Starting in early 2025, EPCOT’s Gran Fiesta Tour, located in the Mexico Pavilion, will temporarily close for refurbishment. This slow-moving boat ride, inspired by the classic Disney film The Three Caballeros, has long been a fan favorite, offering a whimsical and musical adventure. Below, we’ll cover the refurbishment timeline, explore features of the ride, and address rumors about potential updates.
Refurbishment Details
The Gran Fiesta Tour is slated to close on January 6th, 2025, with a reopening date set for March 15th, 2025. The two-month closure suggests that this is a significant refurbishment. However, Disney has confirmed that it is not a complete reimagining of the attraction, akin to the changes seen with major overhauls like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
While Disney has not released specific information about what will be updated, it’s likely that the focus will be on general maintenance, possible updates to the ride’s set pieces, and improvements to enhance the overall experience for guests. The attraction’s animatronics, which faced operational challenges in the past, have functioned without publicized issues since their repairs in 2021. Still, this refurbishment may involve additional work to ensure long-term reliability.
Features of the Gran Fiesta Tour
Gran Fiesta Tour takes guests on a gentle cruise through vibrant Mexican settings as they join Panchito, José Carioca, and Donald Duck on a quest to find their missing friend. The ride combines animated scenes, live-action footage, and an engaging musical score, bringing to life the humor and charm of The Three Caballeros.
At its finale, the ride features animatronics of the three birds performing together, a highlight of the experience. Known for its family-friendly appeal and cultural celebration, Gran Fiesta Tour provides guests with a blend of classic Disney storytelling and a nod to the traditions of Mexico.
Addressing Potential Changes and Rumors
Over the years, rumors have circulated about a possible reimagining of Gran Fiesta Tour, perhaps transforming it into a Coco-themed attraction. While Disney has announced a Coco-themed ride for Disney California Adventure, there have been no official updates regarding a similar project for EPCOT.
The logistics of refitting the Mexico Pavilion for a higher-capacity attraction could present challenges. For now, it seems likely that Gran Fiesta Tour’s refurbishment will remain focused on refreshing the existing ride, rather than introducing a new theme.
What to Expect After the Refurbishment
When the ride reopens in March 2025, visitors can hope for an improved version of the experience they know and love. Whether it’s visual updates, smoother functionality, or some minor enhancements, the goal will likely be to maintain the attraction’s charm while ensuring it is ready to delight guests for years to come.
Final Thoughts
The temporary closure of Gran Fiesta Tour offers an opportunity for Disney to preserve and enhance one of EPCOT’s classic attractions. While not scheduled for a reimagining, the refurbishment reflects ongoing efforts to maintain quality and reliability across Walt Disney World’s offerings.
Guests planning their 2025 trips should note the refurbishment dates and consider revisiting the ride after it reopens. For fans of Panchito, José Carioca, and Donald Duck, it’s a chance to enjoy the adventure with refreshed visuals and performance, keeping this beloved attraction a staple of the Mexico Pavilion for years to come.
Stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest Disney developments, whether that’s what’s happening in the Disney theme parks or around Disney Vacation Club resorts!
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
