One of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic and storied attractions is about to undergo a significant update. Here’s everything we know about the future addition of a Walt Disney animatronic in Carousel of Progress.

One of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic and storied attractions is officially preparing for a major transformation. Disney has now confirmed that Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress will close on July 6, 2026, as work begins on a significant update that will introduce a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure to the attraction.

The attraction is expected to reopen sometime in 2027, marking the most substantial change to Carousel of Progress in decades.

First announced at Destination D23 on August 30, 2025, Disney revealed that Walt Disney’s voice and likeness would be added as a groundbreaking new Audio-Animatronic figure in the opening scene of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. The update is intended to honor Walt’s legacy while bringing new life to one of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved attractions.

Wondering what will change and when guests can experience the updated version? Here’s everything we know so far.

Carousel of Progress: What’s Changing?

A Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic will be added to Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom. According to the details Disney has shared so far, the figure will appear in a new opening scene that serves as an introduction to the classic attraction.

The animatronic will be similar to, but not identical to, the Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic that debuted at Disneyland Park in July 2025 as part of Walt Disney – A Magical Life.

“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” debuts at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., on July 17, 2025. The attraction features a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, made possible through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

Concept art released by Disney suggests that the Carousel of Progress version will depict Walt during a different period of his life and will be designed specifically to complement the attraction’s existing story rather than serve as the centerpiece of a standalone experience.

Disney has also hinted that additional changes may be coming to Carousel of Progress. During the original announcement, Imagineers teased that guests may discover what “John, Sarah, and the rest of the family” have been up to since the attraction’s current final scene.

That comment has fueled speculation that Disney could refresh portions of the attraction beyond simply adding Walt’s new introductory scene. While Disney has not announced any other specific changes, the project presents an opportunity to update a show that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

When Will the Walt Disney Animatronic Be Added to Carousel of Progress?

Disney has now confirmed that Carousel of Progress will close on July 6, 2026, to begin work on the attraction’s reimagining.

While an exact reopening date has not been announced, Disney says the attraction is expected to return sometime in 2027. That means guests have only a limited time left to experience the current version of the attraction before construction begins.

The lengthy closure suggests that Disney may be doing more than simply installing a new Audio-Animatronic figure, though the company has not yet revealed the full scope of the project.

Will Carousel of Progress Close?

Yes. Disney has officially announced that Carousel of Progress will close beginning July 6, 2026.

The attraction will remain closed while Imagineers add the new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic and complete any accompanying updates. Disney has not provided a reopening date beyond confirming that the attraction is expected to return in 2027.

For longtime fans, the closure marks the end of an era for the current version of Carousel of Progress. When it returns, guests will be able to experience a new chapter in the attraction’s history, one that places Walt Disney himself at the heart of the story he helped inspire.