Latin Flavors at Disney California Adventure

Disney's California Adventure has transformed it's Paradise Garden Grill area into Plaza de la Familia in anticipation of the  Disney Pixar's animated film Coco that is going to be released on November 22nd. Come and celebrate the everlasting bonds of family and learn all about El Dia De Los Muertos. Paradise Garden Grill is located between Toy Story Mania and Goofy's Sky School.

Plaza de la Familia features daily performances of “A Musical Celebration of ‘Coco,’” “The World of ‘Coco’” exhibit, authentic Mariachi music on the bandstand, a Tree of Life interactive photo location, complementary face painting and delicious foods, all inspired by the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos.

Entrance to Plaza de La Familia

Calaca (skeleton) at the entrance of Plaza de la Familia,

Some of the activities include complementary face paining. You can choose from pink, blue or white catrinas (sugar skulls) and other colorful Dia De Los Muertos images. If you are not into face painting, you can choose arm or hand painting. 

Enjoy the Árbol de la Vida, or Tree of Life, were you can write your thoughts of loved ones and hang them on the nearby wall of memories.

​The World of Coco, an exhibit presenting animation images that portray the Land of the Living and Land of the Dead seen in the film. Also, check out a 3-dimensional replica of the ofrenda (remembrance altar) Miguel secretly built to commemorate the life of the late great singer, Ernesto de la Cruz.

Enjoy delicious Mexican dishes at Paradise Garden Grill. The menu includes tacos, tamales, yummy desserts and even fruit. The Mexican-inspired fare includes:

• Yucatan-inspired Vaporcitos: Chicken Tamales steamed in Banana Leaves with Ranchero Salsa, Golden Rice and Black Beans
• Tacos de Estilo Callajero: trio of Sirloin Beef Tacos with Pickled Vegetables, Golden Rice and Black Beans
• Mole Verde con Pollo: Herb-braised Chicken with Golden Rice, Black Beans and Corn Tortillas
• Tortitas de Papa Con Queso: crispy Potato Cakes with Oaxaca Cheese, Ranchero Salsa, Golden Rice, and Pickled Onion Salad.
• Ensalada de Frutas: Jicama, Watermelon, Cucumber, Pineapple, and Mango with Chile-Lime Salt and Chamoy
• Pan de Muerto
• Tres Leches Parfait
• Agua de Jamaica Slush: Hibiscus-flavored Drink
• Mexican Hot Chocolate
• You can also get beer and sangria

One of my favorites was the Dulce de Leche Parfait. It is a Vanilla Cake layered with Sweet Caramel Cream and Dark Rum. The Sugar Skull is white chocolate and it is edible.

Pan de Muerto with vanilla custard filling

Hibiscus-flavored Jamaica slush and Dulce de Leche Parfait.

I am super impressed with the job Disney California Adventure has done with adding the cultural display to the park. The food is delicious, the environment is fun and the music is amazing.  We cannot wait for the movie to be in theaters this November.