Difference between pages "The Maelstrom" and "Mexico"

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(→‎The Spirit of Norway)
 
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The Malestorm is an attraction located within the [[Norway]] pavilion in [[Epcot]].
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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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{{Infobox Disney ride
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| image=Maelstrom.jpg
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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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| caption='''The entrance to the Maelstrom'''.
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| image=Mexicopyramid2.jpg
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| land= Norway
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| caption='''A Mesoamerican pyramid serves as the centerpiece of the Mexico pavilion'''
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| opened= July 5, 1988
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| Country=Mexico
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| vehicle_names=Boat
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| land=World Showcase
 
| park= Epcot
 
| park= Epcot
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| fastpass=Yes
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| opened=October 1, 1982
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| guests_per_vehicle=15
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| custom_label_1    = Number of Attractions
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| duration=4:47
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| custom_value_1    = 1
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| type=History of Norway
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| custom_label_2 = Number of Restaurants
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| type=Interior Boat Ride
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| custom_value_2= 4}}
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}}
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==Attraction History==
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==History==
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A Mexican pavilion was planned for World Showcase since early on in the area’s development. The planned pavilion was to include two restaurants, as well as an attraction named “Las Tres Culturas de Mexico”. Although well developed, the plans for the Mexico’s boat ride were initially going to be pushed back to EPCOT Center’s “Phase Two”, and be built at a later date. 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 at a later date.  These plans changed however when [[Germany]]’s planned Rhine River boat ride was cancelled along with Japan’s planned attraction. Due to plans for an Equestrian Africa pavilion 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. 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 construction crews had to work tirelessly to complete the project. 
  
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When an attraction for Norway was originally being developed, Imagineers wanted to give Norway Epcot's first thrill ride. The attraction, which was originally known, as "Sea Venture" would have taken 16 passengers and in 12 boats along a 964 ft. flume ride. The plot of the ride  would have involved guests encountering trolls and gnomes as they searched for a rainbow bridge to Valhalla. In order to enhance the ride, the Sherman Brothers were even called in to write a song for the Sea Venture.  
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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. When the pavilion was complete, it consisted of two restaurants, two shops, and one attraction. The centerpiece of the pavilion is a large Mesoamerican pyramid, which was based on designs form the 3rd century AD. The interior of the pyramid was designed to look like a Mexican village (based on Taxco de Alarcón) at twilight. Besides initially housing El Rio Del Tiempo, the Mesoamerican pyramid also housed the San Angel Inn restaurant, which was designed based on a restaurant in Mexico City (with the same name), which opened in 1692. Also within the pyramid were various shops and stands in the Festival Marketplace.  
  
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The sponsors from Norway however, wanted the attraction to be more of a travelogue showing all that Norway had to offer. They also gave the Imagineers a list of things that they wanted included in the attraction including, Vikings, a fishing village, a polar bear, a fjord, and an oil rig. In order to meet the demands of sponsors, Imagineers eventually decided that the ride would take guests on a boat tour through Norway's history. The attraction would begin with Norwegian Folklore and end in modern day Norway. Sea Ventures thrill was always going to come from a new ride system, which allowed Imagineers to reverse the direction of the boat during the ride. Adding to the attractions appeal would be various drops, and visual effects. One effect that they produced, was a full scale, North Sea storm. The storm would have included wind, waves, rain and real lightning. The authentic lighting effect however, was scrapped when Imagineers could not figure out how to use it without electrocuting guests.  
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Outside of the pyramid is the Mexico pavilion’s lakeside restaurant- Cantina de San Ángel. Nearby, guests can also now meet Donald Duck in his Mexican outfit.
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[[Image:mexicoupdate2.jpg|thumb|The Three Caballeros now star in Mexico's attraction, The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.]]
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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. The most substantial change to the pavilion came on January 2, 2007 when Mexico's only attraction El Rio Del Tiempo closed. The attraction was updated and renamed The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. 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 look around Mexico for Donald Duck.  
  
