🪇 Coco, Moana highlight culture through music, dance and puppetry on Disney Treasure

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – Entertainment is a huge draw for passengers onboard Disney Cruise Lines and the Treasure does not disappoint with shows that highlight culture and unity with a side of magic.

Live music from a Mariachi Trio isn’t the only thing bringing Plaza de Coco to life. It’s one of Disney’s immersive dining experiences on board the Treasure picking up where the movie “Coco” left off. The venue transporting you right into the film.

“Every storefront represented into the film is right here in the dining room. You feel like you’re in the plaza. From the minute you turn the corner walking down the hallway just to get to Plaza de Coco you’re already immersed in the Rivera family with their shoe store the Zapateria and all of the memories of Hector and the songs that he wrote for Coco along the walls,” said Show Director Juan Cantu.

The dining experience includes Mexican cuisine and the theme surrounds Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. It’s a traditional Mexican holiday. The venue has its own altar with characters from the movie like Hector and Coco.

“It’s a very important moment for Mexicans to celebrate those who have passed. We honor them. We remember them. They’re here with us and so our show deals with that and reminds us of all those key messages,” said Cantu.

The celebration of life continues with traditional Mexican dance with some familiar characters.

The Broadway stage on the High Seas

Over at the Walt Disney Theater, News 6 Anchor Crystal Moyer spoke with Jodi Kimura who plays Gramma Tala in ‘Disney The Tale of Moana.’ In the performance, the story is narrated by Gramma Tala and told in a unique way.

“There’s a lot of things you get to experience that’s not in the movie. One of which is our amazing puppets. Te Fiti is transformed by our ensemble of puppeteers and dancers. We have a new number that didn’t make it into the film that will be in our show,” said Kimura.

The Te Fiti puppet sits 15 feet tall alongside Moana’s boat with the recognizable sail with the iconic spiral symbol representing new beginnings and hope.

“I want visitors to take away this idea that we can all listen to the voice inside and truly discover who we are. Go on whatever adventure we’re supposed to go on in our life and hopefully to heal the world through love, what better message than that,” said Kimura.

The theater — which is also home to “Beauty and the Beast” and “Disney Seas the Adventure” stage shows — was specifically designed for Disney Cruise Line’s triton class of ships.

“We have these torches that come in and out and sort of expand and immerse the audience in the world of the show,” said Connor Gallagher, “show director and co-choreographer of ‘Disney Tale of Moana’. “The way that we’re able to transform the theater here with the use of projection and lighting is really magical.”

You can watch Gallagher’s interview in the media player below.