Difference between pages "Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros" and "Mexico"

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{{Infobox Disney ride
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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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| image=mexicoupdate2.jpg
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| image=Mexicopyramid2.jpg
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| caption='''The entrance to the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros'''.
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| caption='''A Mesoamerican pyramid serves as the centerpiece of the Mexico pavilion'''
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| Country=Mexico
 
| land=World Showcase
 
| land=World Showcase
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| opened= April 6, 2007
 
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| vehicle_names= Mexico Cruiser
 
 
| park= Epcot
 
| park= Epcot
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| guests_per_vehicle=16
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| opened=October 1, 1982
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| host= The Three Caballeros
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| custom_label_1    = Number of Attractions
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| duration=8:00
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| custom_value_1    = 1
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| type= Boat Ride
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| custom_label_2 = Number of Restaurants
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| custom_label_1    = Formally Known As
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| custom_value_2= 5}}
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| custom_value_1    = El Rio Del Tiempo (1982-2008)
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Mexico is a pavilion located within World Showcase at [[Epcot]]. It is located between the World Showcase entrance and [[Norway]].
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|custom_label_2= FastPass +
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==History==
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|custom_value_2= No}}
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A Mexican pavilion was planned for World Showcase since the area’s initial development, although early plans show Mexico situated across the lagoon (where the [[Canada]] pavilion sits today) from the plot it would eventually be built on <ref name= "video"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=963 </ref>. At the outset, the planned pavilion was to include two restaurants, as well as an attraction named “Las Tres Culturas de Mexico” <ref name= "martin"> https://vimeo.com/2702430 </ref>. Although well developed, the plans for the Mexico pavilion boat ride were initially going to be pushed back to [[EPCOT Center]]’s “Phase Two”, and be built at a later date <ref name= "martin"/>. At this point in the pavilion’s development, the load area and lagoon were to be constructed, with the idea that the ride itself would be built in the future <ref name= "martin"/>.  These plans changed however when [[Germany]]’s Rhine River Cruise attraction was cancelled along with the Japan pavilion's Meet the World show. Compounded by the fact that the plans for an Equatorial Africa pavilion were also shelved, Disney had a capacity issue. With no other rides in World Showcase, the area would not have enough attractions to meet its expected guest capacity <ref name= "martin"/>. As a remedy for this situation, Disney decided to make Las Tres Culturas de Mexico an opening day attraction, changing the attraction’s name to El Rio del Tiempo. In order to complete the attraction (and pavilion) on time, the rides length was shortened by 40% and moved completely inside <ref name= "martin"/>.  
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The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is an attraction located in the [[Mexico]] pavilion at [[Epcot]].
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==Attraction History==
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The attraction that would one day be known as the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros began as a planned attraction for the Mexico pavilion titled "Las Tres Culturas de Mexico" (The Three Cultures of Mexico) <ref> http://www.lostepcot.com/worldshowcase.html </ref>. This incarnation of the ride was going to be an indoor/outdoor boat ride that took guests through the history of Mexico, showcasing its diverse culture. Las Tres Culturas de Mexico took its ride structure from [["it's a small world"]], and even used a similar, repetitive theme song. The attraction’s storyline came from a Mayan myth which told about the gods taking the gift of music from the jealous sun, and giving it to the songless Earth. The myth concludes with the idea that "Life was all music from that time on” <ref name= "Martinvid"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?cat=10&paged=3 </ref>.
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Although Las Tres Culturas de Mexico was fully designed in time for EPCOT Center’s opening day, Disney initially wanted to push the attraction’s construction back until the park's Phase II <ref name= "Martinvid"/>.  According to these plans, the attraction’s lagoon and load area were to be built first, with space left open for the boat ride itself to be constructed at the later date <ref name= "Martinvid"/> . When other World Showcase attractions were put on hold (including the planned [[Japan]] attraction and [[Germany]]'s Rhine River cruise) however, Disney realized that they did not have enough attractions for the park's expected capacity. Eventually, Disney decided that they would need to construct the Mexico attraction, which was now called El Rio Del Tiempo, in order to help meet capacity <ref name= "Martinvid"/> . With both time and money running out, various cuts were made to the original designs for El Rio Del Tiempo. The whole attraction was moved indoors <ref name= "Martinvid"/> , and it was decided that the ride’s track would need to be shortened by 40%.  
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Despite the late starting point of the project, the Mexico pavilion opened with the rest of World Showcase on October 1, 1982 <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/epcotgrandopening.html </ref>. Unlike the other World Showcase pavilions, Mexico was designed to be enclosed within a single building (aside from the small lakeside cantina). When the pavilion was complete, it consisted of two restaurants, one proper shop, and one attraction. The centerpiece of the pavilion is a large Mesoamerican pyramid (early plans for a glass walled "old-meets-new" pavilion had been altered early on) <ref name="video"/>, which was based on designs from the 3rd century AD. The interior of the pyramid was designed to look like a Mexican village, based on Taxco de Alarcón, at twilight <ref name= "Spence"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/walt_disney_world/theme_parks/epcot/mexico/ </ref>. Besides initially housing El Rio Del Tiempo, the Mesoamerican pyramid also housed the San Angel Inn restaurant, which was based on a restaurant in Mexico City (of the same name), that opened in 1692 <ref name= "martin"/>. Also within the pyramid were various stalls and stands in the Festival Marketplace <ref name= "martin"/> which sold different souvenirs. Outside of the pyramid is the Mexico pavilion’s aforementioned lakeside restaurant- Cantina de San Ángel.  
  
