Disney Announces Overhaul of Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is closing on July 6, 2026, for a major overhaul with new scenes and decades. The last day to experience the current version of the attraction will be July 5, 2026. The updated attraction is expected to open in 2027.
Updated Scenes
Opening Scene
Opening scene concept art (Credit: Disney)
At Destination D23 2025, it was announced that the opening scene of the Carousel of Progress would be updated to include a Walt Disney animatronic. That scene will be inspired by the 1964 special “Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair,” and include props like the prototype Tiki bird, the Tower of the Four Winds model, and a doll from “it’s a small world.”
Act 1 – July 20, 1969
The original version of the Carousel of Progress began with a scene 60 years in the past, so Disney has decided to do the same with the updated attraction. The first act will be the Carousel family watching the moon landing in the summer of 1969.
Act 2 – Halloween 1985
Sarah talks about new appliances and gadgets, John will be on the porch handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, and Uncle Orville will reprise his role in the bathroom, shouting, “No privacy around here!”
Act 3 – New Year’s Eve 1999
The Carousel family is preparing to ring in the new millennium and has started using the Internet. Grandpa falls asleep before the countdown to midnight, and Grandma switches the TV over to wrestling when no one is looking.
Act 4 – The Possible Future
The Possible Future concept art (Credit: Disney)
The family is set in the distant future, inspired by original concept sketches by Disney Legend John Hench. A helpful robot assists with everyday tasks, space travel is discussed, and there is extraordinary innovation.
New Attraction Poster
Disney has shared the new attraction poster, which closely mirrors the original.
More Details
For more details on the history of the Carousel of Progress and to see the original announcement from Disney, check out the Disney Parks Blog.
