Adios amigos ! PHOTO BY MIKE BILLICK of this EPCOT favorite can tell that a lot of the original scenery from El Rio del Tiempo has been repurposed to tell this new story , and many of the animatronics are the same . Those who are old enough to remember the namesake film behind the ride will discover that , despite their depictions in the movie , pistol-packing Panchito has discarded his guns , and cigar-smoking José doesn ’ t light up once . The pair are simply more focused on finding their absconded amigo .
By the end of the Gran Fiesta Tour , the Three Caballeros are reunited under a night sky exploding with beautiful fireworks ( los fuegos artificiales ).
Panchito , Jose , and Donald perform in front of a regal set of red curtains to serenade guests to the end of this leisurely ride , which runs more than 5 minutes . Disembark back into the cool cocoon of the Mexico Pavilion and take a second in the air-conditioned atmosphere to figure out where you ’ re headed next — a trip to Norway to visit Elsa and Anna , perhaps ?
MAKING THE MOST OF AN EVOLVING EPCOT Although the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros isn ’ t a brand-new ride , it is the beginning of a new vision of the World Showcase . It was the first ride experience built around an existing Disney film , and it certainly won ’ t be the last :
In fact , Frozen Ever After in the neighboring Norway Pavilion took a similar tack , revamping an old favorite ( Maelstrom ) after a new smash-hit movie .
As EPCOT and the rest of Walt Disney World and other Disney Properties continue to evolve , guests may feel the changes are bittersweet . Although some guest experiences must be retired to make way for the new , they ’ ll always be remembered , and their legacies will live on in the new attractions made for the next generation . What do you know — life really is like a river of time , after all !
Now , where did that Duck get off to ? ¿ Dónde Está Donald ?