Okay, so almost everyone thinks of Magic Kingdom first when they think of Disney World.
That’s because Magic Kingdom was Disney World’s first theme park, and there’s nothing more iconic than walking down Main Street, U.S.A. and seeing Cinderella Castle. However, Magic Kingdom also has some iconic CLASSIC Disney rides, although there’s one ride, in particular, that just does not get enough love. Yes, there’s one ride that EVERYONE has probably been on, but Disney World seems to consider it an afterthought, at least when it comes to merchandise.
Let’s go over to Tomorrowland and visit Carousel of Progress. More than likely, you’ve been on this attraction at least ONCE. This rotating theater show is not only the longest-running stage show in American history but was also an attraction first seen at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. It’s been in Disney World since 1975, which means it will soon be celebrating its 50th anniversary there.
The attraction takes you through the story of how our lives have been affected by technological advancements throughout the ages, starting in the 1900s and moving into present day (it’s even been refurbished a number of times to keep the present-earday scene updated). It even features the earworm, “It’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” as written by the Sherman Brothers. Yes, this ride is a classic and often a favorite for many Disney World-goers, but there’s one big problem with the Carousel of Progress…
…there’s hardly any merchandise for it! Almost EVERY other ride in Disney World has a merchandise collection, but we rarely see anything for this classic ride. Like zero. Zilch. Nothing. Even for Disney World’s big 50th Anniversary Celebration, we only saw one piece of Carousel of Progress merchandise released: a Rover plush.
Interestingly enough, we did previously see a Carousel of Progress Tumbler in Disneyland, where the ride presided before it moved to Disney World.
For the ride’s 45th anniversary, there was a t-shirt and a pin, so we guess that’s something.
However, that’s it. Why don’t we have more merchandise for this ride? How about a fun playset of each scene in the ride? We think kids would love that. Or even a t-shirt that says “There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow?” Why doesn’t that exist? Or how about a LEGO model of the whole rotating theater? We bet Disney World fans would pay BIG bucks for something like that. We haven’t even seen a Carousel of Progress mug! What’s up with that?:
The opportunity for some fun merchandise is there, after all, but the official merchandise isn’t. So Disney is making a huge mistake with this ride. We are hoping that with 2025 bringing the 50th anniversary of the ride in Disney World, we might get something more than a t-shirt and pin, but let’s just say we’re not holding our breath. After all, it’s the ride’s official 60th anniversary overall since it first debuted at the New York World’s Fair, and there’s NOTHING new in the shops — believe us, we’ve been checking.
Disney, if you’re reading this, more Carousel of Progress merchandise, please?
In the meantime, you can grab a fun There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Shirt from our friends over at DFB! We’ve got a variety of colors and styles to choose from!
Check back with AllEars again soon for more.
Tell Us Your Phobias and We’ll Tell You Which Disney World Rides to Avoid
Would you like to see more Carousel of Progress merchandise? Let us know in the comments!
I think the Lego set is an excellent idea. I would definitely buy that.
If Disney management has their way they are going to rip this out and put in another super lame ride that breaks down every other ride for a week at a time 50/50 chace of getting to ride a 3 minute ride.
Omg yessss!!! I’ve loved it since I was about 6 years old I’m now 36 and still love this gem it was also my dad’s favorite he was a sucker for all the Disney originals!!! You have listed great merch ideas hopefully mickey is picking up what yall are laying down because I’d definitely be in line to purchase that iconic memorabilia!!!
We did find a car magnet a few years ago but it looked faded and old, even brand new
I first saw Carousel of Progress at the New York Worlds Fair. I would love to see some merch!!
I agree. And i’d like to add another thing Disney does not offer any rides or much merchandise. The movie UP. I have long craved a Carl Fredricksen t shirt as he is one of my heroes.
I had a Progress Tech shirt made, and I love it! Would definitely buy more merch if Disney made it!
I believe a great piece of merchandise they could sell would be the Niagara Falls fan john holds in the summer scene. the back could have WDW and 50th anniversary on it.