Disney World is no stranger to fluctuating wait times, but some attractions consistently remain an easy walk-on, even on the busiest days.
Rides like Journey into Imagination with Figment and The Seas with Nemo & Friends rarely see significant lines outside of peak holiday weeks. Meanwhile, classic attractions such as The Carousel of Progress and Tom Sawyer Island — which is set to close permanently in the future — often welcome guests with minimal waits, as they aren’t necessarily top-of-mind for the average parkgoer.
However, the story is vastly different when an attraction faces uncertainty—especially when rumors of a permanent closure begin to swirl. Disney fans tend to flock to rides they fear may disappear, leading to unexpected surges in wait times.
This phenomenon has happened before, with attractions like The Great Movie Ride and Maelstrom experiencing a surge in popularity once Disney confirmed their impending closures. Now, it appears another Disney World ride may be headed for a similar fate, and fans are bracing for historic wait times as a result.
Historic Wait Times Expected for Classic Disney World Ride
Disney World’s Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is set to reopen on March 15, 2025, following a refurbishment that began on January 6, 2025. This gentle boat ride, nestled within EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion, has long been a favorite for guests seeking a relaxing journey through vibrant Mexican scenes alongside Donald Duck and his amigos, Panchito and José Carioca.
Historically, Gran Fiesta Tour has been known for its minimal wait times, often allowing guests to embark on the ride with little to no delay.
However, the recent refurbishment has sparked discussions among Disney enthusiasts about the ride’s future. Speculations suggest that this refurbishment might be a precursor to a more significant transformation, potentially reimagining the attraction with a Coco theme. We’d expect something of that nature to potentially occur after Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom make their transformations, which will be happening over the next few years.
The 2017 film Coco celebrates Mexican culture and music, making it a fitting inspiration for the pavilion. While Disney has announced a Coco-themed ride for Disney California Adventure, there has been no official confirmation regarding a similar project for EPCOT. However, the possibility remains a topic of lively discussion within the Disney community.
As the reopening date approaches, anticipation is building, and guests are eager to experience the refreshed attraction. Given the ride’s closure coinciding with the start of EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival, many visitors are planning to include Gran Fiesta Tour in their festival itinerary. This heightened interest is expected to result in longer wait times, a notable change for an attraction that typically boasts short lines.
For those planning a visit to EPCOT around the reopening, it’s advisable to strategize accordingly.
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