- At Disney California Adventure Park, Plaza de la Familia comes to life with folklórico dancers, Mariachi musicians, delicious food, interactive experiences and ‘A Musical Celebration of Coco’
- At Disneyland Park, a special tribute to Día de los Muertos presents a traditional ‘ofrenda’ near Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2021) – Exciting fall festivities begin Sept. 3, 2021, at the Disneyland Resort and seasonal experiences inspired by the spirit of Día de los Muertos run through Nov. 2 at both Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park. These experiences and displays honor the traditions of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead,a time to celebrate loved ones who have passed while honoring the familial bonds that last forever. This year, celebratory elements range from a photo moment with the whimsical, handcrafted Miguel from “A Musical Celebration of Coco” to special Día de los Muertos merchandise and food offerings.
At Disney California Adventure
Plaza de la Familia returns to Paradise Gardens, welcoming guests through an arch brimming with brilliant marigolds.This immersive cultural experience celebrates the everlasting bonds of family and Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Coco.” Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia will enjoy live entertainment with storytelling, folklóricodancers and Mariachi musicians, delicious Mexican fare and interactive experiences. They’ll even get to discover Miguel’s Memory Box, filled with remembrances of beloved family members.
“A Musical Celebration of Coco”: Several times a day, the Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia bring to life the story, songs and themes that are at the heart of the beloved film “Coco.” Led by charming singer-narrator Mateo, the talented troupe of authentically dressed folklórico dancers, singers and musicians recounts the adventures of young Miguel and his fantastical journey from the Land of the Living to the Land of the Dead. The heartwarming tale embraces the courage to follow one’s dreams, the everlasting bonds of family, and the significance of Día de los Muertos — a Mexican tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away. The beloved character of Miguel appears in the form of a whimsical, hand-carved dimensional figure inspired by Mexican folk art. The Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas are part of the live storytelling ensemble that celebrates popular songs from “Coco.”
Also this year, guests will have the opportunity to take photos and make new memories with Miguel, when he and his performer appear at a beautiful artistic mural entitled, “Recuérdame” (“Remember Me”). Named after the iconic song from the film, “Coco,” the evocative mural depicts the themes touched on by the Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia in “A Musical Celebration of Coco.” The mural also celebrates Miguel’s beloved family in Santa Cecilia and the Land of the Dead.
At the Paradise Garden Bandstand, guests will enjoy an uplifting and moving family celebration featuring belovedMariachi music and traditional songs that touch the hearts of all. The Mariachi Divas and Mariachi Espectacular are two of the bands scheduled to appear live on stage at Plaza de la Familia.
Fun Activities: Guests are invited to take commemorative photos in front of the iconic Mexican “Árbol de la Vida,” or Tree of Life. Guests will be able to add a remembrance note on the Memory Wall to honor the many loved ones whohave been − and will forever be − part of their lives. The Tree of Life overflows with images, colors and symbols. From its branches sprout flowers, animals and evocative “calacas” (skeletons) that are interconnected by the theme of family.
Additionally, guests visiting Plaza de la Familia can design their own paper “alebrije” (spirit guide) mask of Pepita or Dante as part of a craft activity. Traditionally “alebrijes” are small figurines representing fantastical creatures, which feature a whimsical mix of the physical elements of many different animals. In the film “Coco,” the spirit guides that are prevalent in the Land of the Dead are living representations of these magical animals, and they serve as loyal companions.
Mouthwatering Mexican Food: The Mexican menu at Paradise Garden Grill features delicious offerings such as the traditional tamale plate, pollo verde wet burrito (chicken cooked in grilled salsa verde), a fruit salad with chile-lime salt and chamoy, and a scrumptious “Coco” Cake filled with cinnamon churro-flavored mousse.
More Día de los Muertos in Cars Land
Guests who cruise into Cars Land will find that Ramone, one of the citizens of Cars Land, also pays tribute to Día delos Muertos at Ramone’s House of Body Art. Ramone celebrates this time when families gather to remember theirloved ones with a traditional “ofrenda” display honoring the gone, but not forgotten, Doc Hudson.
At Disneyland
Disneyland Park continues to offer its traditional Día de los Muertos display at Zócalo Park in Frontierland. To commemorate the occasion, this immersive creation features marigolds and banners of papel picado, along with two traditional “ofrendas,” sugar skulls known as “cavaleras” and an iconic figure of La Catrina. Also in that area, guests may see the character of Miguel who previously appeared in a Disneyland parade.
Nearby Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante offers delicious Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner.
For a limited time, California residents can visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks for as low as $83 per person, per day with a special 3-day ticket offer. These 3-day, 1-park per day tickets start at $249 and eligible guests may purchase a park hopper option for an additional $55. The limited-time tickets are available for purchase now, and California residents may redeem their tickets on any three separate days through September 30, 2021, subject to park reservation availability.* These special tickets may be purchased at Disneyland.com, through a travel agent, or by calling call (866) 572-7321. Valid admission and park reservation for the same park on same date are required for park entry.*
For more information about visiting the Disneyland Resort, please visit Disneyland.com.
* Offer valid only for California residents within ZIP codes 90000-96199 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999; proof of eligible residency, including valid government-issued photo ID, is required for purchase and admission. Tickets expire 9/30/2021 and are limited in availability. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. May purchase up to five tickets per eligible person per day with valid ID. Tickets are nonrefundable, may not be sold or transferred for commercial use and exclude activities/events separately priced. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Ticket may not be upgraded. Offer subject to restrictions, change and cancellation without notice.
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