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Following a very quick construction, El Rio Del Tiempo opened with the rest of EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982. Although the attraction had been quite popular at the time of its opening, attendance began to drop during the 1990s. During this time, rumors were prevalent that the attraction would be replaced by a new Donald Duck attraction; however when El Rio Del Tiempo closed for refurbishment in 1999 no such change took place <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/el-rio-del-tiempo/news/27jul1999-el-rio-del-tiempo-refurbishment-update.htm </ref>. Instead, at this time, the attraction was cleaned up and given new paint, just in time for Epcot’s Millennium Celebration.  
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[[Image:ElRiotoGranFiesta.jpg|400px|thumb|El Rio Del Tiempo became the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros in 2007.]]
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Following its opening in 1982, for a number of years the Mexico Pavilion saw a relativity small number of changes. Throughout its history, the shopping stalls located within the pyramid have changed, and more lights were added to the marketplace <ref name= "martin"/>. Furthermore, in the mid 1990s, a second store was added to the pavilion's interior <ref name="martin"/>. The most substantial change to the pavilion however, came on January 2, 2007 when Mexico's only attraction El Rio Del Tiempo closed <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/344/Walt-Disney-World/Epcot/World-Showcase--Mexico/El-Rio-del-Tiempo </ref>. The attraction was updated and renamed, eventually reopening as the [[Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros]] on April 6 <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/gran-fiesta-tour-starring-the-three-caballeros.htm </ref>. On the Gran Fiesta Tour, guests travel through many of the same scenes as El Rio del Tiempo, however they now feature HD screens which allow guests to follow José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles (from the 1944 Disney movie The Three Caballeros) as they search around Mexico for Donald Duck.  
  
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On January 2, 2007, El Rio Del Tiempo was closed for a major refurbishment <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/el-rio-del-tiempo.htm </ref>. When the ride reopened on April 6, it featured a brand new storyline and was renamed The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/10926/Remembering_the_Magic_El_Rio_del_Tiempo__Gran_Fiesta_Tour_Starring_The_Three_Caballeros </ref>. True to its name, the Disney characters José Carioca, Panchito Pistoles, and Donald Duck, from the 1944 Disney movie The Three Caballeros were added to the attraction and the plot was changed so that Jose and Panchito now searched throughout Mexico for Donald.  In order to tell the new story, HD screens were added to many of the attraction’s scenes and a new soundtrack was given to the ride <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/10926/Remembering_the_Magic_El_Rio_del_Tiempo__Gran_Fiesta_Tour_Starring_The_Three_Caballeros </ref>. Furthermore, at this time the San Angel Inn was expanded into an area that was previously part of El Rio Del Tiempo <Ref name= "epcotbook">The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World's Greatest Theme Park  </ref>.  
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In 2010 [[Cantina de San Ángel]] closed for refurbishment. At this time, the original 1982 building was demolished, and a larger building was constructed in its place <ref name= "video"/>. When the establishment reopened, it consisted of two restaurants, the table service Cantina, and the new table service restaurant [[La Hacienda de San Ángel]] <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/09/la_hacienda_de_san_angel_la_ca.html </ref>. Also in 2010, a new Donald Duck meet and greet was added to the Mexico pavilion <ref> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/mexico/news/12jul2010-donald-duck-meet-and-greet-at-the-mexico-pavilion-construction-now-complete.htm </ref>.
  
