2 Problems Plaguing EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion Right Now

EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion has long been the chosen starting point for many World Showcase guests over the last 40+ years. However, these days, the venerable pyramid-encased pavilion is facing some issues.

Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT

In my 30+ years of visiting EPCOT, I’ve long been fascinated by the Mexico pavilion thanks to its unique nature as the only World Showcase pavilion to be completely indoors, with a controlled, planned climate environment.

Gran Fiesta Tour is Showing Its Age

While the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros has technically only been open since 2007, the vast majority of the ride — including its general layout, animatronics, some of its filmed components, and many of its animatronics — have been at EPCOT since opening day, when the ride first opened as El Rio Del Tiempo.

Gran Fiesta Tour

Now, my love of classic EPCOT attractions has been well-established, so I’m torn to say anything close to complaining about one of the few that’s left, but the reality is that the Gran Fiesta Tour — with its near 45-year-old ride system and being themed to a film from 1944 — feels aged and dated compared to the other World Showcase’s other attractions: Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

While a full teardown of the attraction seems unlikely, it wouldn’t surprise us if the ride got a Coco revamp sooner rather than later, especially after the upcoming California Adventure opens in the next few years.

©Disney

La Cava Crowds

In recent years, La Cava del Tequila has become one of the most popular drinking spots not just in Mexico, but in all of the World Showcase.

Inside La Cava

In addition to its menu of 200 tequilas, top-shelf cocktails, Mexican beer and wine, and snacks such as guacamole and queso with corn chips, part of the appeal of the location is its small, dimly lit atmosphere.

La Cava del Tequila Restaurant

Rating: N/A Recommended By: N/A

Menus: All-Day
Services: Bar/Lounge

However, the trade-off there is that the bar — and the area outside of it — are often packed with crowds waiting to get in.

Outside La Cava

EPCOT’s Mexico is facing some issues unique to the pavilion amongst the other World Showcase nations as the park approaches 50. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on EPCOT.