According to an update from Walt Disney World, the Three Caballeros animatronics won’t be returning to Gran Fiesta Tour in EPCOT until the spring.
The three animatronics were part of the opening day Magic Kingdom attraction Mickey Mouse Revue. The animatronics replaced a cartoon that previously played in the final scene of Gran Fiesta Tour. Last year, the Jose Carioca animatronic fell and was out of commission for several weeks.
The Donald Duck animatronic had issues early in January and was replaced with a sombrero shrine.
The sombrero shrine was quickly removed, leaving just a vase of flowers nearby.
Finally, instead of just opting to play the attraction’s original cartoon, all three animatronics were removed and replaced with static flats of the characters. It seems the animatronics are undergoing a serious refurbishment and will be gone for at least another two or three months.
Watch our most recent video of the character flats on Gran Fiesta Tour below.
How do you feel about the animatronics missing from Gran Fiesta Tour? Let us know in the comments.
It’s puzzling why they wouldn’t just use the animated cartoon from the original iteration of the ride. Seems like such an easy B-Mode to have available.
How disappointing would it be to have the finale on other rides be a static flat? Like … the hitchhiking ghosts on HM?
Kind of what I was thinking.
The animated version is more fun – and it won’t break down.
Maybe the static flats are a sign of things to come? Perhaps the Panchitofigure (is he the only one that hasn’t fallen down as of yet?) is getting a guitar prop vs. the pistols he’s holding in both hands? The guitar is covering his body in the static flat but perhaps removing the pistol holders on his waistband as well? Disney seems to be evaluating all their attractions right now on depictions of violence/cultural stereotypes. Just a thought.
That makes a lot of sense. Putting them all out of commission for a few months to refurb to prevent future breakdowns and remove the violence. Between the Splash Mountain retheme and the Jungle Cruise re-imagining, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Three Caballeros were the next ones to be updated for modern times.
I hope not but it wouldnt surprise me. His full name is Panchito Pistoles. He is a cowboy. Are they going to take the guns from the pirates next and give them all slingshots! To quote Charlie Brown, “Good Grief!”
At least they seem to be working on returning the animatronics. Lets hope they follow through, the flats are so cheesy.
I think they’re removing the “guns” from the scene, and replacing them with a guitar. Not that the “guns” are an issue, but I can see how they can be problematic.
😝 at least they are planning to bring them back. Keep hearing rumors about Coco replacement..not a fan.
“Pay no attention to that cartoon behind the curtain. The great and powerful Chapek has spoken.”
Taking bets we’ll see the TTA People-Mover before these three return.
disney said the 3 CaballerNOs
I’ll see myself out
maybe they could bring back more cast members and have them “animate” these character signs like sign spinners you see on the side of the road.