In case you missed it, Disney recently confirmed a classic attraction is getting a MAJOR overhaul. After years of waiting, the Carousel of Progress is changing.

©Disney

Previously, Disney confirmed that a scene with a brand-new Walt Disney animatronic would be added. Now, they’ve confirmed that EVERY scene is changing in the Tomorrowland show. With some time to process the changes, we’re here to share Disney fans’ biggest thoughts and feelings about the updates.

The Carousel of Progress will be closing on July 6th, 2026, to begin the big overhaul of this rotating theater show. Disney shared that they hope audiences will be able to connect with the new scenes and new eras. They’ve confirmed they’re revisiting the music, fashion, technology, and experiences that John and his family will have in the updated show.

©Disney

Act 1 will feature the 1960s, which is when the Carousel of Progress first opened at the 1964 World’s Fair. In the summer of 1969, the Carousel family gathered around the television to witness the historic moon landing! Disney has shared this scene will capture the “spirit of innovation and possibility that has always been — and always will be — at the heart of Carousel of Progress.”

Carousel of Progress

In Act 2, we’ll be going to the 1980s! On Halloween night in 1985, Sarah will take center stage as she shares all about how the new appliances and gadgets are making life easier for the whole family. John is out on the porch handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, and poor Uncle Orville will still be in the bathroom with “no privacy at all around here!”

Carousel of Progress

In Act 3, we’re checking out the new millennium as the 1990s are ending. The family will be together to ring in the New Year in 1999. The Internet is bringing John, Sarah, Jimmy, and Patty closer together than ever before. Of course, Grandpa has already nodded off, so Grandma changes the TV over to wrestling when no one is looking. Finally, Act 4 will feature a possible future! They’ll be in a home that’s out of this world. The off-planet scene features a helpful robot assisting with everyday tasks, along with space travel, and imagines a future where extraordinary innovation has become part of life.

©Disney

While we are pretty excited about the upcoming changes, fans online have some big feelings! On our Instagram and Facebook, we have been combing through the comments to see how YOU feel too. Just like any big announcement, there are feelings both positive and negative, about the announcement. A neutral moment came from Brian Ricci on Facebook, who wrote, “The 80s better have brown paneling everywhere and a tv entertainment set on the floor.” This seriously made us giggle!

Carousel of Progress

Gene Gorter wrote, “For nostalgia reasons, I always loved that attraction, but I also just think it’s such a great concept showing how lives have changed over the years. But of course, given that the attraction first opened 60 years ago, it’s been hard for them to keep it as relevant. So I’m very pleased they’re gonna refurbish it in this way instead of just turning it into a DVC lounge or something.” This is an opinion we can get behind!

The Carousel!

“I think they need to keep everything they currently have and add some updated new things at the end. Please do not delete the OG stuff,” wrote Jamie Hojnoski. We’re sorry to say Jamie might be a bit disappointed. Carol Williams Chambers wrote, “So history doesn’t matter? Not happy at all.” On Instagram, @jpod02 shared, “They took my mountain, they took my test track… now they’re taking my carousel.”

Carousel of Progress

@michele_diehl said, “Stop ruining the old stuff.” Safe to say, he isn’t too excited just yet. @diybratt shared their thoughts by saying, “Disney has lost the plot. It’s a show about progress how things didn’t exist and people decided to invent things we know today as common like AC, phones, airplanes, electric, refrigerators etc. seeing the world before our comfort. This is one of Walt’s babies he worked so hard on it. Truly so sad to see how some of Walt’s projects are getting “minor” refurbishments. 😢 I get it’s progress and things change all the time, but this one seems like it should be left alone.” This comment got 507 likes on our Instagram.

Current Carousel of Progress Halloween scene

Not everyone is too upset, though! Erin Thomen DiCola shared, “COP is a must for me when I go, and I am so excited for this! This is Walt’s vision to keep moving forward and changing.” Irmary M Betancourt Relta wrote, “Can they just keep it all lol and make it longer?” We would love an even longer version of the attraction!

Carousel of Progress

To defend Disney’s choice, @zefquinn27 wrote, “Everyone in the comments complaining about keeping it “old school” forget that Walt Disney originally envisioned the Carousel of Progress as something that would continue evolving over time. The whole concept was about imagining the future from the perspective of each era. Updating scenes to reflect modern ideas and future possibilities is actually closer to Walt’s original philosophy than keeping it permanently frozen in one decade. The ending scene was a prediction of our present future which ended up being scarily accurate. It’s finally time for the next prediction.”

Sarah painting!

Fans seem pretty torn over these changes, and they aren’t holding back. We received hundreds of comments on our platforms, but it really will come down to how fans feel about the ride once it officially opens. They confirmed the ride is going to reopen sometime in 2027, but they haven’t given a firm date just yet. While change can feel hard, it is inevitable. We can’t wait to see how the ride will be updated, but we know for a fact that there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day. Don’t forget to keep following DFB for more Disney news and more.

SNEAK PEEK at Carousel of Progress Changes in Disney World

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Tell us YOUR thoughts on the changes in the comments!