Epcot Attraction Poster That I Forgot to Share

The character infusion at EPCOT began years ago, long before Frozen Ever After overtook Maelstrom and the Three Cabarellos axed El Rio del Tiempo. Some additions were more subtle, like the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure, an interactive eye spy game that took younger visitors and their families into several pavilions to hunt for clues and solve a mystery. The attraction poster was a nice touch to advertise something unique, rather fun, and an introduction to the park's future.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

Epcot Musings

Why is it that even in its saddest state ever, Epcot, continues to be my favorite Walt Disney World park? It certainly does not have the most iconic and beloved attractions. That crown would easily go to the Magic Kingdom. Nor does it hold the most technologically impressive ones as that winner would have to be Rise of the Resistance and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Lastly, it isn't even the contender for the park with my current Top Two Attractions. That would be Disney's Animal Kingdom for Expedition: Everest and Flight of Passage as the current king of must-see-when-I-visit favorites. So why does Epcot- and not the much better EPCOT Center -continue to fascinate?

Much of what I loved at Florida's second Disney park no longer exists. Reflections of Earth is gone. The epic but long gone adventures of Journey into Imagination, Horizons, and World of Motion now only exist in my imagination, and their replacements are a mere shadow of what originally was purposely and beautifully designed. Those days are gone as is the promised future of many more World Showcase pavilions.

Is help on its way or more pain as the revisioning of the park continues? Love it or not, Imagineer Zach Riddley is certainly keeping us up to date with the tiniest of details. He wants to convince us it's more than his job to bring this park back to a pristine and refreshed state, that it's a personal passion for him. So far, the results are mixed. Yet, the biggest wins are in areas where the park is returning to elements from the past, so maybe we can begin to believe him. We've yet to see the coming future, but I'm trying to be open-minded. I've already said this, and I'll say it again: We are the reason Epcot is changing.

With so much gone, what's left to love? Plenty! Wide open expanses of gardens filled with blooms. Large bodies of water that reflect the morning sun and the evening sunset. The classic and still inspiring Spaceship Earth, the retro--cool Living with the Land boat ride, and a little figment of my imagination. He certainly needs a better attraction, but his sheer presence harkens to what could be.

That's it- potential! I find it in the optimism that abounds in the faces of the hopefully soon to return international citizens that populated the mini-nations of World Showcase. The beauty of the films of France, of China, and yes, even of Canada. The live music, the cultural exhibits, the stunning American Adventure production- one of Disney's most incredible attractions. I find sweetness and humor in the Gran Fiesta Tour, in Frozen Ever After- and soon in Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. These are far from perfect and could be much better, but they counterbalance the tones of the more serious aspects of the park.

It's when the sun begins to set for the day when Epcot comes alive and my appreciation and love for the park truly grows. How can any guest not look at the pavilions of World Showcase lit up against an evening sky and the calming lagoon and not get that sense of elegance and sophistication all around that brings a smile? That leisurely evening stroll with a treat in hand (liquid or otherwise) as the local music plays, the pace relaxes, and the rush to run from attraction to attraction turns into an embrace of the time to take in all the exquisite views that abound. Maybe an attraction, an exhibit or two. Then it's dinner! Choosing a favorite place to sit still, have some warm conversation about the day's events, and some fairly good food (if you choose wisely) is the perfect way to begin the night time touring. For me, the later the dinner the better, as we can walk out through the park and take in all the countries with most all the guests departed for the day. It's quiet and almost sacred in its serenity. I'd choose it over an exhausting day at any other park. 

Can you sense why I love Epcot? Hopefully that continues with all the changes to come. The big blue box annoys me, and the giant metal tacos ruin a once gorgeous view. Shuttered Future World pavilions remain, and construction seems to be everywhere. Yet, I'm not giving up! I'm optimistic that more good changes are coming than bad ones. The optimism is in me- and I remain cautiously open to the park's future. Do you?

(Photograph copyright Zach Riddley and The Walt Disney Company.)
 

El Rio del Tiempo (The River of Time)

Imagineer Eddie Martinez was unknown to me until I was gifted this beautiful piece of concept art for EPCOT Center's Mexico pavilion. You might correctly recognize it as a scene from the original boat ride attraction, El Rio del Tiempo (The River of Time).  

