First Coco Attraction: New Details From D23

Construction is already moving on the first Coco attraction to be built at any Disney park, and D23: The Ultimate Fan Event brought a substantial update on where the project stands. During the "Horizons: A Carousel of Progress" showcase, Walt Disney Imagineers Ali Rubinstein, Senior Vice President of Global Creative & Development Studios, and Emily O'Brien, Portfolio Executive Creative Producer for Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort, joined host Neil Patrick Harris on stage. Their segment followed a live rendition of "La Llorona" by Grammy-winning band Los Lobos. The ride itself was first announced back at D23 2024.

The story begins a year on from the events of the film. Guests enter through a queue located in Pixar Pier beside Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, which introduces a casa museo devoted to the music of Héctor Rivera, Miguel's great-great grandfather. From there riders travel by boat alongside Miguel, moving through his memories of the Land of the Dead. Disney is positioning the experience as an emotional one rather than a thrill, leaning on the film's music and heart, with Miguel, Dante, Héctor and other familiar faces appearing along the way.

With Coco 2 currently in production, Imagineers are working closely with Pixar so the attraction acknowledges both the original and the sequel. The stated focus is on the characters, the music, Mexican culture and the idea of family passed down across generations. There will be no height requirement, keeping the ride open to everyone in the group.

Work is happening in the area between Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier. Walt Disney Imagineering says it is drawing on classic attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion as reference points, using the latest Audio-Animatronics technology to bring the skeletal cast to life. No opening date has been announced.