By Nancy Navarro, Sep. 17, 2024
Disney California Adventure Park is set to bring the magic of the Mexican culture inspired Pixar animated movie “Coco” to life with a new ride. However, movie fans will have to wait to enjoy the attraction that is set in the context of the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, since the Disney executives announced that the construction will start in 2026.
Park guests will be immersed in a journey through the vivid Land of the Dead, where mariachi music will play an important role. While it has yet been confirmed, it is anticipated that popular tracks from the movie, such as “Remember Me,” “La Llorona “and “Un Poco Loco,” will be included. The ride will be a boat experience, drawing inspiration from existing attractions like The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
“We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life,” Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said during the announcement at the D23 Disney Experiences Showcase Aug. 10.
Since its release, “Coco” has been a major hit worldwide, grossing over $814 million worldwide according to collider.com. The film developed a large following, so it is not a surprise the ride’s announcement sparked excitement among many. Fans, including many Cal Poly Pomona students and faculty, are eager to see how the magic of Coco will be brought to life at the park.
Cal Poly Pomona criminology student and Disneyland cast member Zoey Garcia-Peña shared that she, alongside her Disney coworkers, is unaware of the ride’s permanent location in the park or any additional information.
“We know the same information as everyone else does and found out at the same time as everyone else,” said Garcia-Peña.
Frequent Park visitor Mina Vasquez, a nutrition and health science major, expressed her excitement about the upcoming ride. Mexican American herself, she said that she hopes the attraction will feature authentic mariachi music and it will bring more cultural representation within the park. She said that she hopes the ride will create a more immersive experience by allowing visitors to connect deeply with the Mexican culture through music, vibrant colors and storytelling.
“All I’ve heard since the announcement is positive feedback,” Vasquez said. “I know it is something people have been wanting for a long time.”
For many, “Coco” is more than just a movie, especially for the Latino and Mexican community. The film strongly impacted the community because of its authentic representation of the culture. With the all-Latino cast, the film helped break stereotypes by showing Mexican culture in a positive way that emphasizes love, respect and family connections, and shows the significance of Día de Los Muertos and cultural traditions tied to it. “Coco” brings back cherished memories of traditions shared with grandparents and parents, and serves as a reminder to honor, celebration of Mexican culture and a keeper of the tradition that will be passed to the next generation.
The announcement of the ride ignited pride and excitement in the Latino community overall because it celebrates its culture in a popular setting.
Assistant professor of English Karen Tellez-Trujillo said, “I feel honored that Disney is recognizing a population that is not only represented all over the world but very much so in SoCal.”
Tellez-Trujillo, who identifies as a member of the Latino community, said that the movie, and the future Disney ride, are both celebration and preservation of Mexican heritage.
“We are everywhere, us Mexicans, and I love it. We are the food of SoCal, the music, the murals, the stories, the love for baseball, the history, and the future,” Tellez-Trujillo said.
Tellez-Trujillo said she believes Disney’s recognition of Mexican traditions like the Plaza de la Familia and the Árbol de la Vida help families reconnect with their heritage.
“This new addition honors and celebrates a culture rich in history, tradition and pride,” said Tellez-Trujillo.
As anticipation builds, “Coco” will bring joy and connection to guests regardless of their age. Movie fanatics are eagerly awaiting for more information about the ride and are hopeful that construction will begin as planned and won’t take too long.
Feature Image Courtesy of Lauren Wong
