El Rio Del Tiempo Being Replaced?

[johnnyr]

Sorry if this was already posted, but I just read on another board that El Rio Del Tiempo in the Mexican Pavillion is being replaced with the "Gran Fiesta Tour" starring Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros. Is this true? If so what are the dates for the rehab?

 

[DisneyMagic73]

I know El Rio De Tiempo is being refurb'd but did not hear about it being changed to something else? I love that little boat ride.....hope it does not change!

 

[phisigprincess]

I didn't think they were doing a complete overhaul... i thought they were just adding the Three Caballeros. I could be wrong though....

 

[Dan Murphy]

Through early April.........

http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/rehabs.htm

 

[nbodyhome]

They are adding the 3 cabelleros, it isn't a full rehab that I understand. I wish they'd keep the movies, they remind me of If You Had Wings. I don't expect them to stay.

 

[Octoberbeauty]

Oh, I hope they don't change it too much. I rode it for the first time in December and loved it so much I had tears in my eyes!

 

[rcraw45425]

Those grainy films remind me of my childhood, first WDW trip was the year the park opened, Mom won a trip and the hotels weren't ready so we had to stay in Tampa and drive over. What a difference a few years makes! My kids complain if we stay offsite!

 

[RyMickey]

According to some of the things I've read, it sounds to me like the track the boat follows is going to be the same and I don't think that they will be changing the sizes of the "stages" of the scenes, but there could be some major changes to the animatronics/movies in the ride.

Honestly, this ride was dated...by about 20 yrs. I'm looking foward to the change.

 

[snookhams]

I hope that it is reopened by the time we go in August as I always enjoy this ride - and one day maybe will persuade DS to eat at the restaurant!!!

 

[Mickey Mania]

Okay, I'm in the definite minority here, but I think this ride needs a total makeover. I hope they leave the beginning where you float through the jungle--- and then take the ride down to the slab.

We have our memories too, and have eaten at the restaurant as well--- but the time has come.

 

[MelanieC]

I agree - I'm excited for an update!! I think it needs something new. It's a little boring right now!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I enjoy that classic Disney cheesiness.

 

[pooh2001]

El Rio del Tiempo will be closed for refurbishment Tuesday, January 2, 2007, through Sunday, April 1, reopening Monday, April 2.

We will be at EPCOT on 4/2/07

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Honestly, I hope they don't change it too much. My husband and I were looking forward to testing out our theory that the ride would get exponentially better after a shot of tequila.

 

[dreamalittledream]

Honestly, I hope they don't change it too much. My husband and I were looking forward to testing out our theory that the ride would get exponentially better after a shot of tequila.

it definitely does get better after a margarhita (or 6), just don't fall out of the boat like SiL almost did.

 

[minnierocks]

I found this on another board. I'm sorry I don't know the source, but it's a tidbit that I haven't heard before...

23 February 2007: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros replaces El Rio Del Tiempo
Epcot's Mexico pavilion, "Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros" debuts (replacing "El Rio Del Tiempo") with a new storyline and film featuring Donald Duck, José Carioca (the parrot), and Panchito (the Mexican charro rooster) from the 1944 Disney film "The Three Caballeros."

The "Gran Fiesta Tour" film features an animated overlay of the caballeros being reunited for a grand performance in Mexico City. Along the way, Donald disappears to take in the sights of the country, leaving José and Panchito to search for their missing friend.

In addition to the new film, the boat ride's props, set facades and sound system have been refurbished and enhanced.
The new attraction is set to open on April 2nd 2007.

I really hope that the new name is incorrect. I prefer El Rio Del Tiempo!

 

[lovethattink]

For what it's worth, we did see the 3 in a meet and greet outside the Mexican pavillion on Monday night.

 

[chrismb22]

NO!!!!!!!!!!! I hope they keep most of the boat ride. One of our standard pictures is the shot of the "Viva Christina" (That's my name and last year we even went on a 2nd time cause the camera died on our first time around.

Silly, but one of our favorite traditions

 

[daisax]

I think it's the most embarrassing ride on any Disney property -- I can't believe Mexico hasn't demanded a change or simply closed it down instead of "showing off" their country in such a poor fashion.

They haven't even DUSTED the thing in 20 years.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I welcome the coming change to an old favorite (at least it was for me). As much as I enjoyed the ride, I was pretty much over by the last time I went. I look forward to seeing the new version this summer (hopefully)