Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow: Carousel of Progress Revamp Coming Soon

During Destination D23, Disney revealed that a brand-new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure will be added to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom. As part of a major revamp, this new figure will serve as the attraction’s introduction — marking the first time Walt himself will officially welcome guests into the beloved show.

At this time, Disney has not revealed whether the voice for the new Walt Disney animatronic will come from archival recordings or newly enhanced technology. No official timeline has been shared for when the updates will be completed, nor what additional enhancements the attraction may receive during the revamp alongside the debut of the figure.

Originally created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair and later relocated to Walt Disney World, the Carousel of Progress has long been regarded as one of Walt Disney’s personal favorite creations. Introducing an animatronic of Walt himself offers a fitting tribute to his legacy and creates a deeper emotional connection for guests experiencing the show.

Based on current park project timelines, we estimate these updates will likely take place sometime next year, following the reopening of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin after its ongoing revamp and upgrades. While Disney has yet to confirm exact details, the announcement signals that the Carousel of Progress is finally set to receive some well-deserved attention and modernization — all while preserving the nostalgic heart that has made it a classic for decades.