In the lively streets of Havana, Cuba, the legendary musician Andres Hernandez captivates the audience alongside his charming companion, Vivo, a delightful kinkajou. Their breathtaking performance of "One of a Kind" enchants the crowd, who have come to cherish Andres' exceptional talent. As the two harmonize, Vivo shares a heartfelt tale of how Andres rescued him from danger, forging a bond that has enriched both their lives with music and adventure.
However, the arrival of a letter from Marta Sandoval, a renowned singer and Andres' former love, sends ripples through their world. With a mixture of panting nostalgia, Andres reveals to Vivo the bittersweet memories of his musical partnership with Marta, recalling how he had penned an unreleased song, "Mambo Cabana," filled with emotions he never fully expressed. As the wheels turn in their lives, Andres decides on a journey to Miami to reconnect with Marta.
While Andres prepares for this pivotal trip, Vivo finds himself grappling with conflicting emotions. Yet, he recognizes the significance of this moment and chooses to accompany his beloved friend.
Tragedy strikes as the night gives way to dawn, and Vivo wakes to discover that Andres has passed away, plunging him into a sea of sorrow. The community, too, feels the void left by this beloved musician, gathering in the town square to bid farewell. Andres' niece Rosa stands up to deliver a moving tribute amidst the somber scene.
Facing the loss, Gabi, Andres' granddaughter, becomes enchanted by Vivo. Determined to honor Andres’ legacy, Vivo stows away in Gabi's luggage, ready to deliver Andres’ final gift, a beautiful song, to Marta. In Florida, Gabi discovers Vivo, and their bond blooms even as she wrestles with her grief over her father, Carlos.
Gabi resists joining the Sand Dollars dance troupe, choosing instead to assist Vivo in delivering the heartfelt melody to Marta. The journey is filled with excitement as Gabi meets the spirited Sand Dollars – Becky, Eva, and Sarah – who eagerly try to recruit her. However, their adventure becomes precarious when Gabi chases after an escaping bus only to find herself marooned in the vast Everglades.
With resolve, Gabi constructs a makeshift vessel, battling fierce waters and storms, all the while "keeping the beat" in a desperate attempt to rescue Vivo. Amidst their struggles, Vivo encounters Dancarino, a spoonbill yearning for acceptance. Together, they form a partnership, with Vivo promising to assist Dancarino in winning the affections of Valentina. With Dancarino’s new-found confidence, he wins Valentina's heart, but soon leaves Vivo to face the wilderness alone.
Navigating perilous terrains, Vivo narrowly avoids the clutches of the villainous Lutador and finds hope in Dancarino’s promise to reunite him with Gabi. Their trials escalate as Gabi is captured by the Sand Dollars who want to keep Vivo safe but ultimately end up losing the precious song in the chaos. Yet, the spark of hope ignites when Gabi starts humming the lost lyrics, inviting Vivo to help recreate what had been lost.
As Marta anxiously awaits news of Andres, she is struck by the devastating news of his death. When Gabi and Vivo finally reach Miami, they race against time to deliver the song during Marta's performance. Irrespective of the challenges, they push through and, as Vivo hands Marta the song filled with Andres' love, she is overwhelmed with emotion, welcoming memories of their time together.
In a heartfelt reunion, Rosa reflects on her own journey of self-discovery and illusion, revealing her struggles with living up to her husband’s legacy. Meanwhile, Gabi shares her emotional drive behind keeping Marta informed of Andres' enduring love, exposing the aching truth that Carlos never shared his true feelings for Marta.
Together again, they return to the plaza just in time to witness Marta's mesmerizing performance, where Vivo finds himself among those he cherishes the most. In a spectacular finale, Vivo, Gabi, Rosa, and Marta join forces to perform "One of a Kind (Reprise)," leaving the crowd in awe and bestowing Vivo with a profound sense of belonging and family.