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On December 4, 2015, Animatronics of the Three Caballeros were added to The Gran Fiesta Tour's finale <ref name= "D23"> https://d23.com/after-35-years-historic-three-caballeros-figures-return-to-walt-disney-world-resort/ </ref>. The figures had previously appeared in the former [[Magic Kingdom]] attraction the [[Mickey Mouse Revue]], and they had been absent from Walt Disney World for 35 years <ref name= "D23"/>.
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On November 12, 2017, [[Choza de Margarita]] opened in the Mexico pavilion <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/choza-tequila/news/13nov2017-choza-de-margarita-now-open-at-epcots-mexico-pavilion.htm </ref>. The outdoor margarita stand replaces the former stand that was removed during the expansion of the [[Norway]] pavilion in 2015/2016.
  
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==Plot==
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==Current Attractions==
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===El Rio Del Tiempo <ref name= "epcotbook"/>===
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'''[[Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros]]'''- On this indoor boat ride, guests follow Panchito Pistoles and José  Carioca (from the 1944 Disney movie The Three Caballeros) as they search all of Mexico for Donald Duck. The Gran Fiesta Tour replaced El Rio Del Tiempo in 2007.
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[[Image:ElDancersskel.jpg|350px|thumb|The mariachi skeletons in Festival of the Children scene in El Rio Del Tiempo]]
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El Rio Del Tiempo began with guests boarding their boats and heading off towards a large Mayan pyramid. The boats then entered ancient ruins. Here, a statue of a Mayan High Priest would come to life and speak to the passing boats. Guests were also told that long ago a great civilization had flourished in Mexico. All around the room, one could see various natives performing different rituals. The first ritual, was an elaborate dance titled "Nature and Science". This dance spoke to the native's understanding of man's relationship with the universe. The second ritual performed was titled "Mathematics and Astronomy". This dance highlighted the advanced understanding that the people had about these subjects (including their understanding of absolute zero). Finally, the third ritual shown was titled "Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca". This dance spoke of the native's views on the never ending struggle between good and evil, as personified in a battle between the feathered serpent of light and the tiger god of darkness. Before exiting ancient Mexico, guests would see Aztec King Moctezuma II (who would lose his kingdom to Spain) predicting the subjugation of his people. 
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After passing through ancient times, guests arrived a scene titled Festival of the Children, which represented Mexico’s period of colonization. In the this scene, Audio Animatronic dolls danced and celebrated, as the narrator told guests that Mexico’s ancient culture still thrived. During the festival, the dolls sang [[Vistas De Mexico]], a song written by X Atencio and Armando Corral. After exiting the colonization scene, guests entered modern times. Screens in this room featured:
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'''Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure'''- On this interactive adventure, guests use a "F.O.N.E." (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to help Agent P. stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz, by looking for clues throughout World Showcase. The adventure is based on the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb.
  
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* A parasailing boat by a lakeside resort
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==Former Attractions==
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'''[[El Rio Del Tiempo]]'''- On this indoor boat ride, guests could take a relaxing tour to see both the history and the diverse culture of Mexico. El Rio Del Tiempo opened with the rest of the pavilion on October 1, 1982 and it closed on January 2, 2007. El Rio Del Tiempo was replaced by the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, which uses many of the same scenes as its predecessor.
  
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* A mariachi band
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==Restaurants==
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[[Image:InsideMexicopavilion.jpg|400px|thumb|The Festival Marketplace inside the Mexico pavilion. Photo Credit: Harshlight.]]
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The Mexico pavilion is home to five different dining options. All five restaurants serve Mexican cuisine and drinks.
  
