For years, EPCOT felt like the park Disney kept handling gently. Magic Kingdom was busy rolling out expansions and refurbs, Animal Kingdom embraced Avatar, and Hollywood Studios practically reinvented itself with Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. EPCOT? It added a few things, sure—but nothing as dramatic.
That’s starting to change.
Disney has been making serious moves across all four parks, and now EPCOT seems to be next in line.
Major Moves Across the Parks
Let’s run through what’s already happening. Magic Kingdom is shifting in a big way. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closes in August 2025 for a full-blown refresh. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been shut down since January and isn’t expected back until sometime in 2026.
More dramatically, Disney has permanently closed Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle Riverboat to make room for a new Cars-inspired land called Piston Peak National Park.
Animal Kingdom is swapping out DinoLand U.S.A. for the Tropical Americas, with attractions rumored to center around Encanto and Indiana Jones. This cultural and thematic overhaul is desperately needed by the park.
And then there’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay is officially closing. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is being reimagined with a full Muppets overlay. Plus, fan speculation around a Monsters, Inc. mini-land continues to grow louder. The park is moving away from its old studio theme and leaning hard into characters and storytelling.
With all these updates, EPCOT feels overdue for a significant shift.
EPCOT’s Recent Hits… and Misses
To be fair, EPCOT hasn’t been left out entirely. It added Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the wildly popular Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, opened to a positive reception. The nighttime show Luminous: The Symphony of Us has brought fresh energy to World Showcase Lagoon.
And just recently, Test Track reopened with a slick new redesign. It nods to the old World of Motion while offering a sleeker experience… at least when it works. The ride has already developed a rough reputation for constant breakdowns, long downtimes, and frustrated guests being turned away. So, while it looks better, it’s still struggling behind the scenes. But this is, hopefully, a quick Disney fix.
Disney has also made a noticeable effort to add more “magic between festivals” at EPCOT. New character meet-and-greets, surprise performers, and ambient storytelling are helping EPCOT feel less like a seasonal-only park. But there’s still one ride that seems frozen in time.
The Ride That’s Quietly Slipping Away
Inside the Mexico Pavilion, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros has been charming guests since 2007. The ride replaced El Rio del Tiempo and gave it a Disney-fied spin by adding Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito in a whimsical boat ride through Mexican cities and culture.
It’s lighthearted. It’s peaceful. But it’s also looking pretty outdated.
The Three Caballeros aren’t characters modern guests recognize. There’s little to no merchandise. The visuals—especially the screen-based scenes—feel fuzzy and flat compared to the immersive animatronics and detailed sets seen in newer rides like Frozen Ever After or Ratatouille. Most importantly, it doesn’t align with the high-energy, emotionally resonant storytelling Disney is leaning into lately.
So naturally, rumors are swirling—and all eyes are on Coco.
Why Coco Is the Perfect Replacement
Pixar’s Coco (2017) was a critical and commercial smash. The story of Miguel, a young musician who travels to the Land of the Dead, struck a chord with global audiences. The film celebrates Mexican heritage, family, music, and remembrance—and it does so with stunning visuals and unforgettable songs.
A Coco-themed boat ride inside the Mexico Pavilion would practically build itself. Imagine drifting through glowing marigolds, passing skeleton musicians in festive attire, and seeing Miguel strum his guitar under a starry sky. The emotional pull of “Remember Me” alone would elevate the entire experience.
It would also bring modern Disney IP into one of the oldest parts of World Showcase, attracting younger guests while respecting the pavilion’s cultural themes. In many ways, this feels like a natural evolution—one that Disney has been tiptoeing toward for a while.
The Next Goodbye at EPCOT?
It’s no longer a question of “if” Gran Fiesta Tour will close—it’s more like “when.” While still a sweet tribute to Mexico, the ride doesn’t hold the same appeal anymore. It lacks the staying power of newer offerings and doesn’t match the tone of EPCOT’s ongoing transformation.
And Disney knows this. Just look at the shifts across the resort. Every decision points toward IP-based, emotional storytelling. Coco fits that mold perfectly.
For now, The Three Caballeros continue to float through their pyramid ride. But the writing feels like it’s already on the wall. With Disney mainly staying quiet, fans have started connecting the dots themselves—and many believe Gran Fiesta Tour will be EPCOT’s subsequent permanent closure.
So don’t be surprised if you hear Miguel’s guitar strumming from inside the Mexico Pavilion in the not-too-distant future. If this boat ride is on its final journey, it’s only a matter of time before EPCOT says goodbye to the Caballeros—and hello to the next big thing.
