EPCOT

Closure of Another Classic Disney World Ride Confirmed for 2025

Prepare to say goodbye to a classic Disney World ride in early 2025.

A vibrant and festive scene with colorful animatronic skeletons playing instruments and dancing on a bridge labeled "Fiesta Hoy." The background features brightly colored buildings and decorations, evoking a lively cultural celebration. Sharp-eyed visitors might spot hidden mickeys among the decorations.
Credit: Disney

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Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros will temporarily close for refurbishment at Walt Disney World in early 2025. The ride will close on January 6 and while the specific reasons for the closure have not been disclosed by Disney, it is not uncommon for attractions to undergo maintenance or updates to enhance guest experiences.

This closure is expected to affect the overall EPCOT experience, as many visitors enjoy the charming boat ride through Mexico accompanied by the antics of Donald Duck and his friends. Disney has not yet shared a reopening date, leaving guests curious about when they can return to this beloved attraction.

The closure of Gran Fiesta Tour is significant for EPCOT’s World Showcase, which showcases various cultures and traditions. For many, this ride offers a delightful escape into the vibrant atmosphere of Mexico. As the closure date approaches, visitors may need to adjust their plans accordingly, with many looking to explore alternative attractions within the park.

Gran Fiesta Tour is a whimsical slow-moving boat ride that immerses guests in the beauty and culture of Mexico. The theme of the attraction revolves around a delightful journey filled with colorful scenes, lively music, and a humorous narrative featuring Donald Duck and his friends, Panchito Pistoles and Jose Carioca. Throughout the ride, guests travel past stunning scenes inspired by traditional Mexican landscapes, each infused with animated charm.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Credit: Flickr/Joe Penniston

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The timing of Gran Fiesta Tour’s closure coincides with another significant change at Disney World—the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom, also scheduled for January 6. As two distinct experiences, both rides hold special places in the hearts of Disney fans. Gran Fiesta Tour is celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere and cultural experience, while Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is famous for its thrilling roller coaster experience and iconic status within the theme park.

The simultaneous closure of these attractions has the potential to impact guest vacation planning significantly. Families that had intended to experience both rides during their visit will need to adapt their schedules and seek out other entertainment options throughout the parks. This may result in a different atmosphere across Disney World as guests redirect their attention to other attractions in response to the closures.

The recent D23 event unveiled ambitious plans for the future of Walt Disney World, signaling an era of transformation for the resort. Among the announcements were significant changes expected across all four theme parks, which will impact a variety of attractions, including EPCOT. These broader changes indicate a commitment to evolving the guest experience and creating new memories that align with modern storytelling.

Guests can look forward to the introduction of new rides, including those inspired by popular Disney franchises such as Pixar’s Cars. As old rides close for refurbishment, the park will rejuvenate its offerings while still honoring classic attractions cherished by long-time visitors. Future developments aim to enhance the family-friendly environment that Disney parks are famous for, ensuring that EPCOT remains a destination where visitors of all ages can enjoy themselves.

Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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