12 April 2007: Gran Fiesta Tour press overview

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World guests are being treated to a new view of Mexico courtesy of Donald Duck and two of his longtime amigos.

"Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros" debuts at Epcot's Mexico pavilion (replacing "El Rio Del Tiempo") with a storyline and film featuring Donald Duck, José Carioca (the parrot), and Panchito (the Mexican charro rooster) from the 1944 Disney film "The Three Caballeros."

It's an excursion by tour boat through vibrant, eye-filling sights accompanied by lively music. The people, culture, history and arts of Mexico are showcased, and guests catch a glimpse of some of Mexico's most famous cities, resorts and beaches, including locations such as Mexico City, Chichen Itza and Acapulco.

The "Gran Fiesta Tour" combines new live-action film shot on location in Mexico with an overlay of hand-drawn animation of the Three Caballeros. The custom animation is inspired by the original 1944 classic film and uses the same color palettes, stylistic design and graphic elements.

As the story goes, the caballeros have reunited for a grand performance in Mexico City. But along the way, Donald Duck disappears to take in the sights of the country, leaving José and Panchito to search for their missing friend. Their journey is a festive and colorful celebration of the beauty and culture of Mexico that is fun for guests of all ages.

Reuniting with their wandering amigo, the friends end their adventure with a grand fiesta celebration at sunset in Mexico City. Guests arrive at the new concert bandstand in Mexico City just in time to see -- and hear -- the much-anticipated Three Caballeros reunion concert.

To add to the fiesta experience, the Three Caballeros finale song has been re-scored and re-recorded. Throughout the attraction, props, set facades, lighting and the sound system also have been refurbished and enhanced.

Just outside the Mexico pavilion, guests have an opportunity to meet and take photos with Donald Duck, José Carioca and Panchito. At various times throughout the day, one or more of the characters can be spotted greeting Epcot guests.

6 April 2007: Gran Fiesta Tour now open

The new Gran Fiesta opened this morning at 11am with the rest of World Showcase. As expected, all of the previous video scenes have been replaced with new Three Caballeros scenes, and the entire musical score has been reworked. Most of the doll section remains as it was previously, with the addition of Donald. Besides the main changes, all of the props, scenes, and audio have been refurbished, and it all looks and sounds great.

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Gran Fiesta Tour video ride through
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Low Resolution, WMV, 7mins duration, 17MB.

Gran Fiesta Tour video (Coming soon)
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High Resolution, WMV, 7mins duration, 70MB.
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Above left: The new sign in front of Mexico
Above right: The entry and sign for the attraction

 
Above: The queue area

 
The queue area and new Three Caballeros graphics on the rear wall

 
Above left: The beginning of the ride, introduces the characters

 
Above: All of the previous El Rio video scenes have been updated with new video featuring Donald

 
Above: The previous market seller scene has been reworked with Donald festivities

 
Above right: The Viva Christina boat now says Viva Donald

 
Above: The previous carousel is now a large video display featuring the characters

 
Above left: The Adios scene now features the characters.
Above right: Unload

Above: Donald Duck merchandise

6 April 2007: Gran Fiesta queue area and entry photos

Photos from the new Gran Fiesta entry area and queue.

 
Above left: The new sign above the entry to the ride inside the Mexico Pavilion
Above right: An overview of the queue area and ride description and safety warnings

Above left: The queue area and new Three Caballeros graphics on the rear wall

 
Above left: The entry
Above right: New Donald Duck merchandise on sale inside the pavilion

2 April 2007: Gran Fiesta opening delayed

The expected opening today has been pushed back to (hopefully) later this week.

1 April 2007: Gran Fiesta Tour reopening imminently

These photos from yesterday show the entry area to the new Gran Fiesta Tour. The newly worked attraction is expected to officially reopen on April 2 2007.

23 February 2007: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros replaces El Rio Del Tiempo

Epcot's Mexico pavilion, "Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros" debuts (replacing "El Rio Del Tiempo") with a new storyline and film featuring Donald Duck, José Carioca (the parrot), and Panchito (the Mexican charro rooster) from the 1944 Disney film "The Three Caballeros."

The "Gran Fiesta Tour" film features an animated overlay of the caballeros being reunited for a grand performance in Mexico City. Along the way, Donald disappears to take in the sights of the country, leaving José and Panchito to search for their missing friend.

In addition to the new film, the boat ride's props, set facades and sound system have been refurbished and enhanced.

The new attraction is set to open on April 2nd 2007.

2 January 2007: El Rio Del Tiempo closes for refurbishment

El Rio Del Tiempo is closed from today for a 4 month refurbishment.

 

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