It’s not the first time guests have walked into EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion expecting to catch a break from the heat, only to find out the ride they were heading for is out of commission. But when it keeps happening—day after day—it starts to feel like something bigger might be going on.
That’s been the case lately with Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, a ride that’s been part of EPCOT since 2007. While it’s never been a major headliner, it’s always been a fan-favorite for its charm, catchy music, and the chaotic antics of Donald Duck and friends. It’s the kind of classic attraction that feels like it belongs in a park that’s changing fast.
But lately, Gran Fiesta Tour has had trouble just staying open in the mornings. For three consecutive days, it’s been closed at park open—something that’s now more than just a fluke.
It Just Had Refurbishment—So What’s the Deal?
What really throws fans off is the fact that this ride isn’t limping along on old parts or in need of overdue maintenance. It literally just came out of a refurbishment. That work was supposed to fix things. But instead of feeling refreshed and reliable, the ride seems to be struggling more than ever.
To be fair, the attraction has reopened later each of those days—but when early closures become a pattern, people notice. And they start to ask questions Disney doesn’t always answer.
A Longstanding Rumor Resurfaces
It’s hard to ignore the elephant—or guitar-playing skeleton—in the room: Coco. For years, there’s been speculation that Gran Fiesta Tour could get a full makeover based on Pixar’s beloved animated film. The cultural fit is there, the demand is high, and Disney has already reimagined other classic attractions based on successful IPs.
So, when a ride like this keeps glitching—even after being refurbished—it only adds fuel to that fire. Could Disney be laying the groundwork for a future change? Or are the repeated closures just bad luck?
Either way, the silence from Disney only makes fans more anxious.
Nostalgia Still Matters
In a park that’s getting flashier and more futuristic, there’s something comforting about a slow-moving boat ride with familiar characters and old-school vibes. It’s not flashy. It’s not groundbreaking. But it’s fun. It’s simple. And it’s one of those rides that parents and kids can enjoy together without stressing over long wait times or Lightning Lane battles.
That’s why the recent streak of issues hurts. It’s not just about technical downtime—it’s about the emotional value that fans attach to these experiences. And every day that Gran Fiesta Tour doesn’t open as expected is one more reason people fear it might be on the chopping block.
At the end of the day, we’re still seeing boats float, music play, and Donald Duck get himself into trouble—just not as smoothly or reliably as fans hope. But if these closures keep up, Disney may need to step in and either fix the problem for good… or come clean about what’s next.
