Last updated on December 8th, 2023 at 03:08 pm
Plaza de la Familia returns this fall to Disney California Adventure for Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort! The attraction celebrates the spirit of Día de los Muertos and is based on the Disney Pixar film “Coco.”
Celebrate at the Plaza de la Familia
Paradise Gardens at Disney California Adventure has once again transformed into the Plaza de la Familia! The event features characters and music from Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Coco.”
Celebrate the bonds of family and the spirit of Día de Los Muertos at the Plaza de la Familia, happening September 1 to November 2, 2023.
These festivities and displays at the Plaza de la Familia Disneyland are inspired by the tradition and spirit of Día de los Muertos, which celebrates loved ones who have passed while honoring familial bonds that last forever.
Plaza de la Familia is a beautiful spot, and a great place to take a break from rides. We love visiting the parks during Halloween Time at Disneyland, and Plaza de la Familia is one of the reasons why! As with everything Disney does, the detail and artistry of the entire area is spectacular.
This Disneyland Coco experience features:
- Live entertainment
- Crafts
- Delicious food
- Interactive experiences
- Special merchandise
- Fun photo opportunities
Mouthwatering Mexican Food
Throughout Halloween Time, Paradise Garden Grill has set aside their regular menu to serve traditional Mexican dishes in honor of the Plaza de la Familia celebration.
Specially for Plaza de la Familia, Paradise Garden Grill will feature a limited-time menu that invites families to partake in a valued tradition in Mexican culture – enjoying a meal together. Menu highlights include:
- Chile verde chicken flautas: Delicious flautas topped with avocado spread, shredded lettuce, crema, queso fresco, tomatillo salsa and pickled onions, served with Spanish rice and pinto beans.
- Carnitas burrito: House-made pork carnitas, Spanish rice, pinto beans and salsa verde, served with house-made tortilla chips.
- Chorizo quesadilla (plant-based): Poblano, onions and mozzarella, topped with cilantro crema and served with salsa roja and escabèche.
- Chorizo Quesadilla: Poblano, onions, and mozzarella topped with cilantro crema and served with salsa roja and escabèche (Plant-based)
- Elote: Corn on the cob topped with crema, cotija, chili powder, and chicharron crumbles
- Street-style Tacos: Three steak tacos in a corn tortilla served with Spanish rice and pinto beans
- Vanilla layer cake: Layers of vanilla cake with cinnamon mousse and sweet cream cheese frosting.
The Paradise Garden Grill menu includes a great selection of healthy and tasty entrees, including some vegetarian options. We had the steak tacos and they were delicious!
Pair your meal with a watermelon candy cocktail or Dos Equis beer.
Also worth noting – food at Paradise Garden Grill during the Plaza de la Familia Disneyland event is served on real ceramic plates! This colorful touch adds a little more authenticity to the festivities.
Mariachi Music in the Plaza de la Familia
At the Paradise Gardens Bandstand, enjoy uplifting entertainment featuring beloved Mariachi music and traditional songs.
The Mariachi Divas and Mariachi Espectacular are two groups scheduled to appear live on stage throughout Plaza de la Familia. The music is truly wonderful even if you are not typically into Mariachi music.
A Musical Celebration of Coco
Plaza de la Familia celebrates the colors, art, music and food of Dia de las Muertos, as well as the characters from Coco. Several times a day, “A Musical Celebration of Coco” brings together the traveling Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia. Singing host Mateo is joined by the Grammy® Award-winning Mariachi Divas and authentic folklórico dancers in this festive performance.
The troupe is joined by Miguel, who is brought to life in a whimsical style inspired by Mexican folk art. Your family will love listening to them perform songs from the film.
Family Photo Opps
Take photos with Miguel, when he and his performer appear between shows at a beautiful artistic mural entitled, “Recuérdame” (“Remember Me”). Named after the iconic song from the film, the mural depicts the themes touched on by the Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia in “A Musical Celebration of Coco” and celebrates Miguel’s beloved family in Santa Cecilia and the Land of the Dead.This is your chance to get up close and personal with Miguel at this Coco Disneyland special event!
Fun Activities at the Plaza de la Familia
Guests are invited to take commemorative photos in front of the iconic Mexican “Árbol de la Vida,” or Tree of Life. Add a remembrance note on the Memory Wall.
The Tree of Life overflows with images, colors and symbols. From its branches sprout flowers, animals and multiple characters that may be inspired by different themes.
Additionally, guests you can design a paper “alebrije” (spirit guide) mask of Pepita or Dante as part of a craft activity. “Alebrijes” are small figurines of 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.
Final Thoughts: Plaza de la Familia Disneyland
Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park commemorates remembrance, love, and unbreakable family bonds with culturally rich experiences inspired by the Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos. The characters from Coco add a fun and whimsical Disney touch, but regardless it is a beautiful event. No wonder Plaza de la Familia has become a fall favorite celebration to experience at the Disneyland Resort during Halloween Time!
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Brian foster. says
Pixar. Coco. Fanclub.