More details have been revealed about the previously announced reimagining of Carousel of Progress at Disney World. From new decades to a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, we’re breaking down everything that you need to know.

One of Walt Disney World’s most iconic attractions is about to undergo its biggest transformation in decades.

Previously, Disney had announced a major update coming to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom – and now we have new information on exactly what that will entail. The changes will include new scenes, updated time periods, and even the addition of Walt Disney himself through Audio-Animatronics technology.

The beloved Tomorrowland attraction will temporarily close in 2026 as Imagineers prepare for a major refresh designed to honor Walt Disney’s original vision while introducing the show to a new generation of guests.

Carousel of Progress History and Overview

Carousel of Progress has been part of Disney history for over 60 years. The attraction originally debuted at the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair as part of the Progressland pavilion before eventually moving to Disneyland and later Walt Disney World in 1975.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Created as a passion project of Walt Disney himself, the attraction was designed to celebrate optimism, innovation, and the evolution of technology throughout American family life. The rotating theater attraction became famous for its Sherman Brothers anthem, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” which remains one of Disney’s most recognizable songs today.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Over the decades, Carousel of Progress has gone through several updates, including script changes, new scenes, and updated time periods. However, the attraction’s core message about progress and innovation has remained unchanged.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Its last major update took place in 1994, making this upcoming refresh one of the most significant changes in the attraction’s modern history.

Changes Coming to Carousel of Progress

Disney says the upcoming refresh will modernize the attraction while still preserving the heart and nostalgia longtime fans love.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

One of the biggest additions will be the inclusion of Walt Disney himself inside the attraction. Guests will see Walt in a new opening scene inspired by the 1964 television special Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair, where he introduced Carousel of Progress and shared his vision for the future.

Imagineers are also updating every act in the attraction with entirely new time periods designed to feel more relatable for modern audiences.

Act 1: The 1960s

The attraction will now begin in the 1960s during the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Disney says the scene will focus on the excitement and optimism surrounding one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

Act 2: The 1980s

The next scene jumps to Halloween night in 1985. Sarah will take center stage as the family explores how new gadgets and appliances are changing everyday life.

Disney also confirmed several classic gags will remain, including Uncle Orville’s famous bathroom scene.

Act 3: The New Millennium

The third act takes place on New Year’s Eve 1999 as the family prepares to celebrate the arrival of the year 2000. Disney says the scene will highlight the rise of the internet and how technology is bringing families closer together.

Act 4: The Possible Future

The final scene will continue imagining the future, this time featuring an “out-of-this-world” home complete with advanced robotics and futuristic technology inspired by original concept artwork from Disney Legend John Hench.

Disney also revealed a brand-new attraction poster inspired by the original Disneyland version of Carousel of Progress.

Importantly for longtime fans, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” will remain part of the attraction.

When Will the Carousel of Progress Changes Happen?

To prepare for the update, Disney announced that Carousel of Progress will temporarily close beginning July 6, 2026.The attraction is expected to reopen sometime in 2027 following the refurbishment.

While Disney has not yet announced an exact reopening date, more details about the updated attraction are expected to be revealed in the coming months.

For many Disney fans, these changes represent a major new chapter for one of Walt Disney World’s most historic attractions — while still preserving the optimistic spirit Walt Disney originally envisioned decades ago.