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* Cliff divers
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'''[[San Angel Inn]]'''- Located inside of Mexico's Mesoamerican pyramid, the San Angel Inn is a table service restaurant. From their table (which is set in eternal twilight) guests can see parts of the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.
  
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* A white sand beach
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'''[[La Cantina de San Ángel]]'''- Specializing in tacos, Cantina de San Ángel opened with the pavilion in 1982. The counter service restaurant is located on World Showcase Lagoon and across from the pavilion's pyramid. In 2010, the original counter service restaurant closed for refurbishment. When the establishment reopened, it was divided into two restaurants. One was still called Cantina de San Ángel and remained a counter service restaurant, while the other was named La Hacienda de San Ángel which provides a table service meal.
  
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* A scuba diver
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'''[[La Hacienda de San Ángel]]'''- Located on the World Showcase Lagoon, La Hacienda de San Ángel offers guests an indoor, table service restaurant with great views of World Showcase. The restaurant became Mexico’s newest dining location when it opened in 2010.
  
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Following these sights, guests entered a city where two rival merchants attempted to sell their goods. The merchants would follow guests along the river, until the boats reached the attraction's finale. The end of El Rio Del Tiempo featured a large fiesta inside the city. On their left, guests could see marionettes riding a carousel, as fireworks went off in the night sky. The dolls in this room sang [[Fiestas De Mexico]] which carried on until guests reached the unloading area. Before disembarking the narrator would tell guests.
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'''[[La Cava del Tequila]]'''- A tequila bar where guests can talk to "tequila connoisseurs" as they try various tequilas, margaritas, and Mexican appetizers.
  
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{{Quotation| “Goodbye. We will meet again, until then, may you always be delighted with the beauty of Mexico"}}
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'''[[Choza de Margarita]]'''- This outdoor stand specializes in margaritas.
  
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===The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros===
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==Shopping==
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[[Image:ThreeCaballerosfinale2.jpg|350px|thumb|The Three Caballeros reunited at the end of the Gran Fiesta Tour. Photo: D23]]
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'''Festival Marketplace'''- Located within Mexico’s Mesoamerican pyramid, the Festival Marketplace is home to all sorts of stands which sell authentic Mexican merchandise. Guests can also find Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros merchandise here.
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The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros also begins with guests boarding longboats and sailing of towards a Mayan pyramid. As guests progress past the pyramid, they come across a screen which shows Panchito Pistoles and José Carioca -two members of the famous Three Caballeros. Guests learn that the trio is supposed to perform a concert in Mexico City, but unfortunately, Donald Duck (the third member of the group) is nowhere to be found. In order to reunite the trio in time for the concert, Jose and Panchito board their magic carpet Pepe and set off to find Donald.  
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As Panchito and Jose fly high above Mexico, Donald Duck is shown below wearing souvenirs and taking photos. As guests enter the next scene, they see that Panchito and Jose are still searching for Donald. Other screens in the room show  points of interest in Mexico, including a Mayan pyramid and a gondola.  
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''' La Tienda Encantada'''- Located within the Festival Marketplace, this shop sells clothing and accessories.
  
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At this point in the attraction, guests enter the Festival of the Children scene. Similar to [[it’s a small world]], the scene features various dolls dancing and singing. The Festival of the Children is essentially the same as it was when the ride was known as El Rio Del Tiempo, with the only change to the scene being the addition of a Donald Duck piñata and changes to the attraction's soundtrack.  
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'''La Princesa de Cristal'''- Located within the Festival Marketplace, this Arribas Brothers shop sells crystal and glassware.
  
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Continuing on, guests enter the next room where they see Donald chasing after a parasailing boat that is driving away with his swimsuit. Overhead, Jose and Panchito leave a smoke message for Donald, which reads, “donde esta Donald?” (where is Donald). Moving forward, guests see that Jose and Panchito are now looking for Donald in a Mexican restaurant. When they ask a waiter if he has seen a duck, the man humorously shows them a roasted duck, causing them to flee. Meanwhile, across the room, Donald is shown attempting to rock dive, with predictably disastrous results. 
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==Live Entertainment==
  
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As dusk sets on Mexico, Panchito and Jose continue to search for Donald in the air. Unknown to them however, Donald is actually scuba diving below. Exasperated, Jose proclaims that the show is about to start. As guests enter the next room, they see a mariachi band playing as women dance. Jose and Panchito are finally able to find Donald, and although they need to pull him away from the women, the trio is eventually able to make it to their concert. The attraction’s finale then takes place in Mexico City, as fireworks shoot overhead and Jose, Panchito, and Donald perform their signature song, “The Three Caballeros”. After witnessing the concert, guests return to the loading dock.
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'''Mariachi Cobre'''- This authentic mariachi band can often be found playing outside in the Mexico pavilion.
  
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==Cast <ref> http://www.wdwradio.com/2014/09/disney-twenty-something-gran-fiesta-tour-starring-three-caballeros/ </ref>==
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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'''Donald Duck'''-Tony Anselmo
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* A Ring Carver stand is located within the Mexico pavilion <ref> http://www.wdwthemeparks.com/details/epcot/world-showcase/mexico-pavilion/ring-carvers </ref>.
  
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'''José Carioca'''-Rob Paulsen
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* Both the Moctezuma Brewery and the San Angel Inn contributed money to the construction of the Mexico pavilion <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/worldshowcase.html </ref>.
  
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'''Panchito Pistoles'''-Carlos Alazraqui
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* At one time, flamingos could be found near the bridge in the Mexico pavilion. They have since been removed <ref> http://www.disneypix.com/EPCOT/WorldShowcase_OLD/1989b/WS1189-13.htm </ref> <ref name= "Spence"/>.
  
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==See the Attraction!==
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* Vice President of Walt Disney World (and eventual Disney Legend) Bob Allen dedicated the Mexico pavilion  1982.  
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To see The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros or El Rio Del Tiempo, click play below.
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===El Rio Del Tiempo===
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===The Mesoamerican Pyramid <ref name= "Spence"/>===
  
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{{#ev:youtube|RZ-YiSAVf8k|420}}
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* The interior of the pyramaid is designed so that guests feel as if they are exiting the mayor's residence as the enter the Plaza del Los Amigo.
  
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===The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros===
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* The Mesoamerican pyramid is modeled after the Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl found at Teotihuacan.
  
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{{#ev:youtube|NrQDKY9LVmQ|420}}
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* Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec God of priesthood, learning and knowledge, is represented by the serpent heads which are found on the pyramid’s exterior.
  
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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* The carving located at the bottom of the pavilion’s stairs is called a stele.
  
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* Animator Eric Goldberg was responsible for animating the Three Caballeros for the Gran Fiesta Tour <ref> http://www.chuckjones.com/artists/eric-goldberg/ </ref> <ref> http://www.mainstgazette.com/2012/03/el-rio-del-tiempo.html </ref>.
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* The entry to the interior of the Mesoamerican pyramid is designed to look like a Mayan Ceremonial Hall. Here, various art exhibits are displayed.  
  
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* X Atencio and Armando Corral wrote the music for El Rio Del Tiempo, some of which is reused in The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros <ref> http://www.disboards.com/threads/el-rio-del-tiempo-song-got-the-lyrics.637690/ </ref>.
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* Inside the pavilion's large Mesoamerican pyramid, guests can see a Sun Stone (an Aztec calendar).
  
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* In the scene where all of the Audio Animatronic dolls are singing, guests can catch a glimpse of a Donald Duck piñata <ref>https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3445/3268057872_c50253fff1.jpg </ref>.
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* The Illuminations firework show is actually controlled out of a small office located at the top of Mexico's pyramid.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 16:47, 24 September 2018

Mexico
Mexicopyramid2.jpg
A Mesoamerican pyramid serves as the centerpiece of the Mexico pavilion
Epcot
Land World Showcase
Opening date October 1, 1982
Number of Attractions 1
Number of Restaurants 5

Mexico is a pavilion located within World Showcase at Epcot. It is located between the World Showcase entrance and Norway.

