Debi Derryberry Returns as Grandmother in Carousel of Progress Reimagining
Debi Derryberry, the voice actor who brought the character Patricia to life in the 1993 version of Disney’s Carousel of Progress, is returning for the attraction’s upcoming reimagining. She will now take on the role of the Grandmother in the updated version set to debut in late spring 2027 at Walt Disney World.
The Carousel of Progress, a classic Disney ride that first premiered at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, is undergoing its most significant transformation yet. The reimagined version will shift the setting to the latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st century, featuring scenes set in 1969, 1985, 1999, and a futuristic era.
Derryberry, known for her prolific voice acting career, previously voiced Patricia, the daughter, in the 1993 iteration. The latest update also includes other notable voice actors, such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston, who will portray the Mother and Father, respectively.
The Carousel of Progress has been a staple at Disney Parks, offering guests a journey through the history of the American family. While the first three scenes have traditionally depicted the early 1900s, the 1920s, and the 1940s, the new version will introduce fresh time periods and storytelling elements.