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On Tuesday, September 9, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, a family-friendly EPCOT attraction, unexpectedly shut down for much of the day. The sudden closure prompted a rare apology from the park, delivered directly to guests via the My Disney Experience app.
Even the most high-tech rides at Walt Disney World Resort aren’t immune to interruptions. Technical malfunctions or guest accidents—like dropping items into the ride path—can cause downtime. Usually, these issues are resolved within an hour or two. Guests with Lightning Lane reservations can return later or skip the line for another attraction.
Credit: Disney
On Tuesday, however, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros experienced prolonged downtime, affecting thousands of EPCOT visitors. EPCOT Vice President Matt Simon sent a mobile push notification to Walt Disney World Resort guests apologizing for the inconvenience:
“Pardon the Inconvenience
On behalf of the entire team at EPCOT, I’d like to apologize that Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is currently unavailable. Our Cast Members are working diligently to get the attraction up and running again, and we are sorry you are not able to experience this attraction at this time. I hope you will enjoy some of our other attractions during your experience in the park today.
Matt Simon
Vice President, EPCOT”
Credit: Screenshot via the My Disney Experience app
According to an EPCOT guest who spoke with Disney Tips, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros did not reopen on Tuesday. However, the My Disney Experience app showed that the ride had resumed operations on Wednesday morning.
Credit: Screenshot via the My Disney Experience app
Walt Disney World Resort has not released details on what caused the extended closure, though the attraction was functioning normally at the time of this article’s publication.
More on Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is a slow-moving boat ride inside the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. Riders follow Panchito and José Carioca on a search for Donald Duck as he tours Mexico’s most famous sights. The journey also passes San Angel Inn Restaurante, a Table Service dining location inside the pyramid.
Has a ride closure impacted your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Tips in the comments!
