A New ‘Coco’ Experience Arrives at Disney World’s EPCOT

Disney World’s EPCOT is known for offering visitors a journey through various cultures, and Disney has quietly introduced an exciting new addition to the Mexico Pavilion that celebrates the beloved Pixar movie Coco (2017) in a unique way. If you’re a fan of the heartwarming story of Miguel, his love of music, and the colorful celebration of Día de los Muertos, you won’t want to miss this special experience.

But what exactly does this new Coco attraction entail, and could it mean something more for the future of the Mexico Pavilion? Let’s dive into what Disney is offering as part of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month at EPCOT, the future of Coco in Disney parks, and what fans can look forward to in terms of attractions and experiences.

The Magic of Disney’s EPCOT

World Showcase at EPCOT has long been a fan-favorite area of the park, providing guests with an immersive look at 11 different countries through architecture, dining, and entertainment.

Each pavilion is designed to give visitors a taste of the culture, history, and flavors of its represented nation. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of the France Pavilion or enjoying the serene beauty of Japan, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

The Mexico Pavilion has always been a highlight, with its towering pyramid, vibrant marketplace, and beloved Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. Guests often wonder if Disney might update this attraction to feature newer stories like Coco, a film that beautifully captures Mexican culture and the significance of family, music, and tradition.

While there’s no official news about a Coco ride in the Mexico Pavilion just yet, Disney has taken a step in that direction with a Coco-themed musical experience for Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month. Here’s everything you need to know about this limited-time offering.

A Special Coco Musical Experience

From September 15 through October 15, 2024, as part of Disney’s celebration of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, EPCOT guests can enjoy a Coco-inspired experience in the Mexico Pavilion. As part of this celebration, the popular traditional folk musicians, Mariachi Cobre, will take the stage with a special performance called Together We Are Magia.

The highlight of the performance? A special appearance by none other than Miguel, the star of Coco himself. While Miguel doesn’t take the stage physically, he appears in a unique and interactive way that brings the magic of the movie to life. Fans of the film will recognize the iconic songs from Coco, including “Remember Me” and “Un Poco Loco,” as they are beautifully performed by Mariachi Cobre, adding a touch of Disney magic to EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion.

This experience adds a delightful layer of music and culture to the pavilion, giving guests the opportunity to celebrate the rich traditions of Mexico through the lens of Disney and Pixar’s Coco. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and cultural appreciation, something EPCOT’s World Showcase is known for.

Coco and the Future of the Mexico Pavilion

For years, there have been whispers among Disney fans about the possibility of Coco becoming a permanent part of the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT. While the current Coco-inspired musical experience is only a temporary offering for Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, it raises the question: could Disney be testing the waters for a more permanent Coco attraction?

The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros has been a beloved part of the Mexico Pavilion for years, but as Disney continues to update its parks with more IP-based attractions, it’s not hard to imagine that Coco could one day become a key feature in the Mexico Pavilion. After all, the movie has been a massive hit worldwide, and its celebration of Mexican culture fits perfectly with the theme of the pavilion.

In the meantime, the special Coco music experience is a wonderful way to celebrate the film while enjoying the beautiful architecture and atmosphere of the Mexico Pavilion. Plus, with the addition of Coco to EPCOT’s entertainment lineup, it’s a reminder that Disney is always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience.

The Broader Celebration of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month at Disney

The Coco experience at EPCOT is just one of many ways Disney is celebrating Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month across Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in California. Throughout the parks, guests will find special food and beverage offerings that pay tribute to the diverse flavors of Latin American cuisine.

At Magic Kingdom, the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen is offering limited-time dishes, while EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios each have exclusive eats and drinks celebrating the occasion. Even outside the parks, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and popular Disney Springs locations like Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ are getting in on the festivities.

These special offerings allow guests to experience a deeper connection to Hispanic and Latin American culture through food, music, and entertainment, making this month-long celebration a fantastic time to visit Walt Disney World.

What’s Next for Coco in the Disney Parks?

While EPCOT’s Coco experience is a temporary addition for Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, there’s more Coco magic on the horizon for Disney fans. At the D23 Expo in 2024, Disney announced plans for the first-ever Coco ride, set to open at Disneyland’s California Adventure in the coming years.

This new attraction will immerse guests in the world of Coco, as they join Miguel on a musical journey to the Land of the Dead. The ride will feature beloved characters and songs from the movie, using advanced Audio-Animatronics and special effects to bring the story to life. While details are still emerging, Disney has hinted that the attraction will combine elements from classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, blending animatronics with projection technology for an unforgettable experience.

While it’s exciting to see Coco making its way into Disneyland Resort, fans of the film are still hopeful that Disney World will one day feature a permanent Coco attraction, potentially in EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion. For now, guests can enjoy the special Coco performance by Mariachi Cobre and dream of what the future might hold.

EPCOT’s World Showcase has always been a place where guests can explore the beauty and diversity of global cultures, and the new Coco music experience adds an extra layer of magic to the Mexico Pavilion. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Coco or simply looking to enjoy live music during your visit, this limited-time experience is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

As Disney continues to celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, visitors can look forward to more cultural offerings, delicious food, and even bigger surprises on the horizon. While the future of a permanent Coco attraction at EPCOT remains uncertain, the current experience offers a glimpse into what could be possible.

Have you experienced the new Coco music performance at EPCOT? Are you excited about the potential for more Coco attractions in Disney parks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!