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Gran Fiesta Tour
El
Rio del Tiempo has been replaced by the Three
Caballero-inspired attraction known as the Gran Fiesta Tour.
Most of the scenes occupy the sets as used in the previous
boat ride, but the subject matter is Donald Duck and his
exploits in Mexico with his pals from the movie.
The
serious look at the nation of Mexico in El Rio del Tiempo,
such as the pre-Columbian displays, the tourist features, and
the market have all been "lightened" up a bit with
the injection of the animated Donald, while the scene with the
marionette merry-go-round has been replaced altogether. Notice
that the boat of flowers, once known as "Christina"
has been changed to read "Viva Donald"--look for a
hidden Mickey inside this boat at the lower right front.
While
the "new" attraction is really more of an overlay
than a real re-Imagineering, it's a nice freshening of a
longstanding ride which adds new interest to an old favorite
without destroying the overall feel of it. No need to
worry--the "Day of the Dead" celebration--the part
sometimes dubbed "Mexican it's a small world"--is
still very much intact!
Taken from Disney's press
release:
Walt
Disney World guests are being treated to a new view of Mexico
courtesy of Donald Duck and two of his longtime amigos.
"Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros"
debuts at Epcot's Mexico pavilion (replacing "El Rio Del
Tiempo") with a storyline and film featuring Donald Duck,
José Carioca (the parrot), and Panchito (the Mexican charro
rooster) from the 1944 Disney film "The Three
Caballeros."
It's an excursion by tour boat through vibrant, eye-filling
sights accompanied by lively music. The people, culture,
history and arts of Mexico are showcased, and guests catch a
glimpse of some of Mexico's most famous cities, resorts and
beaches, including locations such as Mexico City, Chichen Itza
and Acapulco.
The "Gran Fiesta Tour" combines new live-action
film shot on location in Mexico with an overlay of hand-drawn
animation of the Three Caballeros. The custom animation is
inspired by the original 1944 classic film and uses the same
color palettes, stylistic design and graphic elements.
As the story goes, the caballeros have reunited for a grand
performance in Mexico City. But along the way, Donald Duck
disappears to take in the sights of the country, leaving José
and Panchito to search for their missing friend. Their journey
is a festive and colorful celebration of the beauty and
culture of Mexico that is fun for guests of all ages.
Reuniting with their wandering amigo, the friends end their
adventure with a grand fiesta celebration at sunset in Mexico
City. Guests arrive at the new concert bandstand in Mexico
City just in time to see -- and hear -- the much-anticipated
Three Caballeros reunion concert.
To add to the fiesta experience, the Three Caballeros
finale song has been re-scored and re-recorded. Throughout the
attraction, props, set facades, lighting and the sound system
also have been refurbished and enhanced.
Just outside the Mexico pavilion, guests have an
opportunity to meet and take photos with Donald Duck, José
Carioca and Panchito. At various times throughout the day, one
or more of the characters can be spotted greeting Epcot
guests.
The gift shop area in the Mexico pavilion has
added Donald Duck/The Three Caballeros merchandise--including
a plush Donald Duck dressed in traditional Mexican attire.
Check out some photos of this merchandise as seen in May 2007
directly below:
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