Walt Disney World is currently closed to guests as it undergoes a major refurbishment of the Carousel of Progress attraction. The attraction will reopen in the spring of 2027 after a comprehensive overhaul that shifts the narrative timeline forward by six decades. The new version of the show will feature a brand-new introduction scene showcasing an advanced Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney himself. The ride will depict the family saga across the 1960s, 1980s, and the year 1999 before concluding with a retro-futuristic finale set in the distant future. Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston have been cast to voice the parents Sarah and John in the updated attraction. Additionally, Debi Derryberry will return to reprise a role, this time voicing the grandmother character in the new timeline. The project represents a significant investment aimed at preserving the heart of the classic ride while modernizing its appeal for contemporary audiences. Fans are cautiously optimistic about the outcome given the scope of the undertaking and the care shown by the Imagineering team.
Key Points:
- Carousel of Progress is closed for a major refurbishment and will reopen in spring 2027.
- The attraction’s timeline is shifting forward 60 years, starting in the 1960s instead of the 1900s.
- A new introduction scene will feature an Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney inspired by his 1964 television special.
- Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston will voice the parents Sarah and John in the reimagined ride.
- Debi Derryberry will return to voice the grandmother character in the new timeline.
- The show will feature eras of the 1960s, 1980s, and 1999, concluding with a retro-futuristic finale.
- The project is described as a love letter to Walt Disney and the classic attraction.
- The reopening is expected to occur by Memorial Day 2027, though delays are possible.