Hey Disney Vacationers! Disneyland just confirmed what many of us hoped for—the Coco attraction location, and it’s officially on its way to Disney California Adventure. And now we know where it’s going.
The new attraction will be built in an area that sits between Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens Park, using backstage space that’s currently off-limits to guests. That stretch of land is about to become one of the most exciting additions to the park in years.
Let’s get into what this means, why the location matters, and what we know so far about the ride itself.
Where Exactly Is the Coco Attraction Going?
Disney shared that the attraction will be built in backstage areas near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier. If you’re familiar with that part of the park, think about the space around Goofy’s Sky School and the nearby pathway that leads to the Incredicoaster. That’s the zone being reimagined for this new experience.
The placement is a smart move. Paradise Gardens Park has already been home to seasonal Día de Muertos celebrations, with Coco-inspired decor, live music, and themed food. It feels like this land has been waiting for a permanent Coco presence, and now it’s finally happening.
Why This Location Makes Sense
This isn’t just about available space—it’s about the vibe. Paradise Gardens has already been celebrating Coco for years through seasonal overlays and character appearances. Pair that with the park’s Pixar Pier connection, and you’ve got the perfect intersection of theme and storytelling.
The question now is: will the current Día de Muertos festivities continue during construction? While Disneyland hasn’t confirmed, it’s likely that much of Paradise Gardens Park will stay open, since most of the early work will take place backstage. It wouldn’t be surprising if the area eventually gets a Mexican plaza-style redesign to tie everything together thematically.
What Kind of Ride Is It?
The new Coco attraction will be a boat ride that follows Miguel’s journey to the Land of the Dead. It will feature characters and music from the film, with storytelling techniques inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.
But what really makes this attraction special is the Audio-Animatronics technology.
Disney is introducing advanced animatronics that go beyond traditional movement. Josh D’Amaro shared during D23 that these figures will appear in ways you have to see to believe. This is thanks to two pieces of emerging tech that are expected to be used in the ride.
Cutting-Edge Ride Technology
The attraction will likely use:
Activate Technology
This system tracks your boat and cues animatronics to perform with precise timing. That means every rider experiences the same perfect pacing—no awkward mistimed scenes or resets.
Follow Along Technology
These new animatronics can make eye contact, track your vehicle, and even walk or move with you throughout the ride. It brings the skeletal cast of Coco to life in a way that feels personal, interactive, and fresh.
This is the same style of tech that’s being used in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and the Coco ride may take it even further.
Timeline: What We Know So Far
Construction is set to begin in fall 2025, starting with work backstage. While no opening date has been announced, a reasonable estimate would place the debut somewhere in late 2027 or 2028. Given Disney’s attention to detail and the scale of the project, they’ll likely take their time.
Final Thoughts
The Coco attraction isn’t just another IP overlay. It’s the expansion of a cultural story that deserves center stage, and Disneyland is finally giving it the space it needs.
With a location between Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens Park, it builds on what’s already working—and adds something guests have been asking for. The ride promises new technology, emotional storytelling, and the kind of magic that only Imagineering can deliver.
And the best part? This is just the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Coco ride at Disneyland going?
The Coco ride will be located between Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure, using backstage space.
What kind of ride will the Coco attraction be?
It will be a boat ride featuring characters, music, and scenes from Coco, powered by next-gen Audio-Animatronics.
When does construction start?
Disney plans to begin construction in fall 2025.
Is this the first Coco ride ever?
Yes. This will be the first full-scale attraction based on Coco in any Disney park worldwide.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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