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During development, the name of the Norway attraction was changed to the Maelstrom. Construction began on the Norway pavilion on May 27, 1986 and the ride was installed shortly after. The opening of the Maelstrom had to be delayed however, when Imagineers found out that the boats would capsize. Finally, on July 5, 1988 the Maelstrom (as well as the rest of the Norway pavilion) opened to the public.  
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In 2010 Cantina de San Ángel closed for refurbishment. When the establishment reopened, it consisted of two restaurants, the table service Cantina, and the new table service restaurant La Hacienda de San Ángel.
  
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===Imagineers===
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==Current Attractions==
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Imagineers that worked on the Malestorm included:
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'''[[The 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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'''Randy Carter'''- Producer
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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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'''Bob Kurzweil'''- Ride Designer
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==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.
  
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'''Dave Van Wyk'''- Head Engineer
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==Restaurants==
  
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'''Joe Rohde'''- Concept Art
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The Mexico pavilion is home to four different dining options. All four restaurants serve Mexican cuisine.
  
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'''Paul Torrigino'''- Production Designer
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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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'''Jim Mulder'''- Special Effects
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'''Cantina de San Ángel'''- Specializing in tacos, Cantina de San Ángel opened with the pavilion in 1982. The counter service restaurant is located on the lagoon and across from the 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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[[Image:Sanangel.jpg|thumb|The San Angel Inn is set in eternal twilight.]]
  
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==Attraction Plot==
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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. La Hacienda de San Ángel became Mexico’s newest dining option when it opened in 2010.
  
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The Maelstrom begins with guests traveling to a Norwegian folklore. As they enter, the attraction's narrator says:
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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|"You are not he first to pass this way, nor shall you be the last. Those who seek the spirit of Norway face peril and adventure, but more often find beauty and charm. We have always lived with the sea, so look first to the spirit of the seafarer.}}
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==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 The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros merchandise here.
  
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The first scene that guests enter shows a sea side village. Here, guests can see Vikings as they prepare to head off to sea. The narrator then tells guests that when some people think of the spirit of Norway, they thing of mythology and trolls. Guests then pass by a three headed troll who puts a curse on the boats, sending them "Back, back, over the falls!". After being cursed, the boat that guests are riding in begins to move in reverse. After going down a very small drop, guests pass a scene depicting the arctic region of Norway. Here, guests can see two polar bears, with one standing on it's hind legs.  
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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, the boats begin to move towards the pavilion's large, exterior waterfall. Just as guests are about to fall backwards down the falls, the boat's direction changes, and the boats once again move forward. Instead of going backwards down the large waterfall, guests go forwards down a much smaller drop. At the bottom of the drop, the boats pass by an oil rig, before entering modern Norwegian town. Here, the rides narrator makes one final comment:
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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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==Live Entertainment==
  
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{{Quotation| Norway's spirit has always been, will always be adventure.}}
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'''Mariachi Cobre'''- This authentic mariachi band can often be found playing outside in the Mexico pavilion.
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After unloading from their ride vehicles, guests can either view the Spirit of Norway film, or exit the building altogether.
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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* There is more water in the Maelstrom than will fit in the reservoir underneath the attraction.
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* A Ring Carver stand is located within the Mexico pavilion.  
  
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* One of the scenes that was rejected for the ride, would have featured the Norwegian coastline with Oslo in the middle.  
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* Both the Moctezuma Brewery and the San Angel Inn contributed money to the construction of the Mexico pavilion.
  
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* The film at the end of the attraction was added at the request of the Norwegian sponsors.  
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* At one time flamingos could be found near the bridge in the Mexico pavilion. They have since been removed.
  
