4/10: Snappy Serape

[Al Lutz]

Gran Fiesta Tour replaces El Rio del Tiempo in Epcot at Walt Disney World, a complete photo review and comparison. Discuss this revamped attraction here!

[tloolgb]

I thought the new ride was a winner. However, I found at the end of the ride to make it night they just turned off the lights...and it didn't work for me the way mood lighting should.
Worse however was the new concet arena...the bigger arena and the lack of the mirrors on the left wall suddenly made the room feel as small as it was...I found the last room dark and claustrophobic.
Other than that however the ride was great!

[WDW Monorail]

I liked it. I would have liked to have seen The 3 Cabs AA's at the closing and some newer technology in the screens. From what I have heard, soil can be seen on the film reels already.

[woxel1]

It looks like a great attraction, but then again I've always had a soft spot for those "birds of a feather."

[datbates]

But do they have the bada bum bum bum bum bum bum bum a ya song of the whatever bird? Catchy....

[EvilQueen]

My partner is Mexican, and he has always viewed "Los Tres Caballeros" as "his" / Mexico's own Disney movie - something uniquely Latin / Mexican; I am sure that he is going to love the new "Gran Fiesta Tour" overlay the next time we see the Mexico pavillion (let's face it; the previous / original show was a dog...)

I remember during my days in the Entertainment / Character division of DL (in the 70's, prior to the adding of the 'R', prior to the building of the Berlin Wall between Mexico and the U.S.), when we used to get a large number of Mexican tourists up to spend the day in Disneylandia - especially on the busy weekends. When I worked in the Alice Unit (Alice, Tweedles, White Rabbit, and sometimes Walrus and / or the Mad Hatter - the old "Tank" costume), the little Mexican children would come running up screaming, "Alicia! Alicia!" - and then you would see the shock on their faces when she would speak English to them ("I'm looking for the White Rabbit - have you seen him?"). The fact that she was quera (blond) let them rationalize that she was "American" (the fact that she was in fact English was lost...), and all was forgiven... However, when they ran up to their other favorite heroine - Snow White / "Blanca Nieva!" - and heard her speak English as well, they more often than not would burst into tears! Here was the only brunette Disney princess - surely she was Mexican! Why was she not speaking Spanish?! - speaking in English only... We tried to persuade the Leads and the Entertainment big-wigs to allow (at least) Snow White to just say "hola!" to the children, and the edict came down, THE DISNEY FACE CHARACTERS IN THE PARK ARE TO SPEAK IN ENGLISH ONLY. period. I wonder if this has changed... because to a little Mexican girl, her beloved Blanca Nieva had only ever spoken to her in Spanish...

[BuzzedLightyear]

what I really want to know is how long until they make the print 3d using Disney's patented technology. After seeing the Chip and Dale short in front of meet the robinsons, I'm sure i tcouldn't be that hard, and it would add so much to this ride!

[swrdfghtr]

All in good time, perhaps. Step 1, see if the 3C's all well-received. Step 2, maybe add an animatronic set to finish the ride off. Step 3, maybe revise the screens to use 3D projections. Who knows?

I *do* miss the inclusion of any cultural references. This is the first cartoonization of the World Showcase; I'm all in favor of Disney characters being used to educate - that's certainly a long tradition - and The Seas definitely carries that out since it's edutainment mission is definitely still in effect. But this is the first World Showcase pavilion to completely eliminate any reference to the sponsoring country, really (not that the original one did a GREAT job, I agree), and that country's culture. Despite what the 3C's were originally produced for, they are a 100% American creation. It might have been nice to see them exploring Mexico as a group - using the Disney characters to "introduce" us to what's unique and fun about Mexico. But maybe it's just me .

[jmelrose]

Originally Posted by KevinYee

There are, in fact, worse transgressions of the Epcot brand going on at the park right this second. The Flower and Garden festival kicked off this weekend, and with horror I realized that the pirate ship topiary at the front is now accompanied by a new audio loop playing very loudly throughout the whole plaza area.

Kevin, Kevin, Kevin... One consistent theme in your articles is the need to stick to theme. Now Disney actually does stick to theme, and you crucify them for it? Shame, shame!

