Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress has been a fan-favorite attraction since the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. It moved to Disneyland, and then opened at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in January 1975.
Following a dream with mind and heart against all odds, Walt Disney revealed Disneyland to the world on July 17, 1955, changing the future of entertainment as we know it and cementing a transformative legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world today.
On July 17, 2025, a new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure debuted with the addition of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” in the Opera House at Disneyland. You can read Mr. Daps’ initial thoughts about the show here.
That same vision continues to push for ongoing innovation across Disney Parks in the present and future, just as it has over the past 70 years. In an exciting announcement on stage during the “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel at Destination D23, Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty revealed that you will soon be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort.
“We are grateful to The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering for their continued collaboration and ongoing partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum. The introduction of a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in ‘Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress’ marks an exciting milestone in our shared mission to celebrate the story of the man behind the magic and inspire new generations with his innovations and vision for the future. We appreciate the continued efforts and meticulous care that Imagineering has taken to keep Walt’s legacy alive,” Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum said.
Walt’s own idea from beginning to end, the Carousel of Progress made its debut at the New York World’s Fair in 1964, where it was an immediate smash hit for millions of people visiting from around the world. Since then, the show has had more performances than any other stage show in the history of American theater and has found a comfortable home as a tribute to the original version of the show inside Magic Kingdom since 1975.
Progress and innovation were two of Walt’s cornerstone passions, which is as evident in the show today as it was when it first debuted. Before you follow an American family (and Rover!) over four generations of progress as technology transforms their lives and paves the way for once-unimaginable innovations, you’ll be able to catch a brand-new introductory scene and hear from the legendary man who never stood in the way of progress — Walt Disney.
There are still plenty of additional details to be revealed, including what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family are up to. Disney Imagineers love this attraction and the heart of it will stay the same while introducing the Carousel of Progress to an entirely new generation of fans, showing them that a great big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.
Stay tuned to Daps Magic for more information about this addition to the Carousel of Progress and more from Destination D23.
What do you think about the addition of a Walt Disney animatronic to the Carousel of Progress? Is Carousel of Progress one of your favorite attractions? Let us know in the comments.
