a towering pyramid and a steaming volcano loom in the background . But the soft lighting of the pavilion reflecting off the water makes for a cheerful and romantic start , regardless of the slightly ominous feel of the setting . Be sure to wave hello to the diners and shoppers enjoying themselves back onshore .
Did you know that these three Audio- Animatronics performed on opening day at Magic Kingdom in 1971 ? Originally a part of the Mickey Mouse Revue , the Caballeros were moved in 1980 to a version of the show at Tokyo Disneyland . They played their Tokyo gig until 2009 when Mickey ’ s PhilharMagic took the stage . Over the next few years , the flock would make select public appearances , like at the 40th Anniversary celebration of WDW . Then , after 35 years of touring the globe , they returned in 2015 to take the stage here in the Mexico Pavilion .
TIP : Look at just the right moment to catch a Hidden Mickey in the smoke of the erupting volcano .
As the ride progresses into a tunnel decorated with ancient temple paintings , guests get their first glimpse of the Caballeros . Donald and his friends run amok in Mexico , but before Panchito and José know what happened , Donald disappears ! With a concert to perform and a friend to find , the Caballeros take guests along on their quest to figure out where that missing mallard has gotten off to . Guests are gently guided through a fiesta scene with a skeleton quartet and giddily dancing animatronics . It ’ s definitely got a “ Spanish Small World ” vibe … but don ’ t worry , the song doesn ’ t get stuck in your head quite as easily .
As the journey continues , Panchito and José fly through the Latin landscape on a magic sarape while Donald continues to elude them , disturbing diners at a fine Mexican restaurant and fearlessly diving from a jagged cliff into the turquoise waters below .
Disney fanatics who have experienced both iterations
The three caballeros in puppet form . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG