Are you ready to get lost in the music of Mexico with the Mariachi Cobre band at Epcot in Walt Disney World.
If you are, then you’re going to be in for a real treat as you bask in the traditions of the band originally formed in the early 1970s.
You can catch this daily lineup at Epcot, as the Mariachi Cobre are one of the few entertainment features at the park that has been around since the 1982 opening year.
They’ve also had moments of sharing the stage with great musicians, such as Carlos Santana!
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What is the Mariachi Cobre at Disney?
The Mariachi Cobre consists of a traditional 10-piece Mexican mariachi band that’s originally from Tucson, Arizona.
It’s a 25-minute performance that’s played out in front of the Mayan pyramid of the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot theme park.
The Mariachi Band at Epcot
This band is filled with the world famous traditional folk music from Jalisco, Mexico.
The ensemble also includes guitarists, trumpet players, and violinists that will take you into their own culture, while being in the charm and magic of Walt Disney World.
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History of the Mariachi Cobre Band at Epcot
The Epcot Mariachi Cobre band actually comes from Tucson, Arizona. And get this, Arizona is nicknamed the Copper State, which is pretty cool because “Cobre” means copper in Spanish.
So, that’s how they got their name, Mariachi Cobre.
The reason Mariachi Cobre even got together in the first place was because of a youth Mariachi group in Tucson called Los Changuitos Feos.
Basically, all the members of Mariachi Cobre were part of this group before they formed their own.
The age range of Los Changuitos Feos was from 9 to 16 years old, so they were a pretty young bunch.
The youth group used to play at Disneyland in California every Cinco De Mayo around 1968 all the way through about the mid-seventies.
But here’s the really cool part – they actually got to fly on Walt Disney’s plane!
Yup, the Disney Company would come and scoop them up, whisking them off to California and then safely bringing them back home. Can you imagine how lucky they were?
After the formation of Mariachi Cobre, Walt Disney World eagerly reached out to them with an invitation to perform at the beloved Magic Kingdom in Pecos Bill Cafe, located in Frontierland.
In 1973 and 1974, Mariachi Cobre would go on to delight audiences at the iconic Contemporary Resort’s Grand Canyon concourse.
After that, they were asked to open Epcot in 1982 making 2024 their 42nd anniversary year.
Presently the Mariachi Cobre Band consists of:
- Violin
- Trumpet
- A regular Spanish guitar
- Vihuela: a five-string tenor guitar that’s indigenous to Mexico.
- Guitarron: a big bass
Hipster Power Tip: The vihuela and the guitarron are the instruments that define a mariachi.
5 Easy Tips to Remember for Watching the Mariachi Cobre at Epcot
Let’s go through a few strategies to help you enjoy your experience watching this one-of-a-kind Mexican band.
- Check the my Disney Experience app for the times of the show.
- Don’t miss out on the story of Coco (the hit Disney movie), which can be at select times throughout the day.
- Grab a margarita first from LaCava Del tequila before you arrived to the show, that way you can enjoy a drink and a live band, encompassing that whole magic of Mexico.
- Participate and dance to the music. Let the musicians know that you are enjoying what they have to offer. Even if you don’t understand the Spanish language and some of the songs, just enjoy it because you will not going to be able to stand still even if you tried. It’s just that great of a performance.
- Have Fun! Enjoy the performance and your day at Epcot 🙂
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My Final Thoughts on This Mexican Band in Epcot
Not only is the Mariachi Cobre a cultural tradition, but it’s one of the few experiences left from the early days of the Epcot theme park.
This adventure is not only enticing for your solo trip, but it’s recommended for anyone who’s coming to this Disney park.
I highly suggest making time to watch the Mariachi Cobre on your trip to Epcot, especially if you’re trying to drink and eat your way around the world.
Most likely your first stop will be in the Mexico pavilion, which is a great way to start your World Showcase journey.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
UP NEXT: Your Passport to Drinking Around the World in EPCOT (Definitive Guide)
(Original Article Date: April 28, 2015/Updated January 4, 2023)