History

A Mexican pavilion was planned for World Showcase since the area’s initial development, although early plans show Mexico situated across the lagoon (where the Canada pavilion sits today) from the plot it would eventually be built on [1]. At the outset, the planned pavilion was to include two restaurants, as well as an attraction named “Las Tres Culturas de Mexico” [2]. Although well developed, the plans for the Mexico pavilion boat ride were initially going to be pushed back to EPCOT Center’s “Phase Two”, and be built at a later date [2]. At this point in the pavilion’s development, the load area and lagoon were to be constructed, with the idea that the ride itself would be built in the future [2]. These plans changed however when Germany’s Rhine River Cruise attraction was cancelled along with the Japan pavilion's Meet the World show. Compounded by the fact that the plans for an Equatorial Africa pavilion were also shelved, Disney had a capacity issue. With no other rides in World Showcase, the area would not have enough attractions to meet its expected guest capacity [2]. As a remedy for this situation, Disney decided to make Las Tres Culturas de Mexico an opening day attraction, changing the attraction’s name to El Rio del Tiempo. In order to complete the attraction (and pavilion) on time, the rides length was shortened by 40% and moved completely inside [2].

Despite the late starting point of the project, the Mexico pavilion opened with the rest of World Showcase on October 1, 1982 [3]. Unlike the other World Showcase pavilions, Mexico was designed to be enclosed within a single building (aside from the small lakeside cantina). When the pavilion was complete, it consisted of two restaurants, one proper shop, and one attraction. The centerpiece of the pavilion is a large Mesoamerican pyramid (early plans for a glass walled "old-meets-new" pavilion had been altered early on) [1], which was based on designs from the 3rd century AD. The interior of the pyramid was designed to look like a Mexican village, based on Taxco de Alarcón, at twilight [4]. Besides initially housing El Rio Del Tiempo, the Mesoamerican pyramid also housed the San Angel Inn restaurant, which was based on a restaurant in Mexico City (of the same name), that opened in 1692 [2]. Also within the pyramid were various stalls and stands in the Festival Marketplace [2] which sold different souvenirs. Outside of the pyramid is the Mexico pavilion’s aforementioned lakeside restaurant- Cantina de San Ángel.

El Rio Del Tiempo became the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros in 2007.

Following its opening in 1982, for a number of years the Mexico Pavilion saw a relativity small number of changes. Throughout its history, the shopping stalls located within the pyramid have changed, and more lights were added to the marketplace [2]. Furthermore, in the mid 1990s, a second store was added to the pavilion's interior [2]. The most substantial change to the pavilion however, came on January 2, 2007 when Mexico's only attraction El Rio Del Tiempo closed [5]. The attraction was updated and renamed, eventually reopening as the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros on April 6 [6]. On the Gran Fiesta Tour, guests travel through many of the same scenes as El Rio del Tiempo, however they now feature HD screens which allow guests to follow José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles (from the 1944 Disney movie The Three Caballeros) as they search around Mexico for Donald Duck.

In 2010 Cantina de San Ángel closed for refurbishment. At this time, the original 1982 building was demolished, and a larger building was constructed in its place [1]. When the establishment reopened, it consisted of two restaurants, the table service Cantina, and the new table service restaurant La Hacienda de San Ángel [7]. Also in 2010, a new Donald Duck meet and greet was added to the Mexico pavilion [8].

On November 12, 2017, Choza de Margarita opened in the Mexico pavilion [9]. The outdoor margarita stand replaces the former stand that was removed during the expansion of the Norway pavilion in 2015/2016.

Current Attractions

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros- On this indoor boat ride, guests follow Panchito Pistoles and José Carioca (from the 1944 Disney movie The Three Caballeros) as they search all of Mexico for Donald Duck. The Gran Fiesta Tour replaced El Rio Del Tiempo in 2007.

Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure- On this interactive adventure, guests use a "F.O.N.E." (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to help Agent P. stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz, by looking for clues throughout World Showcase. The adventure is based on the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb.

Former Attractions

El Rio Del Tiempo- On this indoor boat ride, guests could take a relaxing tour to see both the history and the diverse culture of Mexico. El Rio Del Tiempo opened with the rest of the pavilion on October 1, 1982 and it closed on January 2, 2007. El Rio Del Tiempo was replaced by the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, which uses many of the same scenes as its predecessor.

