New ‘Coco’ Ride Concept Art Reveals Timeline Just Before the Sequel Begins

Disney’s first-ever ride inspired by Pixar’s ‘Coco‘ has been gradually taking shape since its announcement at the 2024 D23 Expo. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro provided fans with an early look at what to expect at Disney California Adventure. The project has progressed from initial concept sketches to an active construction site located between Incredicoaster and Paradise Garden Grill, with demolition efforts clearing space for the new attraction over the past year.

This weekend at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney reached a significant milestone by unveiling new concept art and story details that clarify how the ride integrates into Miguel’s broader narrative.

As reported by WDW News Today, the attraction will take place one year after the original film, inviting guests into a museum dedicated to the music of Héctor Rivera, Miguel’s great-great-grandfather. Visitors will then board boats that transport them through Miguel’s memories of his adventure in the Land of the Dead.

This timeline placement gains importance as Disney also revealed details about ‘Coco 2’ at this year’s D23, confirming that the sequel is set to hit theaters in November 2029, with Benjamin Bratt returning as Ernesto de la Cruz. With the ride now confirmed to occur before the sequel, it effectively serves as a bridge between the original film and its eagerly awaited follow-up.

Disney also confirmed that the ride will have no height requirement, making it accessible to guests of all ages. Additionally, they shared plans for a special Día de los Muertos tribute, allowing D23 attendees to write personal memories on cards that will later be placed beneath a tree at the attraction. A maquette of the Héctor Rivera statue, which will greet guests in the ride’s queue, was also displayed for fans to admire up close.

Disney has consistently emphasized that cutting-edge technology will be crucial in bringing the ride’s characters to life. D’Amaro previously described the vision for the project, stating, “We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way with the latest Audio-Animatronics technology,” setting high expectations for a ride that will heavily feature advanced figure work throughout its narrative.

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

The concept art for ‘Coco 2’, showcasing a teenage Miguel alongside his dog Dante, indicates that the character appears noticeably older than in the ride’s concept art. This reinforces that the attraction is designed to exist earlier in the timeline than the upcoming film. Since its release in 2017, ‘Coco’ has become one of Pixar’s most cherished and enduring properties, and the franchise’s expansion into theme parks alongside a long-awaited sequel marks an exciting new chapter for the story.

With construction actively progressing and a wealth of new details confirmed, Disney’s ‘Coco’ ride is set to become one of Disney California Adventure’s most anticipated new attractions. The combination of sequel news and the ride’s growing list of confirmed features provided ‘Coco’ fans with plenty to celebrate during this weekend’s D23 reveal.

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