The Plaza de la Familia event at Disney California Adventure commenced on September 1. The “immersive celebration of the everlasting bonds of family,” as described by the official Disneyland website, is inspired by the 2017 Pixar film “Coco” and is located in the Paradise Gardens Park section of Disney California Adventure. Plaza de la Familia serves as the park’s Día de los Muertos celebration and runs through November 2 this year.
Plaza de la Familia Decorations at Disney California Adventure
Plaza de la Familia decorations have taken over the Paradise Gardens Park area of Disney California Adventure. Traditional Mexican music plays as guests approach the grand entryway covered with seasonally-colored flowers. A ring of pink flowers surrounds the “Coco” logo, and “Plaza de la Familia” is written on the facade above.
Día de los Muertos statues appear on both sides of the entryway; they look similar, but not identical, to Héctor Rivera and Mama Imelda from “Coco.”
Guests encounter signs throughout the area. They feature “Coco” branding and iconography and explain the significance of events such as Día de los Muertos and symbols such as Árbol de la Vida, or the Tree of Life.
A detailed statue of Dante, Miguel’s dog, is located immediately behind the entryway. He sits in front of pots of orange, yellow, and red cempasúchiles and below multi-colored papel picado, which are traditional Mexican decorations.
Additional papel picados are hung above a nearby seating area. “Coco”-themed table coverings envelop the tables.
Underneath a nearby roof is an Árbol de la Vida statue that contains vividly colored depictions of flowers and other plant life. Día de los Muertos figures are placed throughout the fixture. Potted plants surround its base.
In this area, guests have the opportunity to celebrate their own family by writing an anecdote about a loved one and placing it on the “Memory Wall.”
A nearby art piece features characters and images from “Coco.” A papel picado-style crown appears at the top, and “Recuérdame” is written on a banner beneath it; “Recuérdame” is Spanish for “Remember Me,” a song from “Coco.”
Plaza de la Familia
Plaza de la Familia contains a craft station and a Miguel photo opportunity in addition to the aforementioned offerings. “A Musical Celebration of Coco” is also performed during the event; the show features singing, dancing, and life-size puppets and is performed at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m PT daily. Check out our video of a full performance:
Specialty food and souvenirs are also offered during Plaza de la Familia. Unique food options are available at both Disney California Adventure and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; you can check out a full list here.
Are you planning on checking out Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure this year? What do you think of the decorations? Let us know in the comments.
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