El Rio del Tiempo | Disney World

Last Updated on: March 26th, 2024

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s extinct El Rio del Tiempo attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

About El Rio del Tiempo

El Rio del Tiempo - Extinct Disney World

El Rio del Tiempo, which translates to “The River of Time,” was a classic boat ride attraction located in the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The ride was one of the original attractions when EPCOT opened to the public on October 1, 1982, as part of the World Showcase.

The attraction took guests on a leisurely boat journey through Mexico’s rich history and culture. The ride showcased scenes and audio-animatronic figures representing different periods in Mexico’s past, from ancient civilizations to the modern era. The journey featured colorful and immersive scenes depicting Aztec and Mayan temples, traditional Mexican villages, festive celebrations, and more.

One of the highlights of the ride was the iconic volcano, which served as a stunning backdrop for some of the scenes. The volcano was a visual centerpiece and added an element of excitement to the experience.

The attraction’s gentle pace and educational content made it suitable for guests of all ages, offering a relaxing and informative experience while celebrating Mexico’s cultural heritage.

In 2007, El Rio del Tiempo received a significant refurbishment and transformation to become the “Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.” The updated ride featured the addition of Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles, the Three Caballeros, as they embarked on a humorous adventure throughout Mexico in search of Donald, who had gone missing during a vacation.

The transformation brought a new storyline and livelier experience to the attraction while still paying tribute to Mexico’s culture and traditions.

As with all Disney attractions, “Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros” continues to provide guests with an enjoyable and family-friendly experience at the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT.

Fun Facts

  1. Original Concept and Design Influences: “El Rio del Tiempo” was designed to give guests an immersive experience of Mexico’s history, culture, and natural beauty. The ride drew inspiration from Mexico’s actual rivers, such as the Rio Grande, and featured scenes that combined both realistic and fantastical elements. The design team, including Disney Imagineers and Mexican artists, worked closely to ensure cultural accuracy and sensitivity.


Important El Rio del Tiempo Details


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About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.