In a big surprise, Disney has announced a major refurbishment to “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress,” at the Magic Kingdom, including a brand new, life-like animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself!
The exciting announcement was made 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.
The fact that we will now see Walt Disney as a major part of the attraction he worked so hard to bring to the world is a great decision by Disney. It’s only fitting that this comes around full circle and Walt himself will now be a part of it.
The Walt Disney animatronic figure will be the center-point of a new introductory scene before guests are introduced to the familiar American family we all know and love.
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.
Making Walt Disney more a presence in the theme parks is nothing new. In recent years, Disney Imagineers have made a big effort to increase his visibility in EPCOT, Disneyland, and now the Magic Kingdom. It’s nice to see the man who started everything get some attention and introduce him to a whole generation of guests who may not know him very well.
But the Walt Disney animatronic figure is not the only good news coming to the Carousel of Progress. In addition, Disney said we will be finding out more information soon about what John, Sarah and the rest of the family are up to as well! That sounds to me like either the current scenes are getting update, or entirely new scenes could be introduced to the attraction.
That is super exciting as it’s been years since we’ve seen any changes to the scenes and some of them could use some work, especially the final scene which is no longer very futuristic!
As soon as we know any more info on this story we will update you so keep tuned for more soon…
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Your Thoughts
I want to know what you think about a Walt Disney Audio Animatronics figure coming to the Carousel of Progress, as well as other potential changes…
- Are you happy with this announcement?
- What would you like to see included in the attraction?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.
Roger True
Monday 8th of September 2025
LOVE Walt being part of the Carousel of Progress!!!!!
Tony Piscitelli
Saturday 6th of September 2025
We are planning a trip to Disney next year and are looking forward to the changes and additions to the parks. It would be great if the Carousel of Progress is completed, but we are still anticipating enjoying all of the changes done to the parks. It has been a while since our last visit, but with all the information you have so generously offered it will certainly be an advantage to our visit and will help during our attendance there. Just a little side note; I was thirty five years old in 1934 when I was able to attend the Carousel of Progress at the New York Worlds Fair and God has been good to me and I am still physically able to enjoy all that is out there.