A LOT has happened in the Disney universe this May — you’d be forgiven if you’ve struggled to keep up!
Carousel of Progress
The summer season has arrived at the Disney Parks, and some major changes have already been implemented at the resorts on both coasts — including summer activities for kids, new Star Wars additions, and changes to beloved attractions that celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday. However, one announcement was a long time coming, and we can’t stop thinking about it!
We recently sat in on a Disney presentation with President of Walt Disney World Jeff Vahle and Disney Imagineering Vice President Michael Hundgen, where it was revealed that Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress will close for a lengthy refurbishment beginning July 5th, 2026. The ride will remain closed into 2027.
Carousel of Progress
It was revealed at last year’s Destination D23 expo that after three decades, Carousel of Progress is getting an update. The ride will receive an animatronic figure of Walt Disney, will have a new opening scene, and more. After nearly a year, Disney finally elaborated on what some of those “more” aspects will be.
©Disney
Vahle said, “Rest assured — know that when we talk about a classic like this…our Imagineers take the utmost care in how we approach that,” when speaking about the sanctity and nostalgia of the ride. Apparently, the new intro scene will feature several Easter eggs. Not only that, but the latest version of the ride will shift the decades!
!!!WARNING!!! We’re gonna talk about some spoilers ahead! If you don’t want to know, skip ahead to the next text in RED!
We’ll now start off in the 1960s, where John — the ride’s protagonist — and his family have just come back from the World’s Fair. It’ll even feature the moon landing. 15 years forward, we’ll see Sarah hosting in the kitchen with big hair and big style. Their daughter will be going off to work in the ’80s, and Uncle Orville will be back talking about a company — Apple — that he’s put all of his savings into. There will even be a reference to The Clapper!
©Disney
In fact, the ride will feature so many Easter eggs packed with pop culture references and Disney nods.
©Disney
Later on in the attraction, we’ll get a look at a big collection of single-use appliances, the advent of the internet, Grandma and Grandpa counting down to New Year’s, and Grandma flipping the channel to wrestling.
John Progress
*END OF SPOILERS*
The ride will feature new practical effects, props, and homages to how the world has changed. While we’re sad to say goodbye to the previous version, this fourth refurbishment of Carousel of Progress promises some mighty big changes, and we think it has the potential to be wonderful!
The family
How are you feeling about this classic attraction changing? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World updates!
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You’ve been talking a lot about all the changes to the decades (in several articles) but not one word about the Walt audio animatronic! Is that still happening? I loved this ride….hope I still will….more to see the past and how we envisioned the future, not necessarily how the future turned out….I’m a baby boomer. Of course, always wonderful to sit and enjoy wdw in air conditioning!
Hi Norma. We do mention the Walt Disney animatronic in this article. 🙂