Carousel of Progress is getting reimagined with some pretty big changes. Here’s why we’re feeling optimistic about what’s to come for the Tomorrowland attraction.

“It’s a great big beautiful tomorrow” at the classic Tomorrowland attraction. That’s right, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is undergoing a huge refurbishment.

It was originally announced that Walt himself would join the show (in animatronic form, of course), but now the Disney Parks Blog has shared that the entire show is undergoing a major refurbishment. Our family, anchored by John, will soon be traveling from the 1960s to the 1980s to the turn of the new millennium, and beyond. And as always, fans are receiving the news with mixed emotions. Some are excited for a change, some are clinging to nostalgia, and some are like, “What is the Carousel of Progress?” 

Carousel of Progress Changes

Now, I am not going to pretend the Carousel of Progress is my favorite attraction of all time, but I do have a fondness for it. For starters, during my time as a Cast Member, I was a “Walt Disney: From Marceline to Magic Kingdom” tour guide. This tour was focused on Walt himself and ended at the Carousel of Progress, exploring the importance of the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair and its impact on the Disney Company.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

It’s safe to say, I have spent my fair share of time with the “family” thanks to this gig, and I will miss the little details and nods to the original Imagineers. As a Disney history nerd, I also have a specific appreciation for this attraction as it’s one of the few things we have in Walt Disney World that Walt himself actually touched. It is HIS Carousel of Progress after all.

But primarily, the original attractions live in Disneyland, and this is a notable exception. So of course, there is a part of my brain that wants to keep it the same; it’s always been (which in itself is a foolish concept, because it’s already undergone numerous changes in its lifetime) 

A Way to Keep Moving Forward

That said, it is called the Carousel of PROGRESS, and I truly believe Walt himself would want this attraction to “keep moving forward.” But beyond speculating what Walt’s ghost would approve of, it’s not like this attraction is packing the seats, and I understand Disney’s perspective of wanting the show to resonate with the current audience. And while I am still grappling with the fact that the decade I was born in is now the SECOND SCENE of the ride (someone meet me at an early bird dinner), the updated timeline will undeniably be more relatable to guests visiting Walt Disney World in present day.

Why I’m Optimistic About the Reimagining

Here are a few reasons I am cautiously optimistic about the reimagining:

Disney Imagineering Has Hit Recent Updates Out of the Park  

I am a big believer in waiting to experience new theme park rides, shows, and restaurants before I pass judgment.  However, I was a little confused when Disney announced the Muppets were taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. I didn’t understand how this would fit – but wow, did they nail it.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

As a huge Muppets fan, I was tickled by the amount of Easter Eggs, details, and nods to both the Muppets and the original version of the ride. I loved the reused animatronics (and the brand new Scooter!), gags in the preshow (and on the ride), and the updated Electric Mayhem attraction. Plus, it’s still the same coaster we all know and love, so thrill seekers will still get the 0-60 mph launch and triple inversions. 

The Latest Updates

Additionally, the new updates at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Soarin’, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run are all winners in my book. They have taken already-beloved rides and given them new life, while maintaining what fans love about them to begin with. And, in the case of Smugglers Run, they’ve not only added incredibly popular characters, but more re-ridability and excitement (shout out to the engineer who finally has an exciting role!). 

While attending an event with Disney last week, we experienced all five of these updated classics, and for me, they went five for five on improving them. This recent track record gives me a lot of faith in the current Imagineering Cast Members, so before I pass judgment on the announced Carousel of Progress updates, I am going to let them cook.

Disney Imagineers Sound Excited

While attending this event last week, we had the pleasure of attending a panel with various Disney leaders and Imagineers, where we got to learn more about the recent and upcoming changes coming to Walt Disney World. And when they began chatting about the aforementioned Carousel of Progress changes, they LIT UP with excitement.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

We learned that not only are they having a blast creating new practical effects using simple techniques also used by the OG imagineers, but they are bringing in their own props from home. That’s right – toys, games, collectibles and more from the various decades are being dusted off in Imagineers’ attics to be used in the new scenes. Additionally, we were told they are having too much fun searching for genuine period piece appliances and props – and that we should be on the lookout for tons of Easter Eggs. 

Photo by Laurie Sapp

You can already see some of the details in the concept art of Walt in the introduction scene – small models of Tiki Birds and the Tower of the Four Winds sit behind him. 

Call me old-fashioned, but when the people working on the project sound this passionate and excited, it’s hard not to get excited yourself. 

The Family We Know and Love Will Still Be There

While Walt may be a new addition joining the lineup, our beloved family will still be there. And I mean literally – I asked and confirmed during the panel that it’s the SAME audio-animatronics of John, Sarah, and the rest of the family. They’ll just be refreshed and living in new decades. And I do mean the rest of the family – Grandma and Grandpa will be watching TV as we countdown to the new millennium, and everyone’s favorite perennial house guest, old Uncle Orville, will still be miffed in the tub because there’s “no privacy at all around this place.” 

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Possibly most important is that Rover, the family pup, will still be in the show. 

And yes, we will also still hear “It’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” I asked.

Thanks to Disney for inviting Mammoth Club to the Cool KIDS SUMMER media event.