Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park Celebrates the Everlasting Bonds of Family with Experiences Inspired by Día de los Muertos, Sept. 2-Nov. 2, 2022

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Mr. Daps
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Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park Celebrates the Everlasting Bonds of Family with Experiences Inspired by Día de los Muertos, Sept. 2-Nov. 2, 2022

  • Disney California Adventure comes to life with folklórico dancers, Mariachi musicians, delicious food and ‘A Musical Celebration of Coco’
  • Disneyland Park honors Día de los Muertos with a traditional “ofrenda” near Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2022) – As part of the fall favorite celebrations beginning Sept. 2, 2022, Disneyland Resort is presenting seasonal experiences inspired by the spirit of Día de los Muertos through Nov. 2, 2022. Celebratory elements include photo opportunities with the whimsical, handcrafted Miguel from “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” special Día de los Muertos merchandise and flavorful dining.

These offerings honor the Mexican 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.

Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park

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, folklórico dancers and Mariachi musicians, delicious Mexican fare and more.

“A Musical Celebration of Coco”: Several times per day, the Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia bring to life the story, songs and themes at the heart of the beloved film “Coco.” Led by charming singer-narrator Mateo, the talented troupe of 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 Grammy Award®-winning Mariachi Divas are also part of the live storytelling ensemble, performing popular songs from “Coco.” Fun for all ages, the heartwarming tale embraces the courage to follow one’s dreams, strong family bonds and the significance of Día de los Muertos.

In the show, Miguel appears in the form of a whimsical, hand-carved dimensional figure inspired by Mexican folk art. Guests may have the opportunity to take photos with Miguel when he and his performer appear at a beautiful mural named after the iconic song from the film, “Recuérdame” (“Remember Me”), and depicting Miguel’s family in Santa Cecilia and the Land of the Dead. Guests can also discover Miguel’s Memory Box, which is filled with remembrances of his beloved family members.

At the Paradise Garden Bandstand, an uplifting family celebration features Mariachi 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.

Fun Activities: Guests are invited to take photos in front of the iconic Mexican “Árbol de la Vida,” or Tree of Life, which overflows with images, colors and symbols. Its branches sprout flowers, animals and evocative “calacas” (skeletons) that are interconnected by the theme of family. At the Memory Wall, guests can add remembrance notes to honor loved ones who have been – and will forever be − part of their lives.

Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia may design their own paper “alebrije” (spirit guide) mask of Pepita or Dante. Traditional “alebrijes” are small figurines representing fantastical creatures with a mix of physical characteristics from many different animals. In “Coco,” the spirit guides prevalent in the Land of the Dead are loyal companions and living representations of these magical animals.

Mouthwatering Mexican Food: The Mexican menu at Paradise Garden Grill features delicious offerings such as the traditional tamale plate, carnitas burrito, elote and a scrumptious “Coco” cake filled with cinnamon churro-flavored mousse.

More Día de los Muertos in Cars Land

Guests cruising into Cars Land will find that Ramone, one of the “car-acters” of Cars Land, also pays tribute to Día de los Muertos at his detailing shop, Ramone’s House of Body Art, with a traditional “ofrenda” display honoring the gone, but not forgotten, Doc Hudson.

At Disneyland Park

Disneyland continues to offer its traditional Día de los Muertos display at Zócalo Park in Frontierland. The magnificent creation features marigolds and banners of papel picado, along with two traditional “ofrendas,” sugar skulls known as “calaveras” and an iconic figure of La Catrina. Nearby Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante offers delicious Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner year-round, available via mobile order.

Mr. Daps

Mr. Daps is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Daps Magic! Find Mr. Daps regularly at Disneyland with his trilby and bow tie taking pictures and simply enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth. He is the weekly host of GEEKS CORNER and your reporter for all that Disney And Positive Stuff. Find videos of all of that one the Daps Magic YouTube channel.  Mr. Daps is also a Brand Ambassador with Her Universe! Find Mr. Daps on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads! If you see Mr. Daps in the parks, be sure and say hi!

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