Back in the early days (until the Three Caballeros took over and it became the Gran Fiesta Tour), this intimate cultural gem was one of my favorite parts of World Showcase. The transition to Tour was just another early indicator of the direction the suits were going to make Epcot "more Disney". Coco here we come.

Time marches on as well as flows. As I'm writing this post, I'm also preparing to share at my father-in-law's memorial service. And I'm thankful for his life but also aware of my own limited time on earth. Jesus' words ring in my ear- the words he used to comfort two grieving sisters at a loss because of their brother's death: "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” It's from John, chapter 11. 

In the midst of death, there's hope and peace- and in time, a reunion dinner for all who love Jesus, God in the flesh. See you soon, Grandpa Joe. The River of Time continues to flow...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.) 

Mexico Showcase Still Enchants

The Mexico showcase at Epcot is one of my absolute favorites! This photograph is a good example why. This shot was taken inside the grand pyramid- yes, inside! Look closer.

After entering the structure, we wander upon a delightful colonial village with filled with music, shops, and moonlight. Small boats glide on the lagoon waters past a smaller pyramid and a smoldering volcano, right into a journey into Mexicos' history and present. 

Oh, I mean they used to! When the boat ride was called El Rio del Tiempo it celebrated the rich culture of the Mayans and Aztecs and modern day Mexico. Now, as the Gran Fiesta Tour, it celebrates the arrival of the Three Caballeros on the day of their concert. Where's Donald? That's part of the fun for the little kids are Donald's friends search for him by visiting the resort areas of the country. It's cute and friendly, but it's not a cultural experience. It's all about the animated films and television shows now. 

There's a persistent rumor that Coco will take over the boat ride. Would this be better or worse? Can't really say, but regardless of what Intellectual Property Disney uses here, they can't take away from the splendor of the beautiful view of the lagoon, smaller pyramid, and the smoking volcano. Classic Disney Imagineering!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Magic Kingdom's Mickey Mouse Musical Revue Poster

One day, I'll get around to compiling all the Walt Disney World attraction posters into one article just like I did for Disneyland. In the meantime, here's a high quality scan of one for the long lost Mickey Mouse Musical Revue. 

When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the park featured a variety of Audio-Animatronic theater presentations- everything from a role call of Presidents to silly bears to this wonderful and charming musical show featuring many Disney characters in robotic form. 

Eventually, the suits shipped the show to Tokyo Disneyland never to be seen on U.S. soil again until the Three Caballeros did finally make their comeback concert appearance at Epcot in the Mexico pavilion's Gran Fiesta Tour.

Friday, I'll post something rarely seen for all us EPCOT lovers. No, I won't tell you now. Trust me, it will be worth it!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Pencil Sketch of EPCOT Center's El Rio del Tiempo

From Imagineer Clem Hall, a great pencil sketch for Mexico's classic - and sorely missed- El Rio del Tiempo. When EPCOT Center opened, the countries of World Showcase celebrated their individual cultures and not the Disney character stories that took place in them. This distinction gave the park a fascinating, educational based feel, entertaining guests but also expanding their horizons. 

It was a wonderful plan and could have been maintained had the suits updated attractions with the latest technologies and newest travelogues. But it was not to be. Soon, World Showcase will not only be the home of Frozen Ever After and The Three Caballeros in the Gran Fiesta Tour. Coming soon is Ratatouille and Mary Poppins. More after that without a doubt. If they can shove Guardians of the Galaxy into the park, anything goes. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney Delayed

The best intentions do not always materialize. Looks like Epcot's Mexico pavilion and its Three Caballeros Audio-Animatronics will have to wait. Aren't the Imagineers turning this attraction into something Coco themed? Most likely, but I'm talking about our planned trip to Walt Disney World next year. Circumstances change and so must our plans. See you next time, Donald!

Riding El Rio del Tiempo

How would I like to spend the afternoon? Going to EPCOT Center and riding some of the old great attractions of the past: El Rio del Tiempo, Journey into Imagination, Horizons, and World of Motion. That's not to say I don't like Test Track. I do. But like much of what they have done to Walt Disney World, sometimes the replacements are far less exciting and well done than what was there before. 

