Disneyland to Start Construction on New Coco Attraction

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Concept art for the upcoming Coco attraction at Disneyland, depicting the vibrant Land of the Dead.

News Summary

Disneyland Resort is gearing up to construct its first-ever Coco attraction, a boat ride taking guests to the Land of the Dead, as part of a $1.9 billion expansion plan. The initial plans have been submitted, with construction starting in the fall. Set near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, the attraction is expected to open between 2027 and 2028. Along with this, Disneyland Forward includes significant infrastructure improvements and a new parking structure to enhance guest experience amid other expansions.

Disneyland to Begin Construction on New “Coco” Attraction as Part of $1.9 Billion Expansion Plan

Anaheim, CA – Disneyland Resort is set to embark on an ambitious construction project for its first-ever “Coco” attraction, a boat ride transporting guests to the vibrant Land of the Dead. The new attraction, which features beloved characters like Miguel and Hector, is a central component of the expansive $1.9 billion Disneyland Forward plan.

Walt Disney Imagineering has submitted preliminary plans for the “Coco” ride to the Anaheim Public Works department, signaling that construction is slated to begin in the fall of this year. The ride is expected to open to guests by 2027 or 2028, located near the existing Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, in areas that are currently designated as backstage.

While specific opening dates have yet to be announced, the “Coco” attraction is one of several upcoming expansions that Disneyland Resort is planning as part of a broader strategy to enhance the guest experience. Other significant developments include improvements to infrastructure along Disneyland Drive and Katella Avenue, which will encompass new sidewalks, curbs, gutters, landscaping, and irrigation.

The Disneyland Forward expansion will also see a retheming of the Hollywood Land area into an “Avatar” theme, set to replace the current Monsters, Inc. ride, which is expected to close in early 2026. This shift aims to incorporate two new attractions at Avengers Campus, namely Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab.

In addition to new attractions, a significant renovation project includes the construction of a new parking structure on the east side of Disneyland Resort, designed to accommodate 6,000 vehicles. This new parking facility will feature dedicated shuttle and rideshare areas, enhancing accessibility to the park. A pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard is also planned to further improve visitor access.

Construction for the new parking structure and transportation hub is anticipated to commence in autumn 2026. Meanwhile, Disneyland’s first new attraction in several years, the “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” animatronic show, will premiere on July 17.

Despite these planned expansions, no new rides for Disneyland Park have been announced as part of the Disneyland Forward strategy. Much of the current construction activity has taken place backstage, remaining out of sight from park visitors. However, guests may experience some disruptions, as evidenced by a walkway closure in the Avengers Campus area that affects the shortcut between Avengers Campus and Cars Land.

Disneyland has hinted at the possibility of more projects in the pipeline as construction progresses, with further announcements regarding hotels and shopping options potentially on the horizon. Guests are encouraged to consider waiting for new attractions to be completed before scheduling their Disneyland visits due to ongoing construction and limited new offerings.

The excitement among fans is palpable as the “Coco” attraction promises to be a culturally rich experience, bringing the magic of the beloved film to life amidst the broader enhancements taking place across Disneyland Resort.