Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World is currently being refurbished and updated. Reopening of the Carousel of Progress is expected in late Spring 2027.
This fan-favorite attraction was first introduced during the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. This attraction was moved to Disneyland soon after and opened in 1967. It remained a Tomorrowland staple until 1973, when it was moved to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World. It opened in 1975, and it remains a classic Disney attraction. The Carousel of Progress holds the record as the longest-running stage show in the history of American theater.
In August 2025 at Destination D23, it was announced that the ride will be getting an update. This will include a new introductory scene featuring an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney.
During the recent D23 Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, it was announced that Bryan Cranston and Jaime Lee Curtis would be the new voices of Father and Mother. During the D23 “55 Magical Years of Storytelling” event held this past weekend at Walt Disney World to celebrate the Resort’s 55th anniversary, some new details emerged about the reimagined Carousel of Progress.
One voice will be returning, but in a different role, as Debi Derryberry will play the Grandmother in the new version of the attraction. Derryberry had originally voiced Patricia in the previous version of the show. Debi Derryberry is best known for voicing Jimmy Neutron in the Academy Award-nominated film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.
Some of the concept artwork and artifacts that will be in the updated Carousel of Progress were recently introduced at Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The concept and artwork were seen at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this past August.
What do you think about the future for the Carousel of Progress? Is there a great big beautiful tomorrow? Are you excited to see what comes next? What are you most looking forward to in this new version of the attraction? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
