Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress — Ride History

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Ride history

the lifetime log

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2026

ConstructionJul 14, 2026#

Walt Disney Imagineering files permit for general construction at Carousel of Progress; ride closed for major reimagining with timeline shift and new Audio-Animatronic.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
Featured Arc · 2 chapters
The 2026–2027 Reimagining
May 28 – Jul 6 · ~6 wk

The attraction undergoes its most ambitious overhaul since 1994, shifting its timeline to iconic decades and adding a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic.
1. 1
  
  May 28, 2026Update
  
  Disney revealed a July 6, 2026 closing date and the scene plan for the attraction's biggest reimagining since 1994: a 2027 reopening with re-themed acts (1969 moon landing, Halloween 1985, New Year's Eve 1999, and a new future finale) plus a new opening scene featuring a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic.
  Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2. 2
  
  Jul 6, 2026Changed
  
  The 1994 version officially closed on July 6th, 2026. Due to no wristbands being distributed, there was a bit of chaos over who got to ride in the final show. However, when the final theater exited, the crowd came together to sing "It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow."
  Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2022

ChangedJul 1, 2022#

The finale-scene audio-animatronics received new outfits packed with Disney Easter eggs (a Progress Tech sweater, a Mineral King ski top, a Food Rocks reference, and parade-reindeer slippers); costumes only, no script or animatronic changes.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2016

Area UpdateJul 22, 2016#

Exterior repaint replaced the gears-and-cogs scheme with bold futuristic color "strikes" (orange/blue/magenta); the building also gained a new entrance sign and logo.

gears-and-cogs facade→futuristic color "strikes"
Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2001

RefurbishmentOct 2001#

Following the post-9/11 attendance drop, the show closed in October 2001 and shifted to seasonal operation, returning to a near-daily Magic Kingdom schedule by 2003.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
1994
Featured Arc · 2 chapters
The 1990s Revival and New Tomorrowland Refurbishment
Aug 16 – Nov 23 · ~1.3 yr

A major 1993 closure for New Tomorrowland overhaul followed by a 1994 reopening with new voice cast, script, and return to the original theme song.
1. 1
  
  Aug 16, 1993Refurbishment
  
  Closed for a major refurbishment as part of the "New Tomorrowland" overhaul.
  Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2. 2
  
  Nov 23, 1994Back Online
  
  Reopened as "Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress" with a new voice cast (Jean Shepherd as the father/narrator), re-recorded scenes, a redesigned "House of 2000" Christmas finale, and a return to the original theme song "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow."
  Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
1985
Featured Arc · 2 chapters
The GE Sponsorship Era
Jan 15 – Mar 10 · ~10 yr

General Electric's decade-long partnership with Carousel of Progress, from Magic Kingdom debut to sponsor exit and product removal.
1. 1
  
  Jan 15, 1975New
  
  Opened in Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland (relocated from Disneyland) in a new rotating-theater pavilion, debuting the new theme song "The Best Time of Your Life" under a 10-year General Electric sponsorship.
  Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2. 2
  
  Mar 10, 1985Changed
  
  General Electric's sponsorship contract expired and was not renewed; the attraction subsequently closed to strip out GE product and branding references.
  Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
1981

Changed1981#

The final act was reworked into a "New Year's Eve in the Home of the 1980s" scene, updating the show's future segment; the attraction closed briefly to install it.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes

That's every change on the record on Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress since 1975.

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Questions & answers

When did Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress open?

Per the documented record, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom opened on Jan 15, 1975.

When did Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress last close for refurbishment?

The most recent closure/refurbishment documented for Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is dated Jul 14, 2026: Walt Disney Imagineering files permit for general construction at Carousel of Progress; ride closed for major reimagining with timeline shift and new Audio-Animatronic.

What changed recently on Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress?

The latest documented change (documented Jul 14, 2026): Walt Disney Imagineering files permit for general construction at Carousel of Progress; ride closed for major reimagining with timeline shift and new Audio-Animatronic.

How many changes are on record for Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress?

11 documented changes, dating back to 1975 — the fan-kept ride changelog nobody else keeps.

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