When you step into Plaza De Coco aboard Disney’s Treasure, it’s like walking into a vibrant fiesta where every detail sings of Latin culture. Walking inside of the restaurant to the tantalizing aroma of Mexican herbs, Plaza De Coco is a heartfelt tribute to family, tradition, and storytelling. The walls are adorned with colorful papel picado banners, intricately designed to reflect the artistry of Día de los Muertos celebrations. Warm, glowing lanterns hang overhead, casting a soft light on the vibrant murals that tell the story of Miguel’s journey through the Day of the Dead. The decor blends elements of traditional Mexican design with Disney’s signature charm, creating a space that feels both authentic and enchanting. But what truly makes this space shine is how it celebrates cultural heritage in a way that resonates deeply with culture.
BGN was present at a panel that took place inside of the illustrious restaurant that featured esteemed guests: Anthony Gonzalez (voice of Coco), Lee Unkrich (director of Coco), Juan Cantu (Show Director of Plaza De Coco) and Mario Trujillo (Cultural Consultant) and Jason Abruzzese (Disney Imagineer).
Spaces like Plaza De Coco resonate deeply with people of color, offering a sense of pride, joy, and visibility. Central to the space is a poignant tribute to Miguel’s family, with Mama Coco at the heart of it all, a detail that Anthony Gonzalez, the voice of Miguel, found especially moving.
“Well, just looking at the old friend, that was also such a very special moment,” Gonzalez shared during a recent panel. “Just because, you know, it represents the love that Miguel has for all his family, and represents love that we have for our ancestors. So to see Miguel’s family there and Mama Coco in the middle, it’s a very special moment to see that in real life.”
When asked by the moderator if there was one word to describe his experience working on Coco and being a part of the Plaza De Coco launch director Lee Unkrich said he was “grateful”. “I’m grateful that this was all done so well, so beautifully and just across the board,” he shared. “It shows that everybody who was involved in creating this cares about it as much as I know I care about this film, which is very, very deeply.”
The atmosphere of the restaurant comes alive with the music. A live Mariachi band serenades guests with traditional songs and favorites from the Coco soundtrack, creating an ambiance that invites everyone to tap their feet or even join in the singing. For a moment, you’re not just a guest aboard a cruise, you’re part of a cultural celebration that feels deeply personal.
For Juan Cantu, Show Director of Plaza De Coco, the experience is also very personal. “Yes, it’s such an honor,” Cantu shared, reflecting on his journey. “First of all, my parents are from Monterrey, Mexico, and I’m first generation. To be a singer and an actor, and never really had the chance to tell a Mexican story when I was pursuing my career. But then all these years later, the fact that my life led to this moment of being a part of the creation of this story that we’re presenting here on the stage, taking all the beautiful work that Lee created in the film and then continuing it, but then reaching deep into my family history and making sure that we were representing that in an accurate and authentic way is probably just the most important work I’ll probably ever do in my career.”
Cantu emphasized the significance of Día de los Muertos and its role in this experience. “We have a beautiful opportunity as storytellers to then share that with our guests here on the Disney Treasure. That’s been my biggest role, to share this in a way that people take away not just the satisfaction of reliving an experience with the Rivera family, but then taking away what Día de Muertos means, honoring your loved ones and inviting you to bring that into your life. So I think that’s the biggest honor for me.” For Mario Trujillo, the cultural consultant for Plaza De Coco, ensuring the authenticity of the experience was paramount. “Absolutely, it was such an honor to be invited to be part of this project as the cultural consultant, to really focus and hone in on the authenticity of the musicians that we’re bringing on board, the performers, and respecting that culture of musicians — the mariachi,” Trujillo explained.
From traditional instruments like the guitarrón to the traje de charro, every detail of the mariachi band was meticulously considered. “We wanted to bring so much of that and share it with our guests,” Trujillo added. “It was such a critical part to find authentic musicians who play beautiful, authentic Mexican melodies that are familiar to not only our Hispanic and Mexican cultures but globally as well.”
For Jason Abruzzese, a Disney Imagineer, creating Plaza De Coco was an emotional process. “Yeah, I don’t even know where to begin,” Abruzzese reflected. “It is very emotional to be in the space and just to hear the high praise from Lee, and just, you know, know how many years you worked on bringing the movie to life. Then we spent the better part of the last five years trying to create that vision in the real world and bring it to life.”
Abruzzese credited the team’s collective effort in bringing this immersive experience to life. “For me, that’s the most fun about this space — being able to get fully immersive for our guests in a space like this. And then just to see it come together. Juan’s done an amazing job putting together a show that is just absolutely gorgeous. The performers, the music, I can never say enough about it. I enjoyed every night coming here, and to just be part of that and to build the environment around it with every little detail, that’s what makes it so special for us.”
Plaza De Coco isn’t just about recreating the magic of Coco; it’s a celebration of heritage and tradition, deeply rooted in the vibrant culture it represents.
From the music that fills the air to the family stories that inspire the decor, every element is designed to honor and share the beauty of Día de los Muertos with guests from all walks of life. It’s also not just a feast for the senses; it’s a space designed to celebrate the richness of Latin American culture while creating memories that guests of all backgrounds can cherish. Whether you’re enjoying the vibrant decor, the soulful music, or the mouthwatering dishes, every element works together to create a cultural experience that’s as inspiring as it is delicious.