Don't you agree?

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company)

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Epcot

A day to celebrate and relax over a leisurely dinner and a frosty margarita should you choose! There's another way to celebrate, and that is to go to Epcot and visit the World Showcase of the country of Mexico.

My wife and I have always thoroughly enjoyed the Mexico showcase and its incredible mix of shops, restaurants, lively entertainment, historical artifacts, and of course, its main attraction: El Rio del Tiempo / Gran Fiesta Tour. The showcase and the focus of the park has changed considerably since our first visit in 1983. Not always for the better, but there's still quite a bit to enjoy. That is due to the original Imagineering team and their desire to bring the rich culture of each nation to guests.

By the time it opened in 1982, EPCOT Center was designed by the Disney Imagineers to creative a new standard for in theme parks for guests and for themselves. Walt Disney's EPCOT- Creating the New World of Tomorrow by Richard R. Beard details the creation and execution of this World's Fair type park. The first non-Magic Kingdom style playground ever built by the Mouse was full of cutting edge displays, technology used both on stage and off, and Audio-Animatronic shows on level with anything they had ever created in the past.


So, today, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we'll look at a few pieces of concept art and photos of the splendid Mexico pavilion circa opening year. 

Photo by Mark Taft.

The detail created by those design geniuses was evident as a guest would first look at the beautifully created pyramid before walking inside to explore its treasures. The serpent head, above, shows a bit of the care taken. These heads are positioned quite a bit above the ground level, but there was no skimping on detail at all.

The lakeside view of the area (above) reinforces the fact that the majority of what was to be found was actually discovered within a darkened village inside the pyramid. If you're thinking California's Pirates of the Caribbean and the Blue Bayou here, you've only scratched at the beginning of that they created. The museum portion of the presentation opened up to an enchanting nighttime fiesta, a marketplace filled with sights and sounds pleasing to the eye- and not including the smell associated with a then first class restaurant.

The combination made this pavilion was an easy favorite among all the World Showcase countries represented. The France showcase, although extremely pretty and a close second, housed an admittedly wonderful travelogue. Yet it left us wanting- wanting to experience more. Much more. You cannot do that with a film! 

The quaint central plaza built in the beautiful Colonial style includes shops and a waterfront restaurant. Colorful lanterns hang in the air while mariachis play. We could have easily sat waterside sipping margaritas, making it tempting to stay here all day, but the boats cruising El Rio del Tiempo beckoned us to step aboard a small watercraft.

In contrast to the France showcase, here in Mexico, a different opportunity to explore was realized via that enchanting boat ride through a very mysterious environment. The story is begun rather uniquely. As guests glide along the waters through a Mexican jungle, we enter yet another pyramid as the adventure continues. In this attraction, a first for Disney, the main method for storytelling  was told through the medium of dance.

Photo by Mark Taft.

An enchanting village is contained within the pyramid.
Shades of the Blue Bayou at Disneyland.

From high priests to beautiful exotic dancers performing ancient routines, the opening scenes celebrate authentic Mexican culture with exploiting it; a goal successfully accomplished when the park first opened, later reversed by the Disney suits when it was easier to throw in Disney characters to take advantage of its guests.


Our excursion onto the river is at once peaceful and mysterious. We were so drawn into the story, mesmerized by this new way of telling an ancient story of an ancient culture. We knew so little about the history of Mexico. We came away having learned about and enjoyed every moment of it!

As the cruise continued into other regions depicting Mexican celebrations and modern life, something changed. Everything following the dance paled in comparison. It was as if something was cut short in the execution of the attraction- and in fact, it was. The journey should have been about another 5 minutes loner- on par with Pirates- but budget blowing construction and some fear from the suits cut the plans short. It was a method of delivery that would become all too common in the 21st Century. Fortunately, a lovely and playful song sets us in a joyful mood for the rest of our journey. 

The sweet and inviting theme song rang in our heads! Had we not wanted to move on to the other countries in the Showcase, we would have quickly turned around and ridden again. Not so in the more recent years when the Three Caballeros took over.

From the initial concept art to the final construction, the original Imagineers did an excellent job capturing the culture of our friends south of the border. This helped make Epcot an entirely different experience than visiting the Magic Kingdom. An adult playground with plenty for children to discover.

