There’s a certain kind of disappointment that hits when you rope drop a ride and find out it’s not even operating. You skipped breakfast, dodged the crowds, made a beeline to your favorite attraction—and then bam: “Temporarily Closed.” It’s a scenario that’s frustrating enough once. But when it starts happening over and over, especially with the same ride, it begins to feel like something deeper is going on.
That’s the situation facing EPCOT guests this week. For three mornings in a row, one of the park’s more charming and underrated rides hasn’t been able to open on time. And while it may not be a headliner attraction, it’s a ride that holds a lot of heart—and a whole lot of history.
The Ride at the Center of It All
Tucked inside the iconic pyramid of EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion is Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. It’s a colorful, easy-going boat ride that whisks guests through a musical journey with Donald Duck, Panchito, and José Carioca. It’s not flashy, but it’s lovable. And for families looking to get out of the sun and into something lighthearted and nostalgic, it’s long been a reliable go-to.
That’s what makes its recent issues sting even more. The ride has been struggling to open on time, with three straight mornings of downtime. Each day, it’s eventually come back online—but the pattern has fans concerned. And rightfully so.
It’s not just about the temporary closures—it’s the timing. Gran Fiesta Tour only recently returned from a substantial refurbishment. You’d think that after the downtime and improvements, it would be running more smoothly than ever. Instead, it feels like it’s stuck in a frustrating loop of false starts.
Rumors and Retheme Whispers
To make matters even murkier, this ride has been surrounded by speculation for years. There’s been constant chatter about Disney potentially reimagining the attraction into a Coco-themed experience. And every time the ride goes down or closes for maintenance, those rumors get a little louder.
Disney hasn’t confirmed anything, of course—but they also haven’t squashed the talk either. That silence only fuels the speculation. Could the recent troubles be a sign that the company’s quietly preparing for something new? Or is the attraction simply facing normal wear-and-tear that just happens to be piling up at the worst possible time?
Fans Are Watching Closely
Let’s be clear—Gran Fiesta Tour is still operating most of the time. But when you’re dealing with a ride that people have loved for nearly two decades, even a few hiccups raise eyebrows. And that’s especially true at a time when EPCOT is rapidly transforming. With so many tech-driven, IP-heavy additions coming to the park, keeping a few charming, classic-style rides around really does matter.
This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about character. There’s something timeless about floating through Mexican marketplaces and silly hijinks with Donald Duck. It’s a piece of EPCOT that doesn’t need to be the most popular or most thrilling to be important.
But fans are right to ask questions. First the refurb, now a string of rough mornings. When you line up all the facts, it doesn’t feel like a coincidence. It feels like a ride that’s either being neglected—or being prepared for change.
If Disney is planning something behind the scenes, it wouldn’t be the first time a beloved ride was quietly phased out. But if that’s the case, fans would rather hear it straight than watch their favorite duck slowly disappear from the World Showcase.
For now, the Gran Fiesta Tour is still sailing. But how much longer it stays the course is anyone’s guess.
