Something about that song reminds me of the looney tunes/Merry melodies tune..
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Grand Fiesta
- Thread starter KnK
- Start date
Spaced Out Dude
New Member
So wait... Does this mean there adding a movie to Mexico, like in Norway?
RSoxNo1
Well-Known Member
El Rio Del Tempo was always a walk on. Regardless of it's cultural significance a change was absolutely necessary. Because the movie in question is 60 years old it wasn't an obvious tie in, but short of changing the makeup of the ride completely I don't see another way to enhance guest interest. Updating the screens with non-character representations of Mexico could have worked temporarily, but I don't think it would have the same effect as a recognizeable character like Donald.
I'm sure that one of the complaints of children in Epcot is that World Showcase is boring. To be honest, most kids don't want to learn at a theme park, and the attractions in Future World aren't too preachy with regards to learning, save Spaceship Earth. When it comes to World Showcase, the majority of the movies and shows are very tough for a child to sit through. Even as an adult, I don't really enjoy the films in Canada and China, and I detest the original Norway film. That's a matter of personal preference of course, but if the goal of World Showcase is to educate guests about these different cultures, they're not going to be successful with traditional methods. They're also not going to effectively tell every guest everything about a particular culture, at best they're going to peak their interest in a particular culture and motivate the guest to look into that culture further. If they want to keep the videos, they need to be seen only as complimentary pieces.
That's why I feel that the Norway boat ride is the best attraction in World Showcase, it's about the spirit of Norway, and it showcases many things that are important Norweigen traditions. The movie after the ride aims to fill in the blanks, but can be summed up thusly, "we fished, we struggled, we had a parade". When Maelstrom first opened, I was a child (I don't remember the first what year it was that I first rode it), but the thing that resonated with me the first year was the trolls - things of fairy tales, and mythical creatures that hold a place in Norweigen society. If Donald and friends can help children better familiarize themselves with the Mexican culture than the rehab would certainly be a success.
I'm sure that one of the complaints of children in Epcot is that World Showcase is boring. To be honest, most kids don't want to learn at a theme park, and the attractions in Future World aren't too preachy with regards to learning, save Spaceship Earth. When it comes to World Showcase, the majority of the movies and shows are very tough for a child to sit through. Even as an adult, I don't really enjoy the films in Canada and China, and I detest the original Norway film. That's a matter of personal preference of course, but if the goal of World Showcase is to educate guests about these different cultures, they're not going to be successful with traditional methods. They're also not going to effectively tell every guest everything about a particular culture, at best they're going to peak their interest in a particular culture and motivate the guest to look into that culture further. If they want to keep the videos, they need to be seen only as complimentary pieces.
That's why I feel that the Norway boat ride is the best attraction in World Showcase, it's about the spirit of Norway, and it showcases many things that are important Norweigen traditions. The movie after the ride aims to fill in the blanks, but can be summed up thusly, "we fished, we struggled, we had a parade". When Maelstrom first opened, I was a child (I don't remember the first what year it was that I first rode it), but the thing that resonated with me the first year was the trolls - things of fairy tales, and mythical creatures that hold a place in Norweigen society. If Donald and friends can help children better familiarize themselves with the Mexican culture than the rehab would certainly be a success.
netenyahoo
New Member
The good thing about this is the characters will be out more and I want to get a picture with them. I am excited for this change. I see no problem with characters being a part of World Showcase. As long as Belle doesn't show up in China,etc then it is fine.
I think we all do need to give it a chance. Most of the people here don't do that and #2 the attraction all without riding it.
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
I'm sorry, but the concept of World Showcase has never worked all that well for me. I love the theming to death, but the videos and El Rio del Tiempo were always glorified Travel Channel specials trying to sell guests on visiting a country . That belongs at Disney no more than a DVC booth every 20 feet. That is why World Showcase is often viewed as boring, and typically rather empty (except after 7 pm). There have been so many plans over the years for blockbuster new attractions for WS that have fallen through...now we have a 25-year old half of the park that still has basically no E-Tickets (I suppose one could make an argument for The American Adventure, but Maelstrom has definitely fallen from this status).
erasure fan1
Well-Known Member
I have no problems with a change, its long overdue. Is 3 cabs. the best fit? I dont know I have to wait and see. I love the Mexico pavillion, Its one of the best in all of world showcase. If done right this could work well. About the whole adding charecters into the rides. I thought the whole point of WDW was to be a showcase for Disneys, TV, animation, movies... so I dont see the problem. I also think world showcase is boring, even though the theming is some of the best I have ever seen, it just gets old. Any thing they can do to make it more enjoyable is fantastic and I am all for. As long as its done well. I also think they need a couple more attractions in world showcase, not e-tickets but like Norway scale, but thats a different thread.
Since1976
Well-Known Member
I find it interesting that, after going as a pre-teen and finding World Showcase mildly worthwhile, the long years between my earliest trips somehow gave me a better appreciation of what WS had to offer. In a way, the educational aspect of WS stuck with me on a subliminal level that went untapped for a number of years. It is now my favorite part of th eentire WDW resort.
Of course, I totally understand that subconscious appreciation is not what the Imagineers are going for. They want the guests to leave WS wanting to come back again and again.
I welcome Gran Fiesta. If it will get my young daughter eager to get to the back of the park every time we visit Epcot, I will consider it a success.
