Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park returns this fall to the Disneyland Resort!
Plaza de la Familia will run from August 21 through November 2, 2026.
Based on the Pixar film Coco and celebrating the bonds of family and the spirit of Día de los Muertos, Plaza de la Familia is a fun addition to the park, filled with special entertainment, food, and fun activities.
Although Plaza de la Familia coincides with Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort and many people wrap it all together, I think Plaza de la Familia is a robust event that deserves it’s own guide!
To help you plan your visit, I’ve put together this guide to Plaza de la Familia so you know what to expect, including lots of photos since it is such a visual event.
Plaza de la Familia at Disneyland
Every fall, the Paradise Gardens area at Disney California Adventure Park transforms into Plaza de la Familia.
As with everything Disney does, the detail and artistry of the entire area is spectacular. Plaza de la Familia is a colorful, lively spot, and a great place to take a break from rides.
Here’s a quick list of what to expect at the Plaza de la Familia. This Disneyland Coco experience features:
- Live entertainment
- Crafts for kids
- Authentic Mexican food
- Interactive experiences
- Special merchandise
- Fun photo opportunities
A Musical Celebration of Coco
Make sure you catch The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia. Several times a day (check the Disneyland app for the schedule), the storytellers celebrate the story of Coco through music and dancing, including “Remember Me,” “The World Es Mi Familia,” and the iconic Mexican folk song “La Llorona.”
The troupe is joined by Miguel, who is brought to life in a whimsical style inspired by Mexican folk art.
The show takes place right outside the main entrance to the area, so you’ll need to gather and stand to watch the show. But it is totally worth it!
Mariachi Music in the Plaza de la Familia
At the Paradise Gardens Bandstand, you can enjoy entertainment featuring beloved Mariachi music and traditional songs. Throughout the season, there will be a rotating lineup of musical performances.
My favorite thing to do is grab lunch either from Paradise Garden Grill or neighboring Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta and grab a table by the stage. (Yes, you can eat Italian food while listening to Mariachi! :))
The music is truly wonderful, even if you are not typically into Mariachi music.
Fun Activities at Plaza de la Familia
In addition to the food and entertainment, there are lots of fun activities you can check out.
Take commemorative photos in front of the iconic Mexican “Árbol de la Vida” (Tree of Life). You can 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, 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.
There are plenty of tables set up where you can work on the crafts.
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.
Authentic Mexican Food & Drink
Like all the special celebrations at the Disneyland Resort, food plays a big part in Plaza de la Familia!
Throughout this seasonal event, Paradise Garden Grill sets aside its regular menu to serve traditional Mexican dishes in honor of the Plaza de la Familia celebration.
Menu highlights for Plaza de la Familia include:
- Achiote Half Chicken – Roasted achiote-marinated chicken served with Spanish rice, refried beans, and nopal salad
- Loaded Chicken Quesadilla – with achiote chicken and roasted peppers & onions, topped with chipotle crema, guacamole, and pico de gallo
- Al Pastor Tacos – Pineapple-achiote-marinated pork with avocado spread and tomatillo salsa served with Spanish rice and refried beans topped with queso fresco
- Carne Asada Wet Burrito – Marinated steak tips, Spanish rice, refried beans, and avocado crema topped with salsa verde and crema (Plant-based)
- Cheese Quesadilla – Whole wheat tortilla filled with jack and cheddar cheese and served with a Cuties Mandarin Orange and applesauce and choice of small DASANI Water or small lowfat milk (Kids Meal)
- Street-style Taco – Al pastor taco in a corn tortilla served with Spanish rice and refried beans and choice of small DASANI Water or small lowfat milk (Kids Meal)
- Buñuelos Biónico – Fried tortilla chips coated in cinnamon and sugar, loaded with fresh fruit, toasted coconut, and sweetened condensed banana milk
- Vanilla Layer Cake – Layers of multi-colored 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 tacos last year and they were delicious!
Also worth noting – food at Paradise Garden Grill during Plaza de la Familia at Disneyland is served on real ceramic plates! This colorful touch adds a little more authenticity to the festivities.
Special Beverages
This year, there will also be some interesting drinks available at Plaza de la Familia:
- Pineapple Pomegranate Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)
- Apple Cider Margarita – Tequila, apple cider, and lime with a cinnamon sugar rim
- Fruity Lemonade Cocktail – Tequila, pineapple and pomegranate lemonade
- Ogopogo Brewing, La Llorona Mexican Lager
- 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Made Marion Blackberry
- Offshoot Beer Co. Relax Hazy IPA
In addition, Disneyland will be offering new a Coco sipper at various locations throughout the parks.
Family Photo Ops
You can 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 and get some cute photos!
Discount Disneyland Tickets
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Get Away Today sells discount theme park tickets as well as vacation packages for both on-property and off-property hotels. They will even assist with all your Disneyland vacation plans with their free concierge service!
Final Thoughts: Plaza de la Familia at Disneyland
Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park commemorates remembrance, love, and 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. It’s no wonder Plaza de la Familia has become a favorite annual event to experience at DCA!
For more help planning your Disneyland vacation, check out these other articles:
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