Disney's BEST Show?

If there’s one attraction at Walt Disney World that instantly transports me back to childhood, it’s Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland.

This beloved rotating theater show has been a quiet constant in the park for decades.

While thrill-seekers race to big coasters and families line up for character meet-and-greets, Carousel of Progress sits peacefully with almost no wait a gentle reminder of Disney’s roots in innovation, optimism, and storytelling through technology.

And now, it’s getting a meaningful update: a brand-new Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself in a brand-new introductory scene.

Why This News Excites Me So Much

Carousel of Progress is my absolute favorite show at Disney World, hands down. There’s something deeply comforting about sitting in that cool, dark theater as the seats rotate from one era to the next, watching the same American family navigate electricity, appliances, and “a great big beautiful tomorrow.”

I’ve always been fascinated by animatronics. The way Disney Imagineers bring these figures to life, the subtle movements, the expressions, the synchronization with audio, it feels like pure magic. Seeing the craftsmanship up close never gets old for me.

My husband, on the other hand? He’s not a fan. In fact, he actively dislikes the show. His main complaint? The music is way too loud for him to sneak in a peaceful nap during our long park days. He’ll sit there with his arms crossed, counting down the scenes until it’s over. I tease him about it every time, but honestly, it’s become part of our tradition.

Family Life Through the Decades: One of the classic scenes inside the Carousel of Progress, showing the evolving American home and lifestyle.

The Update: Walt Disney Joins His Own Creation

Announced at Destination D23 in 2025, the refurbishment will add a lifelike Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic in a new opening scene. Guests will see Walt (in his early 1960s style) sharing his vision of progress before the familiar family story begins. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment, after all, the attraction was Walt’s own idea from the beginning, debuting at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

Imagineers have promised that the heart of the show will remain the same while introducing it to a new generation. There may be additional updates to the family characters as well, though details are still rolling out.

A recent Imagineering permit suggests work is progressing, including upgrades to the theater’s mechanical systems and modern electric actuators for smoother animatronic performance.

Why This Matters — Even If It’s Never Crowded

Let’s be honest: the lack of a line is part of the charm for some, but it’s also why many guests (including my husband) overlook it. Yet Carousel of Progress is a true Disney original. It represents Walt’s optimism about technology and the future in a way few other attractions do.

I’m genuinely glad Disney is investing money into preserving and refreshing it rather than letting it fade away. In an era when classic attractions sometimes disappear, this feels like a respectful tribute to the man who started it all.

If the day ever comes when Carousel of Progress closes for good (I hope it never does), I’d love to see the original animatronics preserved in a Disney museum or exhibit. They’re pieces of living history.

Final Thoughts from a Nostalgia Lover

For me, this update is perfect. It honors the past while gently modernizing the experience so more families can discover it. I can’t wait to sit in that theater again, hear “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” and now see Walt himself welcoming us into his vision.

Even if my husband still tries to nap through it.

What about you? Are you excited about the new Walt Disney animatronic in Carousel of Progress, or do you have mixed feelings about changes to this classic? Drop your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear whether you’re Team Nostalgia like me or ready for something new.

Until next time, keep dreaming of that great big beautiful tomorrow.