Total Makeover of a Classic Attraction in Magic Kingdom

The iconic Carousel of Progress is getting its biggest update ever—featuring new scenes, new time periods, and an audio-animatronic version of Walt Disney himself. Walt Disney World has announced a major update to the classic attraction Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom. The refurbishment is described as the most extensive since the attraction opened in Florida in 1975, involving a complete update of the entire experience while preserving its core and legacy.

All Scenes Will Be Replaced

The biggest change is that all four scenes in the attraction will be replaced. In the current version, guests follow an American family through the evolution of technology from the early 1900s to the present day. This concept will now be modernized with an entirely new timeline.

The new version will begin in the 1960s before moving on to the 1980s, New Year’s Eve in 1999, and finally a brand-new vision of the future. Disney explains that these time periods were chosen to make the story more relevant and relatable for today’s audiences, who have stronger personal connections to these decades.

Among the newly revealed scenes is a sequence where the family gathers around the TV to watch the moon landing in 1969, as well as a Halloween 1985 scene focusing on new technological innovations in the home.

The attraction will close on July 6, 2026, and is expected to reopen in 2027 in a completely new version.

Walt Disney Becomes Part of the Attraction

One of the most striking announcements is that Walt Disney himself will appear in the attraction as an Audio-Animatronic figure. This will be the first time such a version of Walt is included in an attraction at Walt Disney World.

The new opening scene is inspired by a 1964 television special in which Walt introduced Carousel of Progress to the public at the New York World’s Fair. The goal is to connect the attraction more closely to its original vision while giving guests a stronger historical foundation.

Preserving What Makes It Unique

Despite the major changes, Disney emphasizes that many of the most beloved elements will remain. The iconic song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” will continue to be a central part of the experience, and the same family that guests have followed for decades will still be at the heart of the story.

The attraction will also retain its classic presentation style, including the rotating theater, physical sets, and practical effects. Disney has made it clear that the goal is not to replace the soul of the attraction, but to evolve it for a new generation.

A New Era for a Disney Classic

Carousel of Progress dates back to the 1964–65 World’s Fair and is considered one of Walt Disney’s most personal projects. With this update, Disney aims to balance nostalgia with modernization at a time when many classic attractions are being reimagined.

The result will be an attraction that still celebrates optimism and technological progress—but through a more modern and relatable lens.

When Carousel of Progress reopens in 2027, guests will experience a familiar story—told in a completely new way.