Carousel of Progress Reimagined with New Decades and Voice Cast
Magic Kingdom’s beloved Carousel of Progress, a classic attraction originally conceived by Walt Disney, is set for a major transformation. The ride, which has been a staple since 1975, closed on July 6, 2026, for updates and is expected to reopen in late spring 2027. Among the changes, Disney has revealed that Debi Derryberry, who previously voiced the daughter Patricia, will now take on the role of Grandmother in the rethemed version. Behind-the-scenes footage of Derryberry recording her lines has been shared, giving fans a glimpse of the upcoming updates.
The reimagined Carousel of Progress will feature entirely new scenes for each decade, along with a new opening sequence introducing Disney World’s first Walt Disney animatronic. The iconic song, There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, will remain. Act 1 will depict the 1960s, highlighting the historic moon landing, while Act 2 will transport riders to a Halloween night in 1985, showcasing advancements in home appliances. Act 3 will celebrate New Year’s Eve 1999, and the final act will explore a futuristic scenario with robots and space travel.
Fans of the original ride can look forward to a fresh experience while retaining the nostalgia of the classic attraction. Disney continues to share updates, and more details are expected in the coming months.