New ‘Coco’ Ride Concept Art Reveals It’s Set Right Before the Sequel Begins

Disney’s first-ever ride based on Pixar’s ‘Coco‘ has been slowly taking shape since it was first announced at the 2024 D23 Expo, when Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro offered fans an early glimpse of what was coming to Disney California Adventure. Since then, the project has moved from concept sketches to an active construction site tucked between Incredicoaster and Paradise Garden Grill, with demolition work clearing the way for the new attraction throughout the past year.

That steady progress reached a major milestone this weekend at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where Disney revealed fresh concept art and story details confirming exactly how the ride fits into Miguel’s larger story.

According to WDW News Today, the attraction will pick up one year after the events of the original film, sending guests into a museum dedicated to the music of Héctor Rivera, Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, before boarding boats that carry them through Miguel’s memories of his journey into the Land of the Dead.

That timeline placement takes on new significance given that Disney also used this year’s D23 to unveil the first details for ‘Coco 2,’ confirming the sequel will hit theaters in November 2029 with Benjamin Bratt reprising his role as Ernesto de la Cruz. With the ride now confirmed to take place before the events of that sequel, the attraction effectively becomes a bridge between the original film and its long-awaited follow-up.

Disney also confirmed the ride will have no height requirement, making it accessible to guests of all ages, and shared plans for a special Día de los Muertos tribute allowing D23 attendees to write personal memories on cards that will later be planted beneath a tree at the attraction. A maquette of the Héctor Rivera statue that will greet guests in the ride’s queue, positioned within the Casa Museo de la Familia archway, was also put on display for fans to see up close.

Disney has consistently emphasized that state-of-the-art technology will play a central role in bringing the ride’s characters to life. D’Amaro previously described the vision for the project directly, saying, “We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way with the latest Audio-Animatronics technology,” setting expectations for a ride that leans heavily on advanced figure work throughout its story.

That ambition has drawn comparisons to some of Disney’s most iconic boat rides, with Imagineers pointing to attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion as inspiration for the ride’s overall format and pacing. Music will also play a major role throughout the experience, incorporating songs from the original film as guests travel through its retelling of Miguel’s story.

‘Coco 2’s’ concept art, which depicts a teenage Miguel alongside his dog Dante, shows the character looking noticeably older than his depiction in the ride’s own concept art, reinforcing that the attraction is meant to exist earlier in the timeline than the upcoming film. With ‘Coco’ having become one of Pixar’s most beloved and enduring properties since its 2017 release, the franchise’s expansion into both theme parks and a long-anticipated sequel marks a significant new chapter for the story.

With construction actively underway and a wealth of new details now confirmed, Disney’s Coco ride looks positioned to become one of Disney California Adventure’s most anticipated new attractions. Between the sequel news and the ride’s growing list of confirmed details, this weekend’s D23 reveal gave ‘Coco’ fans plenty to celebrate all at once.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!