Disney cast members made a heartwarming memorial for Donald Duck when the character was temporarily “killed off” from an attraction at EPCOT.
Born in 1934, Donald Duck is just a few years younger than Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Though Disney Park guests can often spot him hanging out with his beloved Daisy Duck, Donald also stars in one of the most hidden attractions at EPCOT.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Inside the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion is the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, a slow-moving boat ride down the Rio Grande that passes through San Angel Inn Restaurante. Guests join Panchito and José Carioca as they search for the missing member of their avian trio: Donald Duck!
Gran Fiesta Tour rarely has more than a ten-minute wait time, making it the perfect place to rest your legs and enjoy some air conditioning while Drinking Around the World. Many Walt Disney World Resort fans have a soft spot for the ride, even though it’s primarily screen-based and visibly outdated.
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The highlight of the Gran Fiesta Tour is its magical ending, featuring Donald Duck, Panchito, and José Carioca animatronics. The musical trio is reunited and plays for guests as fireworks appear in the skies above.
Donald Duck Goes Missing
In 2021, the Donald Duck animatronic in the Gran Fiesta Tour broke down and required repair. This was immediately obvious to Disney Park guests, so Disney cast members devised a solution.
TikTok user @theworldtravelingmom recently shared this throwback video of the “memorial” Disney cast members made for the animatronic on the Gran Fiesta Tour.
@theworldtravelingmom This was SO funny! 🤣🤭 #disneyfunny #disneypov #disneyworld #epcot #woldshowcase #epcotcenter #3caballeros #disneyrides #pov #ridepov #disneyparks #waltdisneyworld #florida #orlandofl #disneytravel #disneytiktok #disneycreator #plussizetravel #disneyworldflorida #disneyworldorlando #mexicopavilion @Disney #fyp #disneycreators #themepark
Disney cast members placed pots of flowers in place of the Donald Duck animatronic. His sombrero sat somberly on top of one of the plants as Panchito and José Carioca continued singing.
Disney Parks fans reminisced about the grimly funny tribute to the beloved character.
“I always joked Mickey started it as a way to playfully jab at his friend,” @that_disabled_creator commented.
“I was there during plant Donald,” @carissavietti replied. “That is my Disney legacy alongside being there when the [Expedition Everest] Yeti actually moved.”
Walt Disney Imagineers quickly returned the animatronic to Gran Fiesta Tour, where he’s remained ever since.
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