Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is getting one of its biggest transformations in decades, and honestly, this feels like one of the most ambitious updates Disney has attempted for a classic attraction in a very long time.
Disney has officially announced major changes coming to the beloved Magic Kingdom attraction, including:
- An all-new opening featuring Walt Disney himself
- Completely updated show scenes and decades
- A brand-new future finale
- Refreshed storytelling and props throughout the attraction
The attraction will temporarily close beginning July 6, 2026 and is expected to reopen sometime in 2027.
Walt Disney Will Appear Inside the Attraction
Probably the biggest reveal is that Walt Disney himself will soon appear inside Carousel of Progress through Audio-Animatronics technology.
The new opening scene is inspired by the 1964 television special “Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair,” where Walt originally introduced Carousel of Progress to audiences before the attraction debuted at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.
Disney says Imagineers are recreating props and details from that historic presentation, including:
- A prototype Tiki bird
- “it’s a small world” dolls
- Tower of the Four Winds models
Honestly, this feels like one of the more emotional additions Disney has announced recently. Carousel of Progress has always been closely tied to Walt’s vision of optimism and innovation, so having him physically appear in the attraction feels incredibly fitting.
Every Scene Is Being Updated
Disney also confirmed every act of the attraction will shift to entirely new decades while keeping the attraction’s iconic theme song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.”
The new lineup includes:
Act 1 – The 1960s
The show now begins during the Apollo 11 moon landing in summer 1969 as the family gathers around the television to witness history.
Act 2 – The 1980s
The second act moves to Halloween night in 1985, with Sarah taking a larger role while the family embraces new gadgets and appliances of the era.
Act 3 – New Year’s Eve 1999
The family prepares for the new millennium while learning how the internet is connecting the world.
Act 4 – The Future
The final act imagines an “out-of-this-world” future home complete with robots and space travel, inspired by original concepts from Disney Legend John Hench.
Disney Is Trying to Keep the Attraction Relatable
According to Disney, one of the major goals behind the refresh was making Carousel of Progress feel more relatable for modern audiences by using decades guests personally remember and connect with.
And honestly, that probably makes sense.
While the current version has become iconic to longtime Disney fans, some of its original scenes had started feeling disconnected from newer generations. Updating the decades while preserving the attraction’s optimism and practical effects may actually be the smartest way to modernize it without losing its identity.
A Massive Change for Tomorrowland
Carousel of Progress has existed in some form for more than 60 years, making it one of Disney’s most historically important attractions.
And while Disney fans are always nervous anytime a classic attraction changes, this honestly feels more like an evolution than a replacement.
The attraction was literally designed around the idea of progress and changing technology. In many ways, updating it again almost feels like honoring the original concept.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.