Debi Derryberry Returns as Grandmother in Refurbished Carousel of Progress

Disney is bringing back a familiar voice to the iconic Carousel of Progress attraction in Magic Kingdom, though with a twist. Walt Disney Imagineering announced that Debi Derryberry, who originally voiced Patricia, the daughter, in the classic ride, will return, but this time as the grandmother. The news comes as the attraction undergoes a major refurbishment, set to debut in 2027.

Derryberry expressed her excitement on Instagram, saying, “I’m so excited to be a part of the new Carousel of Progress! Thank you, Disney. Thank you Imagineering. Let’s keep growing together.” Beyond Disney, she is known for voicing Jimmy Neutron on Nickelodeon and hosting Playhouse Disney in the early 2000s.

The refurbished Carousel of Progress will feature updated decades, starting in the 1960s and progressing through the 1980s, 1995, and a glimpse into the future. The opening scene will also introduce a new animatronic of Walt Disney, similar to the one in Disneyland’s Walt Disney: A Magical Life exhibit.

While some guests may miss the original voices, the return of a beloved cast member in a new role has fans eagerly anticipating the attraction’s reopening. Disney has not yet announced an exact debut date for the refurbished ride.