and work has progressed rapidly — site clearing is complete and the ride building structure is in the early stages of construction.
Industry insiders tracking the project report that work is moving at a brisk pace, comparable to the construction speed seen during the final phases of Avengers Campus. This suggests Disney is committed to delivering the attraction on an aggressive timeline.
Opening Date
No official opening date has been announced. Based on construction timelines and Disney’s recent track record with new attractions, current estimates from Disney enthusiast communities point to a 2027 or 2028 opening. A 2027 opening would be the optimistic scenario given the pace of construction; 2028 aligns with the release of a potential Coco sequel which could make for a coordinated marketing moment.
We will update this page as Disney makes official announcements.
Plaza de la Familia — The Coco Celebration at Disneyland Now
While the permanent Coco boat ride is under construction, Disneyland already celebrates the film every fall with Plaza de la Familia — a seasonal event at Disney California Adventure that brings the world of Coco to life during the Día de los Muertos season.
When Does Plaza de la Familia Run in 2026?
According to Disney’s official page, Plaza de la Familia is scheduled to return August 21 through November 2, 2026. This seasonal window covers the traditional Día de los Muertos period culminating on November 2, which is the Day of the Dead.
No additional ticket purchase is required — Plaza de la Familia is included with regular Disney California Adventure park admission.
What Happens at Plaza de la Familia?
Plaza de la Familia transforms Paradise Gardens Park into an immersive celebration of Día de los Muertos and the world of Coco. The experience includes:
- Live entertainment — lively music and traditional songs performed within a lovely garden setting, celebrating the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos
- Miguel character meet and greet — meet Miguel, the beloved hero of Coco, brought to life as a hand-animated dimensional figure. This is a rare character meet not available at other times of year.
- Alebrije mask crafting — a hands-on activity where guests can create an alebrije mask of Pepita or Dante from the film. Alebrijes are the fantastical spirit animal creatures from the Land of the Dead.
- Themed food and drinks — special seasonal menu items inspired by Mexican culinary traditions and the world of the film
- Decorations — marigold arrangements, ofrenda displays, papel picado banners, and vibrant Día de los Muertos theming throughout the area
Tips for Visiting Plaza de la Familia
Go on a weekday if possible. Plaza de la Familia is one of the most popular seasonal events at DCA, particularly on weekends in October as Día de los Muertos approaches. Weekday visits in late August and September tend to be less crowded.
The Miguel meet and greet has a wait. Meeting Miguel is a special experience that draws a dedicated queue. Arrive early in the day for the shortest wait — the line builds throughout the afternoon.
The alebrije mask activity is for all ages. Don’t assume it’s just for kids — adults find it genuinely engaging and it makes for a beautiful, meaningful souvenir from the experience.
Catch the live entertainment early and late. Performances tend to have the most energy early in the evening as the day cools and the garden lighting comes on. The atmosphere after dark with the marigold illumination is genuinely beautiful.
Other Ways to Experience Coco at Disneyland Right Now
Even outside the Plaza de la Familia season, Coco has a presence throughout Disneyland Resort:
Miguel at Pixar Pier
Miguel from Coco occasionally appears for character meet and greets at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure. Check the Disneyland app on the day of your visit for current character appearance schedules and locations.
Coco Merchandise
Coco-themed merchandise is available year-round throughout both parks, with expanded offerings during the Plaza de la Familia season. The Pixar Pier area in particular carries a regular selection of Coco items.
Coco Dining References
Several food and beverage offerings at Disney California Adventure are occasionally themed around Coco and Mexican culture, particularly during the Plaza de la Familia period. The Disneyland app lists current seasonal menus.
Coco at Disneyland — Quick Reference 2026
| Experience | Status | When | Park |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Coco Boat Ride | 🚧 Under Construction | Est. 2027-2028 opening | Disney California Adventure |
| Plaza de la Familia | ✅ Seasonal — 2026 dates confirmed | August 21 – November 2, 2026 | Disney California Adventure |
| Miguel Character Meet | ✅ During Plaza de la Familia | August 21 – November 2, 2026 | Disney California Adventure |
| Coco Merchandise | ✅ Year-round | Always available | Both parks |
Want to plan your Disneyland visit around Plaza de la Familia or stay updated on the new Coco ride opening date? Ask our AI concierge at ai.enchantedinsider.com — it tracks Disneyland events and new attraction news and can help you plan the perfect trip around what matters most to your family.