NEWS: BIG Change Coming to the Carousel of Progress

It’s been over thirty years since we’ve seen an update to “Walt Disney Carousel of Progress” at Magic Kingdom. That’s one of the reasons we’re so excited that Disney has announced the attraction will receive an update that includes Walt himself. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Peyton Schultze:

Following a dream with mind and heart against all odds, Walt Disney revealed Disneyland to the world on July 17, 1955, changing the future of entertainment as we know it and cementing a transformative legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world today.

That same vision continues to push for ongoing innovation across Disney Parks in the present and future, just as it has over the past 70 years. In an exciting announcement on stage during the “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel at Destination D23, Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty revealed that you will soon be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort.

“We are grateful to The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering for their continued collaboration and ongoing partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum. The introduction of a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in ‘Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress’ marks an exciting milestone in our shared mission to celebrate the story of the man behind the magic and inspire new generations with his innovations and vision for the future. We appreciate the continued efforts and meticulous care that Imagineering has taken to keep Walt’s legacy alive,” Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum said.

Walt’s Ongoing Impact on the Carousel of Progress

Walt’s own idea from beginning to end, the Carousel of Progress made its debut at the New York World’s Fair in 1964, where it was an immediate smash hit for millions of people visiting from around the world. Since then, the show has had more performances than any other stage show in the history of American theater and has found a comfortable home as a tribute to the original version of the show inside Magic Kingdom since 1975.

Progress and innovation were two of Walt’s cornerstone passions, which is as evident in the show today as it was when it first debuted. Before you follow an American family (and Rover!) over four generations of progress as technology transforms their lives and paves the way for once-unimaginable innovations, you’ll be able to catch a brand-new introductory scene and hear from the legendary man who never stood in the way of progress — Walt Disney.

There are still plenty of additional details to be revealed, including what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family are up to. Disney Imagineers love this attraction and the heart of it will stay the same while introducing the Carousel of Progress to an entirely new generation of fans, showing them that a great big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.

RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Facts and Secrets About Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

by Kristin

This really is one of my favorite attractions. Not only am I a massive fan of all things Disney, but I am a huge fan of Walt Disney himself. He is so inspiring, and I love getting a dose of attractions and experiences that he had a real hand and influence in. This is one of those attractions that gives you the feels for Walt as you enjoy it. Here are some of the great facts and secrets that you may not know about the Carousel of Progress:

10 – Was originally created for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.

The attraction was created as part of “Progressland” as an experience at the New York World’s Fair. The attraction focuses on progress through the years and puts progress into perspective. Once the attraction closed at the World’s Fair, it was then moved to Disneyland. It remained at Disneyland until 1973. After that is was then moved and set up at the Magic Kingdom in 1975, where it has remained intact and still in operation.

9 – General Electric was the original sponsor.

General Electric was the original sponsor for the attraction and was the collaborator on “Progressland” at the World’s Fair. The attraction featured all General Electric products and brand logos on all of the new technology and products that were features in each of the different eras of progress. In 1985, General Electric ceased as the sponsor for the attraction, which resulted in the video while you wait to board being changed to remove General Electric, and many of the logos have been removed or altered to no longer bear the General Electric name.

8 – “The Best Time of Your Life”

When the attraction opened at the Magic Kingdom in 1975, it opened with the song, “The Best Time of Your Life” instead of the original song. In 1994 the attraction was restored to its original glory, and “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” came back as the theme song for the attraction.

7 – The beloved Sherman brothers.

You may already know that Walt Disney had a great working relationship with his favorite songwriters, the Sherman brothers. Richard and Robert Sherman worked very closely with Walt and wrote many of Walt’s favorite songs, including “Feed the Birds,” which was his all-time favorite. They are also the writers of “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” Walt worked closely with them on this song, so the song really does give you a little piece of Walt when you hear it.

6 – Who let Bugs Bunny in here?

Uncle Orville is in a few of the scenes in the attraction.  The voice for Uncle Orville is the same actor who voiced Bugs Bunny!  Bugs managed to find a way to sneak into the happiest place on earth!

5 – There are 4 different key scenes and eras:

• Valentine’s Day at the turn of the 20th century
• The 4th of July during the 1920s
• Halloween during the 1940s
• Christmas in the 21st century

4 – Don’t forget to look for hidden Mickeys!

There are actually four different hidden Mickeys in the final scene, the Christmas scene. You will notice a Mickey nutcracker on the mantel over the fireplace. There is also a white Mickey peppermill in the kitchen. You will also notice a painting on the dining room wall that looks like Mickey. Lastly, and probably most obviously, there is a plush Mickey within the presents.

3 – Unique way to expand the set.

You will notice that to each side of the stage are areas where other animatronics appear. These are the members of the family that our host is interacting with. In each of the era scenes, these side rooms change during the show. There is a scrim over each side, and when the lights are out, the stages on the side rotate 180 degrees so that you get a brand new scene, thus keeping the story moving. You likely wouldn’t even notice the change is happening unless you were looking for it!

2 – Same narrator from A Christmas Story.

The voice of the father and main character in the attraction is voiced by Jean Shepherd. He is the same actor who voiced the favorite Christmas movie, “A Christmas Story.” You will definitely be able to tell it is the same person if you are a fan of the movie!

1 – Quick ride facts:

• The attraction duration is just over 20 minutes.
• It is slow-moving, so anyone can ride.
• Guests can remain in their wheelchairs on the attraction.