Restaurants

The Festival Marketplace inside the Mexico pavilion. Photo Credit: Harshlight.

The Mexico pavilion is home to five different dining options. All five restaurants serve Mexican cuisine and drinks.

San Angel Inn- Located inside of Mexico's Mesoamerican pyramid, the San Angel Inn is a table service restaurant. From their table (which is set in eternal twilight) guests can see parts of the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.

La Cantina de San Ángel- Specializing in tacos, Cantina de San Ángel opened with the pavilion in 1982. The counter service restaurant is located on World Showcase Lagoon and across from the pavilion's pyramid. In 2010, the original counter service restaurant closed for refurbishment. When the establishment reopened, it was divided into two restaurants. One was still called Cantina de San Ángel and remained a counter service restaurant, while the other was named La Hacienda de San Ángel which provides a table service meal.

La Hacienda de San Ángel- Located on the World Showcase Lagoon, La Hacienda de San Ángel offers guests an indoor, table service restaurant with great views of World Showcase. The restaurant became Mexico’s newest dining location when it opened in 2010.

La Cava del Tequila- A tequila bar where guests can talk to "tequila connoisseurs" as they try various tequilas, margaritas, and Mexican appetizers.

Choza de Margarita- This outdoor stand specializes in margaritas.

Shopping

Festival Marketplace- Located within Mexico’s Mesoamerican pyramid, the Festival Marketplace is home to all sorts of stands which sell authentic Mexican merchandise. Guests can also find Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros merchandise here.

La Tienda Encantada- Located within the Festival Marketplace, this shop sells clothing and accessories.

La Princesa de Cristal- Located within the Festival Marketplace, this Arribas Brothers shop sells crystal and glassware.

Live Entertainment

Mariachi Cobre- This authentic mariachi band can often be found playing outside in the Mexico pavilion.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • A Ring Carver stand is located within the Mexico pavilion [10].
  • Both the Moctezuma Brewery and the San Angel Inn contributed money to the construction of the Mexico pavilion [11].
  • At one time, flamingos could be found near the bridge in the Mexico pavilion. They have since been removed [12] [4].
  • Vice President of Walt Disney World (and eventual Disney Legend) Bob Allen dedicated the Mexico pavilion 1982.

The Mesoamerican Pyramid [4]

  • The interior of the pyramaid is designed so that guests feel as if they are exiting the mayor's residence as the enter the Plaza del Los Amigo.
  • The Mesoamerican pyramid is modeled after the Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl found at Teotihuacan.
  • Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec God of priesthood, learning and knowledge, is represented by the serpent heads which are found on the pyramid’s exterior.
  • The carving located at the bottom of the pavilion’s stairs is called a stele.
  • The entry to the interior of the Mesoamerican pyramid is designed to look like a Mayan Ceremonial Hall. Here, various art exhibits are displayed.
  • Inside the pavilion's large Mesoamerican pyramid, guests can see a Sun Stone (an Aztec calendar).
  • The Illuminations firework show is actually controlled out of a small office located at the top of Mexico's pyramid.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=963
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 https://vimeo.com/2702430
  3. ↑ http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/epcotgrandopening.html
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/walt_disney_world/theme_parks/epcot/mexico/
  5. ↑ https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/344/Walt-Disney-World/Epcot/World-Showcase--Mexico/El-Rio-del-Tiempo
  6. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/gran-fiesta-tour-starring-the-three-caballeros.htm
  7. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/09/la_hacienda_de_san_angel_la_ca.html
  8. ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/mexico/news/12jul2010-donald-duck-meet-and-greet-at-the-mexico-pavilion-construction-now-complete.htm
  9. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/choza-tequila/news/13nov2017-choza-de-margarita-now-open-at-epcots-mexico-pavilion.htm
  10. ↑ http://www.wdwthemeparks.com/details/epcot/world-showcase/mexico-pavilion/ring-carvers
  11. ↑ http://www.yesterland.com/worldshowcase.html
  12. ↑ http://www.disneypix.com/EPCOT/WorldShowcase_OLD/1989b/WS1189-13.htm
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