You neglected to mention the THEME of this year's F&G festival: "Pirates and Princesses", just like the Magic Kingdom party of the same name. Now, surely, if the park is getting a TEMPORARY floral makeover with the theme of P&P, it would be more obtrusive to have the usual Future-World-y music playing? I hate to say it, but I promise you that would be a complaint (from you) if they WEREN'T doing "the whole 9 yards" with the theming for the show this year if they left out music matching it.

Originally Posted by KevinYee

And then I heard several songs from Peter Pan, including non-pirate ones like Following the Leader. This steams me up for several reasons. First, Peter Pan is NOT a pirate movie! That's just rank opportunism, cashing in on the market enthusiasm for the current Johnny Depp pirate movies.

First, I think Captain Hook and Smee would be rather offended at the notion that they don't qualify as pirates. Weren't they the major bad guys in Peter Pan? (Answer: yes.) It may not be a "pirate movie" but I'd hardly say it's a stretch to include them as part of a show themed after "Pirates and Princesses."

Second, I think Peter himself would be a little offended at the idea that he needs that newbie Sparrow to help with his street cred. Pan will be around long after Sparrow is 6 feet under that Dead Man's Chest. Pan may not be a pirate, but he can certainly kick their butts, and that includes Mr. Sparrow & Co. With or without Tink's help.

Y'know, I got done reading the article and though: what a nice piece. Great photos illustrating El Rio compared to the Three Cabs version! And then this end piece came in, almost grasping at straws for something to complain about at Epcot this trip. It was a very nice 4 page article. At 5 pages, it loses a lot, in my opinion.

Originally Posted by KevinYee

Besides, people do not come to Disney parks looking for pirates everywhere. They make seek pirates at the Magic Kingdom, but not at Epcot. Seen in this light, the three caballeros have a far less intrusive presence. At least people will not do a double-take when seeing classic Disney animated characters in the rides. But Johnny Depp music at Epcot? Marketing Peter Pan as a pirate movie? That's insanity. Give me Donald, Jose, and Panchito any day.

Not to beat a dead horse, but again, they did theme the show (as they do just about EVERY year) to a non-Future-World-y theme. In 2003 the theme was dogs: Pluto, Goofy, Lady/Tramp, and STITCH all were featured... and dog gone it, I didn't go to Epcot to see dogs!! How dare they? In fact, I'm allergic, and it stressed me out all day! Which way to guest relations? Clearly they should have moved the whole festival to Animal Kingdom that year, just to make sure everything is perfectly matchy-matchy.

Point being, the theme of the show is flowers, gardens, and the cool things you can do with them. I think a topiary pirate ship definitely qualifies, and happens to go with the movie Disney has coming out in a few weeks' time. Sure, the Pirates ride (and Peter Pan's ride) are at MK, but it's not like Pirates are permeating the entire resort. Aside from merchandise, there's no Pirates in Animal Kingdom or MGM (not even in Fantasmic, which BEGS for it), so "everywhere" seems a bit overstating the situation. They have a 2 month festival with some pirate decorations and are temporarily playing the music that matches. I think you're making more of it than it truly is. Do you also believe they go too far in playing Christmas music to match the decorations in Future World? Nothing future-y about "Jingle Bells", after all.

By the way, themes of most of the previous F&G festivals can be found here:

http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/ep/flogar.htm

Most of the themes are simply whatever the current Celebration is, but not always. Apparently this year is an exception.

And what, exactly, is Johnny Depp music? Is it a new genre I'm not familiar with? Does the man have his own soundtrack, which Disney has leased? When I think of the theme music for the POTC series (which is I assume what you refer to), I don't think of Johnny Depp... it brings to mind high seas adventure. Hey, that might go well with the theme of, say, a topiary pirate ship!

Have ya seen the cover of "Peter and the Starcatchers?" Missing the pirates connection in Peter Pan, now THAT'S insanity!

Originally Posted by KevinYee

But I want to paint a realistic portrayal, and realistic does not mean overly glowing.

