Changes are coming to the Carousel of Progress

There’s a great big, beautiful tomorrow on the way for Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom. The attraction that debuted at the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair before finding a home at Disneyland in 1967, eventually moved to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 1975. Over the more than 60 years since the attraction first debuted, the final scene has seen many changes, evolving with the times.

Now, once again the attraction is getting ready to see more changes coming in 2027. On July 6, 2026, the attraction will temporarily close to evolve to a more modern version that is relatable to a younger generation. And while many Disney fans are upset about the upcoming changes, Walt Disney himself said this about Disneyland when the park first opened: “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

And speaking of Walt Disney, in 2025 at the “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel at Destination D23 in Florida, Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty announced a new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure coming to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure Coming to the Carousel of Progress — Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

The first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure premiered at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration in July 2025. And when the Carousel of Progress of progress reopens in 2027 at the Magic Kingdom, guests on the east coast will also have an opportunity to experience a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure during the opening scene of the attraction.

A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow The Ever-Changing Carousel of Progress — Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

New Changes Coming to Carousel of Progress

In addition to adding Walt Disney to the attraction, all of the show scenes will be updated to new time periods. These updates will keep the attraction relatable to today’s guests. But rest assured that the iconic theme song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” written by the Sherman Brothers’, will continue to play as guests are transition from one scene to another.

Scene 1 – 1969

After the Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure introduces the attraction, guests will move to the first scene which will take place during the 1960s. The scene will take place during the summer of 1969 with John, Sarah and the rest of their family gathered around their television to watch the historic moon landing.

Scene 2 – 1985

The second scene will take place during the 1980s with John and his family experiencing Halloween Night in 1985. John’s wife Sarah will take center stage during this new scene with John on the porch handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. For the first time ever, she will be the one discussing the appliances and gadgets around their house. And 60 years later, Uncle Orville will still be in the bathroom saying “no privacy around here!”

Scene 3 – The New Millennium

The third scene will take place on New Year’s Eve 1999 with John and his family preparing to ring in the new millennium. This scene introduces the Internet to the attraction with a countdown to the year 2000.

Scene 4 – An Updated Future

And the final scene in the updated attraction will look into the future to how technology may be several years into the future. This scene will introduce a robot who is helping John and his family with everyday tasks around the house. The scene will also introduce space travel as a way of life. It’s the future so who knows exactly how life will be but these are the things being imagined today.

2027 Carousel of Progress Poster Art — Original *Carousel of Progress* Poster
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress Original Poster Art — New *Carousel of Progress* Poster
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

New Attraction Poster Art

In the announcement about the changes coming to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Disney also shared a look at the new poster art created for the attraction which has a similar style as the original poster. And for comparison, Disney also shared a look at the original Carousel of Progress poster art created for the attractions 1967 debut at Disneyland.