Adios El Rio

[I-4Warrior]

I can't even tell you why, but I'm kind of saddened to see El Rio Del Tiempo take the permanent dirt siesta (sorry... I realize that was pretty awful).

By all rights, I should've hated that ride: The "filmed in 1981" video presentations at the beginning and middle of the ride, the town that had been defeated and overtaken by IASW guerillas, the stereotyped merchants (which, by the way, I was actually hounded by a merchant in Cozumel the same way), the corpse-like marionette carousel at the end. Based on that, it always rated very high on the cheese scale, but yet, I had to ride it EVERY time we went to Epcot... and that was well over 100 trips. Am I the only one? Maybe it was the nice air conditioning it offered on summer days? But then again, the films in France, China and Canada offer the same delightful AC, and I didn't visit those each time.

I've got to admit, the theming at the opening scene with the volcano, the vine overgrowth, the sculptures, the voice-over and music were a great way to start a ride, and then it would torpedo into an all-out sensory nightmare... yet... I always went on it.

Maybe it's good it's going away so that I no longer have to stare down the barrel of the El Rio conundrum.

 

[kcnole]

the main reason I ever rode that attraction was always due to the wonderful theming before you turned the bend. Then I always wondered why I was doing this to myself.

However, the other reasons were the fact that there was never a line and there wasn't anything else to do in World Showcase ride wise.

 

[kennygman]

I am always glad to see attractions updated and created. I went to UO a dozen years ago and it's still almost the same as then. It's nice to see Disney always making a change to go see the next visit.

 

[I-4Warrior]

True.... the lack of actual rides in the back half of the park is maybe the biggest reason I keep going on it. Although Maelstrom is right next door. Maelstrom is just about equal in the cheese quotient ("Eeewe are not dee first to passs dis veyyyy...", the ferret-like Polar bear), but I guess other than the drop, there isn't much redeeming about it. Maybe I avoid it because I can't just leave (waiting for the doors to open so you can bolt through them to the other side, anyone?). I've seen the film as many times as I need to.

 

[iheartdisney91]

ok soo the ride is stil there but with some enchantments? or whats up with this? im confused:veryconfu

 

[I-4Warrior]

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.

 

[iheartdisney91]

so it's just the same ride but with donald and his spanish amigos?

 

[beachclubbasics]

It appears so.
One thing bothers me though. Is there anyone else here who finds the Three Cabballeros high on the stereotyping scale?

 

[NeedABreak]

Well this sounds nice really. I imagine they will keep the really good parts of the attraction (Opening and AC) and add some laughs. It can't really get worse.

I also rode this on every trip.

 

[kucarachi]

Cheesy Quesa Rio!

Alright we all know the real reason anybody still thinks that it was a good ride is only due to happy memories as a kid. I think its also due to walking 50 miles at the world showcase and appreciating anything that gets you off your feet for a few minutes. If you put Rio De Tiempo in any other park it would have been gone years ago.
Donald duck hadnt been getting too much respect the last few decades until Phil Harmagic and now hopefully he can bring some life to the Menudo version of a disney ride that was Tiempo!

Not to say that it wasnt fun, nicely themed, and authentic. I dont know how many more times i had to look at those horrible 80's videos of native americans dressed up like conan the barbarian doing Taebo! I mean Tarzan didnt even last 10 years and that was way more exciting than this thing. I personaly would like to have seen a ride through the dessert added along with singing donkeys, a mexican hat dance, salsa dancers, and nice looking women on the beaches of cancun...minus the drunk college kids.

 

[Gorjus]

Why keep riding the ride?

THE SONG!!!!!

This ride went from being nice, to dated, to retro and cool. I'm going to miss the cliff divers and especially the pool bar. I hope the market place sellers stay.

Always a must see and sing for me!!!!!

Hola mis amigos........

 

[animay]

El Rio still had that great 80s cheesiness that I remember about Disney World from when I was little. It was like If You Had Wings and Small World had a baby. Yes, it was lame, and I can't fault them for wanting to change it, but I'll miss that little piece of the old Disney.

 

[Xadllas]

I hate the new name its really not suitable.. I'm still calling it El Rio Del Tiempo. :fork:

 

[I-4Warrior]

"I dont know how many more times i had to look at those horrible 80's videos of native americans dressed up like conan the barbarian doing Taebo!"!?!?!?!

Now THAT is classic!!! :ROFLOL: :ROFLOL: :ROFLOL:

 

[hokielutz]

Yeah... the new name isn't too catchy... but I'm still looking forward to some updated films with D Duck & crew. Hopefully the sets are being refurbished a little more than some attention with a feather duster.

At least I was able to say good-bye to the old attraction in December.

:wave: :wave: :wave:
Goodbye... adios!

 

[korbbec]

Maybe I avoid it because I can't just leave (waiting for the doors to open so you can bolt through them to the other side, anyone?). I've seen the film as many times as I need to.

Seriously- that is soo annoying. My BF had to restrain me from using the emergency exit last time. Held hostage by a ride in Epcot- that is not very Disneyesque.:veryconfu

 

[captcanada]

I loved El rio, and The norway ride (no way I could spell it though).
I think the chessyness of El Rio is what kept me coming back. And the "fire works". And the stunning opening scene. It always made me smile.

 

[hrcollectibles]

It appears so.
One thing bothers me though. Is there anyone else here who finds the Three Cabballeros high on the stereotyping scale?

With that being said what about Splash Mountain.....and the film it was based on .. Which I feel should be realeased... I am glad to see them revamping tyhis attraction.

 

[DisneyDragon]

El Rio still had that great 80s cheesiness that I remember about Disney World from when I was little. It was like If You Had Wings and Small World had a baby. Yes, it was lame, and I can't fault them for wanting to change it, but I'll miss that little piece of the old Disney.

I couldn't have said it any better...IYHW and IASW's kid!!! I can picture the Imagineering development session now...

Okay, let's start with a boat ride...what's that Bob? Good idea, let's add a theme song to up the Small World factor by 5. Well, our Caribbean factor could take a big dip if we closed Wings, so this will be our safety - let's see, can't use traffic cops and flamingos, what about pesty street merchants! Okay, what's that...Bob wants to add more singing dolls. You know Bob, you can't flog a dead horse. You won the 'Dreamie' award for Small World, but this is getting transparent. Skeletons and kids with fireworks that look like suicide bombers? Mmmmkay, that might just work. I don't want to forget about Sarah's comments about historical Mexico. A twilit ride into a pyramid, with an Aztec chief ghost welcoming you...Sarah, pure genius. I think we can up the Disco and Beefcake factor here with some projection movies as a transition. Now what Bob? A finale featuring Mexico City painted in silver and blue with all the...okay Bob, now you're pushing it. I have to say though, we need a finale...you know the Creepy factor is kind of low on this ride...Any ideas?"

Don't get me wrong, I actually really liked El Rio, and still do. That song is almost always a guaranteed smile for me when I'm feeling a bit down, and it was a great distraction while waiting for your food at the restaurant.

But wow - something of an acid trip at times...

 

[Mansion Butler]

the main reason I ever rode that attraction was always due to the wonderful theming before you turned the bend. Then I always wondered why I was doing this to myself.

However, the other reasons were the fact that there was never a line and there wasn't anything else to do in World Showcase ride wise.

You'll notice whenever they advertise World Showcase, Disney shows you that part of the ride and avoids the rest. Can't blame 'em. :lol: