The Grand Fiesta Tour at Epcot in the Walt Disney World Resort – Episode 17
May 08, 2009 in
Epcot, Walt Disney World, Weekly Episodes
This week we take ride on the Grand Fiesta Tour at Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Hope you enjoy this week’s video, be sure to leave a commment!
Rick Howard
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41 comments
Marc Silverman on May 8, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I don’t know if my last comment posted. If it did, please deleted this post. Thanks, Marc
Tina Milledge on May 9, 2009 at 3:22 am
hi Rick, thanks for another great video. I love the catchy music on that one! My favourite non-park thing to do is…..soak my feet after all that walking!
An afternoon in the pool is wonderful! Once my feet have recovered, I love Disney’s Days of Christmas store at Downtown Disney.
I’ve only been to Disney once, but I bought home a tree decoration of Mickey from that store which has the date of our visit, 1992, and it reminds me every year of what a great time we had on our honeymoon. This year, 17 years later, we are finally coming back, this time with our two kids (16 and 12), so I’ll have two reminders of WDW on my tree! I plan to make it three by the end of 2010
Teresa Mays on May 9, 2009 at 4:15 am
Thanks for the video Rick. I am glad to see this because I probably would not have gone out of my way to ride it since there are so many other things to do at Epcot and we rode it before it was renovated. I think my little ones would definitely enjoy this one!
I look forward to your question of the week almost as much as the video. There are 3 non-park things we do. If it is warm enough we go to the pool (we tend to go at Christmas time). We have to spend at least 1/2 a day at Down town Disney shopping. The funnest part we have been building on each Christmas visit is visiting the individual hotels to check out their ginger bread houses and looking for the hidden Mickeys. That is FUN!
Thanks for bringing my favorite place on Earth each week, Rick! It is greatly appreciated.
Penny Serrato on May 9, 2009 at 6:11 am
Great Video. I have one question, is the restaurant and ride inside the Pyramid? We didn’t ride it when we were there. My favorite thing to do outside the theme parks is a no brainer and I actually have 3: Relax at the resort poolside, shopping at Downtown Disneys, and taking a walk to explore the resort. Usually the grounds are beautiful and relaxing to walk through. I look forward to the next video. Thanks again.
Penny
kim on May 9, 2009 at 6:13 am
Hey Rick…great video! LOVE it in Mexico and of course San Angel Inn is one of my favorite places now!! Can’t wait to go back!
One of our favorite things to do when not in the park is spend time at the resort…could be swimming, hidden Mickey hunt, riding water mice or just sitting and relaxing with a good book! That is one reason I love staying at WL…it is so peaceful and each morning I would go down to the lobby early with my cup of coffee and my book and just enjoy the tranquility!!
Donna Isard on May 9, 2009 at 6:25 am
Thanks for the video Rick. We did this ride the last time we were at Epcot and really enjoyed it.
On our last trip to disney we started going to the different resorts to check out thier decorations for Christmas and just to see the resorts which we really enjoyed. We like sitting in the hot tub at the resort and just relaxing after all of the walking and the last thing in downtown disney either shopping or pin trading.
Thanks, Donna Isard
Lori Blessner on May 9, 2009 at 7:11 am
Thanks for the video, the Mexican pavillion is beautiful, this ride is charming.
Our new favorite away from the parks fun is mini golf at Winterland/Summerland. We went there for the first time on our last trip after missing it four times. It was fun and will certainly hit it again next trip.
Thelma Huss on May 9, 2009 at 7:19 am
I don’t remember the ride being that noisy. It was relaxing and cool as I remember it. We did enjoy it.
After a day in the park the only thing to do is collapse. We stay at Disney, so don’t have the driving home to worry about. That is a huge plus.
Carly Cundiff on May 9, 2009 at 7:46 am
Hi Rick!
Another fantastic video. We didn’t get to ride this last time. We were a little jet lagged when we reached the Mexico pavilion. It was great that we got to see it. Definately going on it in August!
My favorite thing to do other than the theme parks is just hanging out at the parks. My family and I stayed at the Polynesian last time and I loved just going around the trails and seeing the flowers and ducks
Once again, great video Rick! I always look forward to seeing your videos every week!
annalaura brown on May 9, 2009 at 7:51 am
great video. I actually have never been to Walt Disney World and I haven’t been to Disneyland since 1991, so I have no idea what my favorite thing to do would be since I’m not really even sure what there is other than the park.
Holly Hodgkin on May 9, 2009 at 7:59 am
Our very favorite non-park thing to do is go to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review! So much fun! We also love to resort-hop and see what is going on in each… especially at Christmas when the decorations are so fabulous!
Pati McElroy on May 9, 2009 at 8:07 am
My favorite non-Disney thing to do is lay at the pool at Yacht and Beach Club. I think they have the best pool of all the resorts. They have so many sections of the pool, that it usually appeals to all ages!
Colleen Anastasi on May 9, 2009 at 8:27 am
I didn’t do this ride since it changed over….looks like this is a must on our next trip. I am not a fan of Mexican food but the atmosphere of the restaurant overlooking the river looks to be too inviting to pass up too!
When we are in Disney, anyone who knows me knows how much I love Fort Wilderness. There is nothing better at night (if you are not in a park!) then to go into the Settlement Depot, grabbing a Mickey bar and heading down to the beach to watch the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. You can also catch the Electrical Boat Parade as they go off pretty close together.
David H. on May 9, 2009 at 8:41 am
Have never ridden the Mexico ride in two trips to WDW. Maybe we’ll have to next time. Thanks for the videos. There isn’t a lot we like to do outside of going to the parks. Maybe Downtown Disney shopping would be the thing…..or maybe just taking a nap.
Brad S on May 9, 2009 at 8:54 am
Great video! This is a great rest after all that walking to get to Epcot World Showcase. Just rode this again this past September and enjoyed it since they renovated it from the last time I was there. Going back to WDW and taking my mother next week and I defintely would like her to see all the countries and explore each one and this will be one we will stop at after a nice cold margarita at the stand outside.
Cheryl Mekarski on May 9, 2009 at 9:07 am
I love to hang out at the resort pool.
Scott Schultz on May 9, 2009 at 9:27 am
Great video! I Love the Mexico Pavillion at Epcot’s World Showcase!
Our favorite thing to do when not in the parks is Resort Hopping.
Every trip we try and visit at least one resort we’ve never been to before. We explore their gift shops and usually grab a bite to eat when we are there.
Scott Schultz
Lori Jubelt on May 9, 2009 at 9:58 am
Hi! Thanks for the great video…I still think I like the old version better but I enjoy this one too and still ride it every time I visit! When I am not in a park I like to enjoy my resort, explore or relax by the pool, spend time at DTD or explore some of the other resorts while having lunch or dinner there! So many choices…and I love them all!
Derek Holtom on May 9, 2009 at 10:00 am
Love the Mexican Pavillion! The video makes me want a dinner ressie there tonight. Our favorite non-theme park thing to do, is hop on the monorail, & get off at each of the resorts on that loop, & have a look around. We look forward to doing that this Christmas, & look at all the great decorations.
scott segedy on May 9, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I love swimming at the resort pool and just laying around taking it all in.
Terri Gonzo on May 9, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Hi Rick,
For as many times as I have been to WDW we have never been on this ride. This will be a must on our trip this year. Thanks again.
A must to do is to relax on the beach at the resort of our choice, Polynesian. The monorail is a close second:)
Linda Miller on May 9, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Hi, Rick!
Loved the video of the Gran Fiesta Tour! We ride it at least once on every visit.
My favorite non-theme park activity is going to Downtown Disney and going in the World of Disney store. If I can’t find what I am looking for there, I don’t think I will find it anywhere!!
Linda Miller
Duane McCall on May 9, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I have started my own personal tradition. As a professional firefighter I visit a different Reedy Creek fire station before we leave Disney.
Rick, I think it is time for someone to give you a shout out. I want to thank you for helping bring back so many wonderful memories and giving us a forum to be able to express and share those memories with others.
Chris Schofield on May 9, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Great show Rick, It’s interesting so see all these attractions that I just as I didn’t even know some of them existed!
Fave thing to do none park is to take a tour of the various resorts, most of the time they are just ignored unless you are staying there so its nice to take a look and see what you might be missing.
All the best.
Chris
Tammy Norman on May 9, 2009 at 6:44 pm
My fave non park is shopping at Downtown Disney
Mayra Lopez on May 9, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Another great video. This is another one of those rides you use to escape the heat and crowds and just kick back and relax. I love it!!
My favorite non theme park thing to do is go shopping at Downtown Disney. There are so many things to see and do there.
Annette Peppler on May 9, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Wow! I guess it is time for me to go thru this attraction again. I haven’t been thru it since it has changed names. Thanks for bringing it back to my attention. My favorite non theme park thing to do is shopping at Downtown Disney of course!
Carol Nash on May 9, 2009 at 10:46 pm
My favorite is to sleep late then go lay out at the pool. In the evening go to Downtown Disney for supper at Wolfgang Pucks.
Bob Nordmark on May 9, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Hi Rick, Thanks for another great video. My favorite thing to do when I am not at a Disney Theme Park is to go to Jungle Adventure on HWY 50 and Merritt Island near Titusville. I haven’t been to Sea World, Bush Gardens in Tampa, or Unviersal Studios. They are on my list of things to do the next time I am in Orlando.
Laurie Holden on May 10, 2009 at 8:13 am
Thanks for the great video. I’m looking forward to this attraction when we go in August!!
My favorite non-park thing to do is defitely downtown disney! A combo of disney and shopping, what could be better? Oh, and food! And drink! And candy! Makes for a great day off from the parks!
Karen Revis on May 10, 2009 at 8:17 am
Thanks for letting us see the update! I leave in 54 days and I have not seen the new updated version! My kids love going in the Pyramid and trying on the mexican hats and playing with the moracca’s.
Our favorite non-theme park thing to do? Gosh there are so many! Downtown Disney, Typhoon Lagoon, sitting around the pool at Fort Wilderness, renting the water mice, did parasailing twice, arcade at Contemporary…. My kids would say their favorite thing is renting a golf cart at fort wilderness for the day and riding all around the campground for the day. I would say sleeping in late and having a sit down breakfast at the Polynesian Resort, and hubby would pick Typhoon Lagoon (I cannot get him and my 6 yr old out of the wave pool!).
Karen J Revis
mother to 7 little dwarfs-Matthew, Maeghann, Mason, Mackay, Malone, Marc and Max
WDW trips:
1979 Fort Wilderness
1990 off site
1998 AS Music
2002 Fort Wilderness
2004 Fort Wilderness
2004 AS Movies
2005 Pop Century & Coronado Springs
2005 Wilderness Lodge
2005 POR & Fort Wilderness
2006 Fort Wilderness
2006 off site
2007 Bonnet Creek
2007 Fort Wilderness
7/3-7/17,2009 Fort Wilderness
Jeanne Cundiff on May 10, 2009 at 10:43 am
Great Video again! We have to ride this one! I think my favorite would be riding the Monorail around at night. The resorts, lights and sometimes fireworks, if you catch it right, are just beautiful sights.
Thanks Again!
Debbie Bolen on May 11, 2009 at 8:32 am
Love the video – we didn’t go on this ride last time @ WDW, but we did walk around inside. Hubby is huge Donald fan – spent most of the trip looking for Donald…..so this is being added to our things to do next time.
My favorite non-theme park thing to do is riding the buses to different resorts and walking around to see the sites at each hotel. It is really interesting to see how Disney took each and made a completely different atmosphere – down to the smallest detail! This is especially cool to do at Christmas with all the different decorations.
Caroline Jubelt on May 11, 2009 at 9:13 am
Another great video!! I really didn’t care for the food at the San Angel Inn, but the view was awesome. I would have to say my favorite non-theme park thing to do would be shopping at Downtown Disney.
Kris Koelzer on May 11, 2009 at 9:23 am
Another great video. I love the room with the fireworks going off in the ceiling. My favorite non theme park activity is probably visiting the resorts. We especially love riding the monorail to the Poly, Contempory and the Grand Floridian and walking around the grounds.
Kevin Nelson on May 11, 2009 at 11:28 am
Thank you Rick, for all your great videos, they sure bless my day. My favorite non-disney theme park thing to do is to lay around my resort pool and swim with my boys. Keep up the great work!
Elizabeth Batsios on May 11, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Thanks for another great video. Our favorite non theme park activity is hanging out at our resort, swimming in the pool and just soaking in the atmosphere.
Barbara Thompson on May 11, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Thanks Rick for the great video. We haven’t seen that one. When we get there in June We will need to do that one for sure.
As far as non Disney theme park its a toss up between horse back riding, renting a boat for a couple of hours and spending the day at Celebration driving around looking at homes, having lunch at the corner restaurant, walk around the shops and just sitting around the lake for a few hours.
Julie Swartz on May 12, 2009 at 10:10 am
Our favorite non theme park thing to do is our annual first night dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe. For us it is a great way to kick off our vacation and it means we are in our favorite place in the world!!
Steve S. on May 13, 2009 at 12:14 am
That’s the great thing about these videos here, youtube, etc. If you miss a ride when you are at the theme parks or you want to see one at home, most of the time they are just a keystroke away.
My favorite things to do outside the theme parks are visiting the resorts. I also like to go to the waterparks. I love to swim. Last year when we weren’t visiting the theme parks we spent a lot of time at our resort just outside of Disney.
Feel free to stop on by my website at http://www.mydisneyworldvacation.blogspot.com
Janet Gill on May 14, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Rick great video! I love this ride since it has been redone with the 3 Caballeros. Our favorite thing to do besides the theme parks…hmmmmm…Typhoon Lagoon and the pool at our resort. We leave on 6/12 for 12 days!!! Can’t wait, we are staying at Pop Century. My college age son is bringing a friend, (two rooms, yeah!!) the two guys have fun at the parks and we meet up for dinner each day. So we can relax with our 13 year old and have a stress free time!
Enjoy all the videos you bring each week!