Carousel of Progress to Close July 6 as Disney Confirms Major Overhaul — Biggest Update in Attraction’s History

Disney has confirmed it: Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom is getting its biggest overhaul in the attraction’s history. The ride closes July 6, 2026 and is expected to reopen in 2027 with all four show scenes completely replaced, Walt Disney himself returning to the stage, and a new finale set in the distant future. For fans of the original, you now have a hard deadline to see the current version one last time.

Quick Summary

• Carousel of Progress closes July 6, 2026 for its biggest overhaul since opening at Magic Kingdom in 1975
• Disney expects the attraction to reopen in 2027
• All four existing show scenes are being replaced with entirely new time periods
• New scenes: 1969 moon landing, Halloween 1985, New Year’s Eve 1999, and a distant future
• A new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure opens the show, inspired by the 1964 World’s Fair TV special
• Sarah takes center stage for the first time ever in the 1985 Halloween scene
• ‘There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow’ continues to play between scenes

Walt Disney Returns to Open the Show

The updated Carousel of Progress opens with a new scene featuring an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney himself, inspired by the 1964 television special Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair — the program where Walt first introduced Carousel of Progress to the public. Imagineers are sourcing and replicating props seen in that special, including a prototype Tiki bird, a Tower of the Four Winds model, and a doll from it’s a small world.

After Walt’s introduction, the familiar American family carries the show through four completely new eras.

The Four New Scenes

Act 1 — The 1960s: Set in the summer of 1969, the family gathers around the television to watch the Apollo moon landing. One of the defining moments of the 20th century, now reimagined in the Carousel of Progress format.

Act 2 — The 1980s: It’s Halloween night, 1985. For the first time in the attraction’s history, Sarah takes center stage, showing off new appliances and gadgets. John is on the porch handing out candy. Uncle Orville returns — this time in the bathroom complaining about the lack of privacy.

Act 3 — New Year’s Eve, 1999: The family rings in the new millennium as the internet begins connecting the world. Grandpa falls asleep before midnight. Grandma quietly switches the TV to wrestling.

Act 4 — The Future: The finale moves to a distant future home, featuring a helpful robot and space travel. Imagineers drew on original concept sketches by Disney Legend John Hench to shape this new scene.

Preserving What Makes Carousel of Progress Special

The show’s signature style — physical props, painted backdrops, and practical effects — is being preserved throughout. Disney says Imagineers are working to ensure appliances, fashion, and artwork are accurate to each decade. The shift to more recent eras is deliberate: Disney wanted the attraction to connect with today’s audiences through time periods they have personal memories of.

‘There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow’ by Richard and Robert Sherman continues to play between scenes. The song is not going anywhere.

A New Attraction Poster

Disney has also revealed a new attraction poster for the updated show, designed as a tribute to the original Carousel of Progress poster created for its Disneyland debut. It is a clean, vintage-inspired design that honors the attraction’s legacy while signaling the fresh start ahead.

A Limited Window to See the Current Show

Carousel of Progress debuted at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair and arrived at Magic Kingdom on January 15, 1975. Its last major update was in 1994 — making the current show over 30 years old. The July 6, 2026 closure gives guests a limited window to experience the version of the attraction most fans grew up with before it changes forever.

If seeing the current show one last time matters to you, you have about five weeks. The updated attraction is expected to reopen in 2027 with an entirely new identity. Stay tuned to DisMornings for full coverage as the July 6 closure approaches and more details about the new show are revealed.

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