🌺 Disney California Adventure’s Upcoming “Coco” Ride: What We Know So Far

Walt Disney Imagineering is actively moving forward with the development of a “Coco”-themed attraction at Disney California Adventure, with early construction plans recently filed with the Anaheim Public Works Department. The ride, first announced during the D23 Expo in August 2023, promises to take guests on an immersive journey into the Land of the Dead alongside Miguel and other beloved characters from the hit Pixar film Coco.

🎢 Ride Location & Entry

• The attraction’s entrance is confirmed to be located between Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens.

• Concept art reveals that the new entrance will replace the current Pixar Pier parade gate, although Disney has not officially commented on any parade route changes.

• The ride will expand into a backstage area currently used for access roads and support facilities, situated between:

  
  

  • Disneyland Drive

  • Katella Avenue

  • Downtown Drive

  • The backside of Incredicoaster

🚧 Construction Focus

Initial site work will focus on transforming existing backstage infrastructure to support guest use. This includes:

• Sidewalks and curbs

• Gutters and planters

• Landscaping and irrigation systems

• Trees and fencing to establish themed boundaries and guest areas

🌉 DisneylandForward & Expansion Connection

An important part of this project is its integration with the larger DisneylandForward initiative:

• The Pixar Pier-Paradise Gardens gate will eventually become a guest walkway to a new themed area, south of the Pixar Place Hotel.

• Guests will cross a “themed bridge” that spans Disneyland Drive, creating a seamless transition from Pixar Pier to the new expansion zone.

🎶 What’s the Ride About?

While Disney has not released full attraction details, the official description at D23 revealed:

Guests will join Miguel on an emotional journey through the vibrant Land of the Dead, encountering music, family, and spirits from the world of Coco.

It’s expected to include:

• Advanced ride systems

• Musical storytelling

• Themed environments inspired by Mexican culture and the Día de los Muertos aesthetic seen in the film

🔍 What’s Next?

• As of now, no opening date has been announced.

• Construction will proceed in stages, starting with infrastructure before vertical development begins.

• Disney has remained quiet on operational impacts, including any potential changes to parades or nearby attractions.

  
  

🎉 Why It Matters

The new Coco ride is a key component of the DisneylandForward initiative, a multi-year park expansion plan intended to revitalize and grow the Disneyland Resort’s footprint without adding a third gate. It also reflects Disney’s continuing focus on:

• Incorporating diverse stories and characters

• Using existing park boundaries creatively

• Modernizing guest flow and park connectivity