Dia de Los Muertos – commonly known as the Day of the Dead – is widely celebrated in Mexico on November 1st and November 2nd, when the souls of the dead reunite with their loved ones over a slew of festivities.
In the world of Disney, you’ll find characters like Miguel from Coco and Miranda from Lizzie McGuire celebrating the holiday with Calaveras – also known as sugar skulls – and ofrendas – a shrine-like area decked out in marigolds and photos of those no longer with us.
Day of the Dead festivities can last anywhere from October 31st through November 6th. If you happen to be at EPCOT in Walt Disney World during this time, there are plenty of ways to both celebrate the holiday and learn about the heritage.
Visit Remember Me! La Celebracion Del Dia De Muertos
After the success of Pixar’s 2017 film Coco, all about a young boy who travels to the Land of the Dead on Dia de Los Muertos and learns the true meaning of his heritage, WDW jumped at the chance to celebrate the movie. And where better to do that than in the Mexico Pavilion?
Remember Me! La Celebracion Del Dia De Muertos is located right when you walk inside the Mesoamerican pyramid building. You’re immediately greeted by statues of a bridal couple and pets, all resembling Calaveras.
This exhibit features detailed looks at the attire, art, and history of the holiday, plus a scene of Miguel and Dante looking at his family’s big ofrenda.
Drink + Commemorative Day of the Dead Cup at La Cava Del Tequila
La Cava Del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion always offers special concoctions, so after you learn all about the Day of the Dead over at Remember Me!, quench your thirst with a drink at this cocktail lounge. During the week of Dia de Los Muertos, they’ll offer a festive margarita in a commemorative Day of the Dead cup while supplies last!
Ride Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Now that you’ve enjoyed a drink head back into the pyramid building and take a ride on Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, typically known for being a walk-on.
This ride stars Donald Duck, Panchito, and Jose as The Three Caballeros and follows Panchito and Jose on a trip around the world to find a missing Donald. During the “it’s a Small World-esque sequence, be sure to look up at the sugar skull mariachi band headlining on a bridge with their sombreros and guitars much like Miguel’s!
Pose with Miguel’s and Dante’s 50th Anniversary Statues
Finish off your Dia de Los Muertos celebration at EPCOT by snapping a selfie with Miguel’s and Dante’s 50th Anniversary statues by the entrance to the World Showcase (on the side by the Mexico Pavilion). If you wave your magic band just right, Dante might even say hi!