Disney's D23 Event Kicks Off with Star-Studded Opening Number Honoring Iconic Animatronics

At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, Neil Patrick Harris kicked off Horizons: A Carousel of Progress with an epic opening number. The musical medley was a star-studded spectacle led by Harris, who is no stranger to extravagant openings. The song honored the name and theme of the showcase by dedicating it to iconic Audio-Animatronics figures across Disney Parks.

The original song featured snippets of 'There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow' from Carousel of Progress, as well as parts of 'Part of Your World' from The Little Mermaid and 'Belle' from Beauty and the Beast. Harris was joined on stage by comedians Tig Notaro and Jack McBrayer, along with musical theatre favorites Skylar Astin and Darren Criss.

The lyrics took a harmonic journey through the decades of Disney Parks Audio-Animatronics figures. The song included Easter eggs and nods to Disney Parks attractions and lore, as well as pop culture moments. Harris's goal in life, according to the song, is to be an Audio-Animatronic figure at Disney.