Carousel of Progress 2027: Everything We Know About Disney World’s Major Update

What to Expect from Carousel of Progress 2027

Big changes are coming to one of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic attractions. Carousel of Progress 2027 will bring a major reimagining to this beloved Disney classic, with all-new scenes, updated decades, and a brand-new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure. While the attraction’s nostalgic heart and signature optimism will remain, Disney is giving this Tomorrowland favorite a thoughtful refresh designed to connect with a new generation of guests when it reopens in 2027.

Walt Disney Returns to Carousel of Progress

The updated experience will begin with a brand-new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney, inspired by the 1964 television special Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair — the same broadcast where Walt first introduced Carousel of Progress to the public.

To bring this opening scene to life, Imagineers are recreating props featured in that original presentation, including a prototype Tiki bird, a Tower of the Four Winds model, and a doll from it’s a small world.

This new opening is designed to reconnect guests with Walt’s original vision for the attraction while setting the stage for its next chapter.

A New Journey Through Four Decades

Following Walt’s introduction, guests will once again follow the familiar American family — but through entirely new eras that replace the attraction’s current scenes.

Act 1: The 1960s

The first act takes place during the summer of 1969 as the family gathers around the television to watch the historic Apollo moon landing.

This scene captures the optimism, wonder, and spirit of innovation that defined the Space Age and remains central to the heart of Carousel of Progress.

Act 2: The 1980s

Set on Halloween night in 1985, the second act embraces the era’s “bigger is better” mindset.

For the first time in the attraction’s history, Sarah takes center stage as she showcases the newest household appliances and gadgets. Meanwhile, John is outside handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, while Uncle Orville returns with his familiar complaints about finding privacy.

Act 3: New Year’s Eve 1999

The third act brings guests to the excitement of New Year’s Eve as the family prepares to welcome the year 2000.

As the internet begins transforming communication around the world, the scene highlights how technology is connecting people in entirely new ways. At the same time, classic family humor remains intact, with Grandpa asleep before midnight and Grandma secretly switching the television to wrestling.

Act 4: The Future

The finale transports guests to a futuristic off-planet home where advanced robotics and space travel have become part of everyday life.

Imagineers drew inspiration from original concept sketches by Disney Legend John Hench to create this vision of tomorrow, blending nostalgia with Walt Disney’s enduring optimism about the future.

Preserving the Attraction’s Legacy

While the scenes are changing, Disney has confirmed that the attraction’s signature practical effects, painted backdrops, and physical set pieces will remain an essential part of the experience.

The Sherman Brothers’ beloved theme song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” will also continue to connect each scene, preserving one of the attraction’s most recognizable elements.

Disney has also unveiled a newly designed attraction poster that pays tribute to the original Disneyland debut poster.

Closure and Reopening Timeline

To prepare for this major transformation, Carousel of Progress will temporarily close beginning July 6, 2026.

Disney expects the updated attraction to reopen sometime in 2027.

For longtime Disney fans, this update represents a thoughtful evolution of a classic attraction — one that continues Walt Disney’s original vision of celebrating innovation, optimism, and the promise of tomorrow.

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