Along with 24 other Bloggers I had the chance to explore the shops on the historical  Olivera Street while in Los Angeles, but the fun didn’t stop there. Later that evening we sat down to enjoy an authentic Mexican in honor of the upcoming Blu-ray release of Disney Pixar’s COCO with special guest Anthony Gonzalez (voice of “Miguel”). Dinner also included a fun roundtable interview!

OMG folks this was icing on the cake Anthony is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I enjoyed the performance of “Remember Me” and the warm welcome when we entered the restaurant.  I learned a lot from Anthony in a short time check out the interview with Anthony Gonzalez.

How do you identify yourself with your character?

We’re both have a passion for music I grew up with music, singing with my brothers here in La Placita Olvera.  Another way I identify myself with Miguel is we both know how important our family and traditions are. Like Miguel’s tradition is to celebrate the Day of the Dead. I have celebrated the Day of the Dead as well because my grandfather he passed away when I was six years old that’s another way I connect with Miguel.

What has been your most memorable experience during the film and afterward?

I got to go to D23 and I had the honor to sing with the one and only Benjamin Bratt, which was so cool yeah [LAUGHS]. I’ve gotten to go to places that I never thought I would go to like Canada and I love Canada because it’s so cold and cold yes. I love going to Pixar because there’s like a soccer field and I love soccer, so I get to play every time I go there during my break.  

What do you hope other kids will take from this film?

Well I hope that they take really the that the Day of the Dead is not like Halloween, it’s a time for a celebration, it’s a wonderful celebration that anyone can celebrate, not just like from where- not just Mexicans can celebrate but anyone can celebrate it.  It’s a day where you can connect and really remember your family members that passed away.  And I think that’s what I hope that people take away from the movie. 

How does it feel to be the voice of a Disney character? 

Oh my gosh that’s just like a dream come true an honor because I grew up watching these Disney movies like Toy Story. I have the Woody toy and I have like a Buzz Lightyear blanket and just to be part of Disney Pixar movie is a big deal and at my age, it’s just a dream come true.  And all I can do is just thank god for all the blessings he’s given me.

How do you feel about the movie being nominated for two Oscars?

Oh, my God I woke up at four in the morning to see the nominations and when I see Coco is nominated for the best-animated feature and for the song Remember Me, that’s just- oh my god it’s just amazing I’m speechless.  I’m just so happy that it’s nominated, and I couldn’t wait to see if it won. 

With the impact of this film on your culture, did you know that going into the project?

I did because really what this movie is about is like celebrating this wonderful tradition that Mexicans celebrate.  It’s a wonderful celebration, a lot of colors, and food it’s a happy celebration. I knew it was going to make a wonderful impact and just seeing that a lot of people really took the message and learned a lot about this wonderful tradition I thought was amazing. I’m still shocked and speechless.

Disney Pixar’s “COCO” in digital HD, 4K Ultra HD™ and Movies Anywhere on 2/13 and 4K Ultra HD™ & Blu-ray™ on 2/27.