A MAJOR change is coming to an iconic Magic Kingdom attraction, and with it, the way many Magic Kingdom guests spend their afternoons.
The Carousel!
In 2025, Disney announced that Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress — the legendary animatronic stage show that has been operating in one form or another since its debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair — would be getting a massive update. Initially, all that was confirmed was that the show would include a Walt Disney animatronic in the introduction, similar to the one seen on Disneyland’s Main Street. However, this spring Disney revealed that their plans were much grander than a simple pre-show.
In May of 2026, Disney released more details on the refurbishment. According to the company, to keep the Carousel of Progress “relatable for today’s audiences,” the entire show is being reworked. Throughout its history, the show had followed a family through the technological advancements of the early 1900s through the mid-1900s, ending in a vision of the near future (which since 1994 had been set at the “turn of the millennium.”)
What will the future bring?
However, after its new renovation, the show will feature an entirely new structure featuring acts based on the 1960s (itself harkening back to the decade the show originally debuted), the 1980s, the 1999-turn of the millennium, and a “possible future” that will imagine a time where “extraordinary innovation has become part of life and proves that a beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.” The attraction will close on July 6th for its transformation, with an estimated reopening in 2027.
©Disney
While reactions to this change have ranged from negative (mourning the loss of most of the Walt-designed original concept) to positive (modern audiences have their own time periods to look back on and deserve their own “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” to look forward to), the actual alterations to the show aren’t the only thing changing.
For decades now, the Carousel of Progress has been a midday escape from the Florida heat for many Disney guests. The show’s theaters were often relatively empty, and its slow pace (I say that as a major fan) made it a go-to spot for those who wanted a 20+ minute rest, or even a nap for some. However, with the show being closed for an indefinite amount of time — and likely seeing large crowds when it reopens, at least initially — the days of Carousel of Progress as a quiet, air-conditioned afternoon respite seem to be ending for the foreseeable future in July.
©Disney
So, where are the guests who want a cool break at the height of a Magic Kingdom afternoon going now? Well, there are a few options. The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor show is nearby in Tomorrowland and offers a similar break, though the more interactive show may not be the best place to nap.
Laugh Floor
The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square…
Hall of Presidents
…and Mickey’s Philharmagic in Fantasyland both offer air-conditioned, dark theater experiences that can allow guests to cool down — and maybe even catch a few z’s — if they so choose.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Disney is making major changes to the Carousel of Progress beginning this July, and they’re going to change the way many guests appreciate their Magic Kingdom afternoons. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on this project.
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I’d like to take this time to thank Disney, it’s cast members, and the Imagineers for putting so much effort into this project. Thanks for picking the 60’s as a good starting point for the new layout.
I really didn’t feel old until you pick the 60’s (the year I was born) to start your history lesson.
You sorta’ suck right now!!!!!
Ha! Yes, as also someone who was already around for several of the new scenes announced i am also thrilled it is getting an update – count me in as also as a supporter (even though yeah, thanks Imagineers for making me feel old too!)