An absolutely quintessential Tomorrowland attraction in Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is — as the name informs — an original attraction conceived by Walt Disney himself, having made its debut at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.

Carousel of Progress takes guests on a journey through the 20th century as presented in a revolving theater featuring Audio-Animatronic figures that relay the ways that technological developments have made day-to-day life easier.

Disney has announced significant changes coming to this classic attraction, and Carousel of Progress will close on July 6th, 2026 to accommodate the updates, which will debut sometime in 2027. July 5th will the last day to ride before the refurbishment begins. 

Changes Coming to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

In August 2025, Disney announced the first significant change coming to the attraction: Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom will be updated with an animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself in a new opening scene! But that’s not all…

In May 2026, Disney further revealed that the entire attraction will be updated! Each scene will be completely overhauled to feature new decades — and we’ll even get a glimpse into the future. 

Disney has shared that we’ll get to see what John and Sarah — father and mother to James and Patricia — and the rest of the family (including the beloved dog, Rover!) are up to as they navigate ever-changing technology in new decades.

Disney Imagineering has been revisiting the music, fashion, technology, and experiences that helped shape history as it’s reflected in the family’s story, which will continue to be told in four acts.

Act 1 — The 1960s

Act 1 will feature the 1960s, which is when the Carousel of Progress first opened at the 1964 World’s Fair. The original story looked back over about 60 years, and this new scene will mirror that idea — starting 60 years back from today, in the 1960s.

In the summer of 1969, the Carousel family gathers around the television to witness the historic moon landing. The moment captures the “spirit of innovation and possibility that has always been — and always will be — at the heart of Carousel of Progress.”

Act 1 — The 1980s

Act 2 takes us to the 1980s, when bigger was better. 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 bathtub with “no privacy at all around here!”

Act 3 — The New Millennium

In Act 3, we’ll travel to the new millennium as the 1990s draw to a close. The family is getting ready to ring in the new year on New Year’s Eve 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.

Act 4 — The Possible Future

And finally, Act 4 is a look towards the possible future. The family is seen one last time in the distant future, 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.

To help bring the new finale to life, Imagineers looked back at original concept sketches by Disney Legend John Hench, drawing inspiration from his imaginative vision of the future.

Something that’s WON’T be changing?

The attraction’s original song by the Sherman Brothers, “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” isn’t going ANYWHERE!

What Disney Has to Say About the Changes to Carousel of Progress

When we spoke with Disney about the changes to this beloved classic attraction, they assuaged our concerns, and it was easy to see how excited and confident they were that people would love the new version. The Imagineers in charge of this project shared that they know people love this ride, including the song, the family, and the humor — but that they really care about the ride and won’t let us down.

They said, “Rest assured, know that when we talk about a classic like this…our Imagineers take the utmost care in how we approach that.”

Regarding the addition of Walt Disney to the attraction, Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum, shared the following: “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.” 

Timeline for Carousel of Progress Transformation

Disney has announced significant changes coming to this classic attraction, and Carousel of Progress will close on July 6th, 2026 to accommodate the updates, which will reopen sometime in 2027. July 5th will the last day to ride before the refurbishment begins. 

Remember, “There’s a great, big, beautiful TOMORROW,” and we can’t wait to share it with you here on the DFB!