Disney California Adventure marked a significant milestone this week as Coco-themed construction walls were installed at Pixar Pier, signaling that the highly anticipated attraction has entered a new phase of development. The walls, adorned with colorful marigolds and images of Miguel and his dog Dante, appeared overnight on May 19, 2026, transforming what had been months of backstage preparation into a visible reality for park guests.
NEW: Construction walls are now up for the upcoming ‘Coco’ attraction coming to Disney California Adventure. pic.twitter.com/tmoJ47ywpx
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) May 19, 2026
A Journey Into the Land of the Dead
First announced at the 2024 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the Coco attraction represents Disney’s first-ever ride based on the beloved Pixar film. The experience will invite guests to join Miguel on a journey into the Land of the Dead, featuring cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics technology that Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro promised will appear in ways guests will have to see to believe. The attraction will be a boat ride drawing inspiration from classic Disney experiences like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, complete with the movie’s iconic music and a skeletal cast of characters brought to life through state-of-the-art animatronics.
From Backstage to Front Stage
Construction on the Coco attraction began in earnest in early 2026 with land clearing in backstage areas behind the Incredicoaster. Over the past several months, crews have removed trees and vegetation, cleared and leveled large sections of ground, and installed a newly paved roadway for construction access. The themed walls now stretch from Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta to the Incredicoaster track, across from Silly Symphony Swings, blocking off areas that include a former Pixar Pier gate, nearby seating, and a vendor stand.
What This Means for Disney Fans
The appearance of themed construction walls is traditionally one of the most exciting phases of any Disney project, as it transforms abstract plans into tangible progress. For fans of Coco, the attraction promises to be a major addition to Pixar Pier and Disney California Adventure overall, bringing one of Pixar’s most visually stunning and emotionally resonant films to life in a large-scale park experience. The ride’s entrance will be located between Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, making it a natural fit for the area that already celebrates Latin American culture during festivals and events. While Disney has not yet announced an official opening timeframe or final attraction name, the project is clearly advancing on schedule. With construction now visible to guests, the wait to experience Miguel’s journey into the Land of the Dead has become all the more real for Disney Parks enthusiasts.