Unfortunately, recent revisions to the boat ride was a major misstep and an unfortunate foretaste of things to come. The dignity and sophistication imbred into EPCOT Center since its inception has been now replaced by a desire to please a less discerning crowd- and to increase sales of character merchandise at the cash registers. I hate to say it, but The Three Caballeros and their Gran Fiesta Tour helped pave the way for Nemo in the Living Seas, Martin Short in Canada, and eventually the Frozen takeover in Norway. It's no longer about learning culture and more about inserting the Disney brand into the heads of its guests. This trend which must stop if the Walt Disney Company wishes to capture the travel dollar of discriminating and aging adults.

In the meantime, enjoy Cinco de Mayo at Epcot and take time to explore all the cultural experiences offered in World Showcase. At the rate of things, Robert Iger and company seems determined to change the focus of the park and turn it into a money machine of wine and partying... instead of the enticing cultural showcase it once was.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Cinco de Mayo EPCOT Center Style

Today, May 5th, Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's conquest of the French during the time of the Civil War in the United States. Its the perfect day to be with family and friends over chips, salsa, and frosty margaritas celebrating... at Epcot's gorgeous Mexico World Showcase!


This one pavilion has the unique distinction in all of World Showcase of being mostly indoors. From a casual view, all guests can see is a waterside restaurant, a small taco stand, and a large, imposing pyramid. Once inside the pyramid, it's a showstopper! In shades of Disneyland's Blue Bayou, night skies dominate, and the music of mariachis fills the air. The quaint central plaza built in the beautiful Colonial style includes shops, a small museum, and a waterfront restaurant. Colorful lanterns hang in the air while mariachis play. A distant volcano spews smoke, and a smaller pyramid just on the far side of the river beckons further exploration. 


Although the very charming, dignified, and mysterious El Rio del Tiempo attraction has now been replaced by the escapades of three fowl friends, the pavilion is still a cause for celebration. Margaritas, anyone? No? How about a boat ride through history instead?

At the opening of EPCOT Center in 1982, the Disney Imagineers set a new creative standard for themselves. Walt Disney's EPCOT- Creating the New World of Tomorrow by Richard R. Beard details the creation and execution of this cutting edge park- the first non-Magic Kingdom style playground ever built by the Mouse.


Let's look at a few pieces of concept art and photos of the splendid Mexico pavillion circa opening year. (All images are able to be enlarged.)


When we first visited EPCOT Center in 1983, this pavilion was a clear favorite among all the World Showcase countries represented. The main medium for telling the story of the country was a Disney first: a large part of the signature attraction was told through the medium of dance, but any Disney fan will also see the strong influences of other attractions, most notably If You Had Wings, and old Magic Kingdom favorite.


Inside the large temple, a small Mexican village is darkened by eternal nighttime, and there is some celebration happening!  A perfect afternoon lunch sitting waterside sipping margaritas and eating Queso Fundido made it tempting to do nothing else, but the boats cruising El Rio del Tiempo got us get out of our seats.


The boat cruise was designed to be much more grand, closer on the scale of Pirates of the Caribbean in length and immersion. However, the budgets were blown, time was short before opening day, and adjustments had to be made. Such is the life of an Imagineer! Their accomplishment still impresses, so on with the journey!



Once aboard, our departure onto the river is at once peaceful and mysterious. As  we enter another temple, and our adventure begins with a dose of Disney magic: Encountering a high priest, dancers soon surround, moving to ancient rhythms. In its original form, this section was the showpiece of the attraction. The history of the people makes for a stunning story, and here, it was told in an equally stunning presentation.


The doll filled celebration of the Day of the Dead startles with the flavors of It's a Small World, but it's only a small segment of the ride. The contrast from one style used to tell the story to another is almost jarring, but it does keep the guests from getting bored! 


We continue into other regions depicting the Mexico of the Travel Channel: Beaches, parties, and tourist sites. It's a step down from the elegance of what we saw earlier, but it is playful and enjoyable. The music is memorable, and any EPCOT Center lover worth his title as fan can hum the song even while reading this post!