Nor does it mean overly critical. You've made your point regarding what you think of a pirate rearing it's scurvy face at Epcot. ( I realize the quote came from your wrapup regarding the ride.) I'm guessing you won't let it go when it comes time to write your review of the F&G festival, but it might be nice. Your point has been made quite clearly. And, if I may say so, continuing to belabour the point does make it seem like, when it comes to the theming of the F&G festival, maybe you don't quite "get it." It also seems like a realistic portrayal isn't really all that important to you after all.

Again, nice job on the first 4 pages. Pity that last one left such a nasty aftertaste. I look forward to your next column.

[Kyleds]

Alright, maybe my memory is fading here but wasn't there some sort of effect with "fireworks" at the end of the original? Is that still there?

[ghosty4]

Originally Posted by WDW Monorail

I would have liked to have seen The 3 Cabs AA's at the closing and some newer technology in the screens. From what I have heard, soil can be seen on the film reels already.

This sums up exactly what I wanted to say... did the whole ride have to be screens? I was hoping the ending would at least be spectacular, but no. I mean, FILM REELS for God's sake?! COME ON!

[TheManator]

GREAT review.
I want to ride it some more.

[MickeyMania]

A fine idea. The Three Caballeros film was created as a partnership with Mexico's tourist department. I don't think the "oh no, it's a toon tie-in" complaint really flies here. I understand 80s Epcot was largely a more stern, serious turn for Disney than it is now, but this ride, not El Rio, is closer to how Walt would have built a Mexico attraction.

[kcnole]

I think its miles ahead of where it was before. And yes the fireworks effect is still there, however I believe there used to be a big mirror section which made the fireworks seem bigger, I think that's been removed.

[KevinYee]

Originally Posted by jmelrose

Kevin, Kevin, Kevin... One consistent theme in your articles is the need to stick to theme. Now Disney actually does stick to theme, and you crucify them for it? Shame, shame!

Well, I look at this quite simply: "sticking to theme" at the entrance to Epcot would mean having Epcot-like music at the entrance. The entrance sets the mood - surely you agree with that? At the moment, the mood is being set for "pirates and young boys who won't grow up." That has nothing to do with futurism. For that matter, it has nothing to do with plants. The plants may be themed to look like pirates, but that's a second-level abstraction, if you follow me.

You asked about Christmas music. For the record, I only want futurism or Epcot-themed music at the front. Having Christmas music at the Lights of Winter display is not only OK, it's awesome. But I don't want the mood-setting music at the park entrance to be anything other than the Epcot theme.

Originally Posted by jmelrose

Not to beat a dead horse, but again, they did theme the show (as they do just about EVERY year) to a non-Future-World-y theme. In 2003 the theme was dogs: Pluto, Goofy, Lady/Tramp, and STITCH all were featured... and dog gone it, I didn't go to Epcot to see dogs!! How dare they? In fact, I'm allergic, and it stressed me out all day! Which way to guest relations? Clearly they should have moved the whole festival to Animal Kingdom that year, just to make sure everything is perfectly matchy-matchy.

I know the F&G is themed. What I don't like it setting the tone at the entrance of Epcot to something other than the Epcot theme. I do not object to the F&G's presence, and I don't object to it having a consistent theme in the park (though I'd say it's irregular, not consistent. Snow White and Pluto having nothing to do with pirates).

I can't tell if your histrionics are meant as sarcasm. I don't much cotton to sarcasm on message boards - it almost never comes across as friendly, even if you mean it that way. The surest way to change my heart and mind is to use emotionless reason.

Originally Posted by jmelrose

Nor does it mean overly critical. You've made your point regarding what you think of a pirate rearing it's scurvy face at Epcot. ( I realize the quote came from your wrapup regarding the ride.) I'm guessing you won't let it go when it comes time to write your review of the F&G festival, but it might be nice. Your point has been made quite clearly. And, if I may say so, continuing to belabour the point does make it seem like, when it comes to the theming of the F&G festival, maybe you don't quite "get it." It also seems like a realistic portrayal isn't really all that important to you after all.

Again, nice job on the first 4 pages. Pity that last one left such a nasty aftertaste. I look forward to your next column.

I may not do much in the way of a F&G write up. Not sure yet. I haven't wandered through all the stuff they do (and it's a lot). But if I do one, I probably wouldn't have thought to be annoyed about pirates because most of the F&G displays have nothing to do with pirates.