The Three Caballeros Officially Join El Rio Del Tiempo
The newly refurbished El Rio Del Tiempo ride reopened a few weeks ago in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World. As rumored, the Three Caballeros have been added to the ride, which has been given a new name – Gran Fiesta Tour. My family and I finally stopped by for dinner last night at the San Angel Inn (delicious, as always) and rode El Rio Del Tiempo for the first time since it reopened.
I have to preface my review by saying I loved El Rio Del Tiempo before the renovation. My husband and I enjoyed riding the leisurely boat ride (before our triplets were born) and felt like we were on a romantic vacation in Mexico. As expected, the renovations to El Rio Del Tiempo make it more kid-friendly.
Donald Duck, Joe and Panchito appear at the beginning of the ride on various large screens that previously highlighted cultural Mexican scenes. In the middle of the ride, where screens used to show scenes of popular Mexican vacation sites and activities, riders now see Donald Duck diving off cliffs, snorkeling, etc. Additionally, rather than the fiesta scene at the end of the ride that featured dancers dressed in traditional Mexican garments, the Three Caballeros appear on a newly installed stage and screen.
While my children certainly prefer the ride with Donald Duck, I have to admit I miss the culture, music, scenery and romantic atmosphere of the original El Rio Del Tiempo ride.
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