The Imagineers did an excellent job capturing the culture of our friends south of the border. The end result reflected a true labor of love even if doused with a shot of economic reality. It was a beloved attraction that only needed a tune up. However, the suits at Disney were looking for a new way to make a buck once sponsorship had ended, so in came the movie tie-in.


Recent revisions to the boat ride employed an insertion of The Three Caballeros film and Donald Duck and friends. It's sassy and kid-friendly, but just plain wrong. This major mistake stripped the dignity and sophistication imbred into EPCOT Center since its inception. It is a trend which must stop if the Walt Disney Company wishes to capture the travel dollar of discriminating guests looking for something different than a new style Magic Kingdom.


There's plenty of reasons to celebrate Mexico and her culture today- and I wish that I could do it by going back in time to ride Epcot's gorgeous but long gone, El Rio del Tiempo.  There are dozens of YouTube videos, but one of my favorites is here.


The past is the past, but what a glorious time it was back at EPCOT Center's opening...


 Vaya con Dios!
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Viva Mexico!

Long one of our favorite places in all of Epcot. the Mexico showcase sparkles from top to bottom- or should I say- from inside and out!

The pyramid outside beckons us to step in, and here the magic begins. It almost doesn't matter that the largely forgettable Gran Fiesta Tour is here instead of the elegant and mystical El Rio del Tiempo (see it again here or the amazing video on the showcase's creation here), this interior of this pavilion remains one of the most enchanting in all of Walt Disney World. Yes, the food at its signature restaurant, San Angel Restaurante, used to be great- anyone remember Queso Fundido?- but a margarita and a bowl of chips and salsa do just the trip for a mid-afternoon break.

Add a bit of shopping for colorful wares, great live music, a small museum at the entrance and now a tequilla bar. It all makes for a nice place to spend a moonlit evening, in the middle of a hot and sunny Florida afternoon.

(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)

Cinco De Mayo Celebration at Epcot's Mexico Pavilion

At the opening of EPCOT Center in 1982, the Disney Imagineers set a new creative standard for themselves. Walt Disney's EPCOT- Creating the New World of Tomorrow by Richard R. Beard details the creation and execution of this cutting edge park- the first non-Magic Kingdom style playground ever built by the Mouse.

Today, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we'll look at a few pieces of concept art and photos of the splendid Mexico pavillion circa opening year. (All images are copyright Disney.)

Upon our first visit to EPCOT Center, this pavillion was an easy favorite among all the World Showcase countries represented. The France pavillion, although extremely pretty and a close second, housed an admittedly wonderful travelogue. Yet it left us wanting to experience more. You cannot do that with a film! However, with Mexico, it was a different story- and this story is told uniquely. The main method for communicating was a Disney first: a large part of the signature attraction in this pavillion was told through the medium of dance.

Inside the large temple which forms a major portion of the area, a small Mexican village is found drenched in eternal nighttime. The quaint central plaza built in the beautiful Colonial style includes shops, a small museum, and a waterfront restaurant. Colorful lanterns hang in the air while mariachis play. Sitting waterside sipping margaritas would make it tempting to stay here all day, but the boats cruising El Rio del Tiempo beckon us to step aboard.


Our excursion onto the river is at once peaceful and mysterious. Cruising along, we enter another temple, and our adventure begins. After encountering a high priest, dancers surround us, moving to ancient rhythms. This section is the showpiece of the attraction, and its elegance does justice to this beautiful people and their fascinating history. 

Of course, the cruise continues into other regions depicting Mexican celebrations and modern life. Everything following the dance pales in comparison. Fortunately, a lovely and playful song sets us in a joyful mood for the rest of our journey, and as we depart, we reenter sunlight humming the tune for the next few minutes.

From the initial concept art to the final construction, the Imagineers did an excellent job capturing the culture of our friends south of the border. Year after year, visit after visit, the Mexico pavilion charmed us.

Unfortunately, recent revisions to the boat ride employed an insertion of The Three Caballeros and its associated music. This is a major misstep. The dignity and sophistication imbred into EPCOT Center since its inception has been replaced by a desire to please a less discerning crowd- and to increase sales of character merchandise at the cash registers. It is a trend which must stop if the Walt Disney Company wishes to capture the travel dollar of discriminating and aging adults.

(Art and photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)