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* To help give Imagineers an idea of what Norway was like, the pavilions sponsors took them on a grand tour of the country.
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* Vice President of Walt Disney World (and eventual Disney Legend) Bob Allen dedicated the Mexico pavilion in 1982.
 +
 
 +
===The Mesoamerican Pyramid===
 +
 
 +
* The Mesoamerican pyramid is modeled after an Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl found at Teotihuacan. Quetzalcoatl is the Aztec God of priesthood, learning and
 +
knowledge, and 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 pavilions 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==
 
==References==
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http://vimeo.com/2702430
 +
 +
http://www.yesterland.com/worldshowcase.html
  
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http://www.mouseplanet.com/7131/Walt_Disney_Worlds_Maelstrom_Part_1
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http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/epws-mexico.htm
  
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http://www.mouseplanet.com/7132/Walt_Disney_Worlds_Maelstrom_Part_2
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http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/mexico-pavilion/
  
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z05WeWfs7tw
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http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/09/la_hacienda_de_san_angel_la_ca.html
  
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http://progresscityusa.com/2010/07/13/you-are-not-the-first-to-pass-this-way/
+
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/walt_disney_world/theme_parks/epcot/mexico/

Revision as of 23:13, 2 July 2014

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

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 4

History

A Mexican pavilion was planned for World Showcase since early on in the area’s development. The planned pavilion was to include two restaurants, as well as an attraction named “Las Tres Culturas de Mexico”. Although well developed, the plans for the Mexico’s boat ride were initially going to be pushed back to EPCOT Center’s “Phase Two”, and be built at a later date. 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 at a later date. These plans changed however when Germany’s planned Rhine River boat ride was cancelled along with Japan’s planned attraction. Due to plans for an Equestrian Africa pavilion 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. 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 construction crews had to work tirelessly to complete the project.

Despite the late starting point of the project, the Mexico pavilion opened with the rest of World Showcase on October 1, 1982. When the pavilion was complete, it consisted of two restaurants, two shops, and one attraction. The centerpiece of the pavilion is a large Mesoamerican pyramid, which was based on designs form the 3rd century AD. The interior of the pyramid was designed to look like a Mexican village (based on Taxco de Alarcón) at twilight. Besides initially housing El Rio Del Tiempo, the Mesoamerican pyramid also housed the San Angel Inn restaurant, which was designed based on a restaurant in Mexico City (with the same name), which opened in 1692. Also within the pyramid were various shops and stands in the Festival Marketplace.

Outside of the pyramid is the Mexico pavilion’s lakeside restaurant- Cantina de San Ángel. Nearby, guests can also now meet Donald Duck in his Mexican outfit.

The Three Caballeros now star in Mexico's attraction, The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.

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. The most substantial change to the pavilion came on January 2, 2007 when Mexico's only attraction El Rio Del Tiempo closed. The attraction was updated and renamed The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. 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 look around Mexico for Donald Duck.

In 2010 Cantina de San Ángel closed for refurbishment. When the establishment reopened, it consisted of two restaurants, the table service Cantina, and the new table service restaurant La Hacienda de San Ángel.

Current Attractions

The 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 Mexico pavilion is home to four different dining options. All four restaurants serve Mexican cuisine.

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.

Cantina de San Ángel- Specializing in tacos, Cantina de San Ángel opened with the pavilion in 1982. The counter service restaurant is located on the lagoon and across from the 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.

The San Angel Inn is set in eternal twilight.

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. La Hacienda de San Ángel became Mexico’s newest dining option 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.

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 The 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.
  • Both the Moctezuma Brewery and the San Angel Inn contributed money to the construction of the Mexico pavilion.
  • At one time flamingos could be found near the bridge in the Mexico pavilion. They have since been removed.
  • Vice President of Walt Disney World (and eventual Disney Legend) Bob Allen dedicated the Mexico pavilion in 1982.

The Mesoamerican Pyramid

  • The Mesoamerican pyramid is modeled after an Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl found at Teotihuacan. Quetzalcoatl is the Aztec God of priesthood, learning and

knowledge, and 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 pavilions 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

http://vimeo.com/2702430

http://www.yesterland.com/worldshowcase.html

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/epws-mexico.htm

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/mexico-pavilion/

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/09/la_hacienda_de_san_angel_la_ca.html

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/walt_disney_world/theme_parks/epcot/mexico/

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