Of course, I totally understand that subconscious appreciation is not what the Imagineers are going for. They want the guests to leave WS wanting to come back again and again.
I welcome Gran Fiesta. If it will get my young daughter eager to get to the back of the park every time we visit Epcot, I will consider it a success.
aladdin2007
Well-Known Member
It sounds very interesting after reading the news piece. New sound, refurbished props and sets, it needed this. Just so the beginning is still peaceful and dark through the jungle around San Angel Inn.
Hopefully they did keep the song though and those fireworks on the ceiling!!!! Anyone know about the fireworks??:ROFLOL:
Will be fun to try out and then I will rave with delight or complain, the storyline is too rehashed nemo seas to me but as long as it showcases Mexico I guess it can all blend.
My only worry so far is that name, Gran Fiesta Tour, Gran Fiesta sounds like some local Mexican resturant or taco stand. Something a little bit less cheesy would have been nicer,
maybe just something simple like "The Three Caballeros River Cruise".
Hopefully they did keep the song though and those fireworks on the ceiling!!!! Anyone know about the fireworks??:ROFLOL:
Will be fun to try out and then I will rave with delight or complain, the storyline is too rehashed nemo seas to me but as long as it showcases Mexico I guess it can all blend.
My only worry so far is that name, Gran Fiesta Tour, Gran Fiesta sounds like some local Mexican resturant or taco stand. Something a little bit less cheesy would have been nicer,
maybe just something simple like "The Three Caballeros River Cruise".
hcswingfield
Active Member
I love World Showcase, and not just for the food. I'm probably never going to get to go to any of those countries, so the movies (outdated as they are) do offer a great view of some of the scenery and customs. The movie in France also has incredible music. The shops are fun to browse, and I always enjoy chatting with the cast members from the various countries. I love rides and roller coasters, but I also appreciate the other things WDW has to offer.
Since1976
Well-Known Member
If there is one thing I will regret about the overlay, it is that the attraction will not be "that hidden ride" anymore. It is a minor thrill for many first or second-time guests to discover that there is a ride tucked into the back of the pavilion there. It's like a huge Easter Egg in Mexico.
MJMcBride
Member
true. and when its empty its great to jump on after you order at San Angel
dxwwf3
Well-Known Member
I had very distinct reactions when I first read that.
The :brick: immediately came when I saw it was basically the same story as The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Sure it might end up being quite different, but as it was already pointed out, it sure doesn't sound that different at all.
But after the initial shock of that wore off, I was very :sohappy: to read that it sounds like they will still be showcasing the country and not simply throwing a Fantasyland attraction in World Showcase.
So all in all, I'm interested to see how it turns out and I honestly wouldn't be surprised with any result at all.
The :brick: immediately came when I saw it was basically the same story as The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Sure it might end up being quite different, but as it was already pointed out, it sure doesn't sound that different at all.
But after the initial shock of that wore off, I was very :sohappy: to read that it sounds like they will still be showcasing the country and not simply throwing a Fantasyland attraction in World Showcase.
So all in all, I'm interested to see how it turns out and I honestly wouldn't be surprised with any result at all.
brkgnews
Well-Known Member
This is all purely a guess, with no basis in fact...
I would think they could keep the fireworks and put the three cabs on that merry-go-round-marionette-thingy that is currently in the finale scene. That would keep with the "musical finale" part -- just have that be the "stage"
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
The all important question will be "how much money are they spending on this?" If they aren't trying to do this as cheaply as possible, I think it'll be nice.
CaptainMichael
Well-Known Member
I look forward to the "new" attraction. Some people need to lightnen up and appreciate that they are actually updating an attraction in WS.
So we agree an upgrade was required. You don't like the choices, I disagree. By taking adult subjects like Mexico and the Seas and adding in features that kids enjoy as well you end up with something that the whole family enjoys.
Its no different then my daughters Vsmile videogame. It teaches numbers, letters, spelling by adding characters and making it a game. She is in preschool but has already mastered almost all aspects of kindergarten. Its fun and its educating.
Nemo was a family movie, not a kid movie. Mexico was completely geared towards adults, now there might be something for the kids as well. I enjoyed the boat ride in Mexico, my daughter didn't. If I still enjoy it after the changes(very important) plus my daughter now enjoys it because of the overlay, mission accomplished.
Epcot82Guy
Well-Known Member
And that argument I have no trouble with. My post was for people that say this new version will be better than the way it is now. I agree with that absolutely. Actually, your point highlights what my earlier points were trying to highlight. There were many people (kids and adults) that enjoyed the realism of it. The characters were a bit of a detraction from this, especially at Epcot. Epcot was a celebration of reality, so the characters feel very out of place. Furthermore, it tends to perpetuate the "Disney is for kids" image.
However, there was just as large a group of guests that went to Disney for the Disney. So, seeing characters and the "familiar" of Disney is the point. My only point is that it is a departure from what Epcot was, and it may eventually turn off many guests that are regulars just as it draws in others. It is a change, and that carries all the benefits and risks of that.
However, there was just as large a group of guests that went to Disney for the Disney. So, seeing characters and the "familiar" of Disney is the point. My only point is that it is a departure from what Epcot was, and it may eventually turn off many guests that are regulars just as it draws in others. It is a change, and that carries all the benefits and risks of that.