Debi Derryberry Returns as Grandmother for Reimagined Carousel of Progress

Debi Derryberry, the voice actor behind Patricia in Disney’s Carousel of Progress, is returning to the iconic attraction, but this time as Grandmother. Walt Disney Imagineering confirmed her casting for the reimagined version, set to debut in late spring 2027 at Magic Kingdom. Derryberry previously voiced the family’s daughter, making her transition to Grandmother a unique full-circle moment for the show.

The reimagined attraction, which closed on July 6th, is undergoing significant updates, including refreshed animatronics and new decades for each act. Concept art hints at Grandmother’s role, showing her counting down to the New Year’s Eve 1999 act and appearing in the finale scene. While Disney hasn’t revealed which scenes feature her lines, the casting choice reinforces the continuity of the family storyline.

Derryberry joins a growing voice cast that includes Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston as the new parents. The reopening target remains late spring 2027, though an exact date hasn’t been announced. As the reimagining progresses, Disney continues to share updates on casting, construction, and new features, including a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic in the opening scene.