A LOT is changing in Magic Kingdom right now, with more changes on the way. In Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed so it can receive a huge update, PLUS a new Cars expansion is currently in the works. Behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a new Villians land is on the way.
In Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is closed for a huge update. PLUS, Disney announced that the classic Carousel of Progress will be getting a big change, too: an opening intro scene featuring a Walt Disney animatronic. Well, let’s just say AllEars readers have some thoughts to share about that, so let’s see what you had to say!
At the 2025 Destination D23 event, Disney announced that Carousel of Progress would get a new scene at the beginning of the show with a Walt Disney animatronic similar to the one that recently debuted in Disneyland.
Well, we asked our AllEars readers on Facebook what they thought about this change, and let’s just say, they had some opinions. Now, a lot of people started by saying they were looking forward to the update.
Heather said, “I’m excited for the change! I always watch the tv outside that has the clips of Walt explaining it, so I’m hoping that’s basically what will now be the intro.”
Shezza made an even better point, “It’s a fantastic idea for Walt to return to the only ride at WDW that he actually touched.”
Amanda also agreed that this was a great way to update a classic attraction: “Best idea in a long time. Great compromise on updating a classic.”
So many of you just replied “Excited,” and we could almost feel your excitement coming off the page. Meanwhile, Patty commented, “I take it as a fantastic sign that Carousel of Progress is not going away soon!! I love CoP!!”
One of you, though, said what we all might have been thinking. It’s no secret that Carousel of Progress is a prime napping spot in Disney World. It’s inside, it’s dark, and it’s air-conditioned. So Linda said it: “I may actually stay awake for Walt!”
However, a few of our readers don’t think Carousel of Progress needs an update at all. Juan said, “This wasn’t nearly as needed as an update to the final scene. Laser discs?”
Robert agreed, “Not happy. Leave it as it was originally designed.”
Overall, though, most of our readers seem to be excited about this change. We’ll be keeping an eye out for updates on when Carousel of Progress might close to make way for the new animatronic, so keep checking with AllEars for more.
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Disney NEEDS to Fix the Carousel of Progress Finale ASAP
What do you think about this change? Share with us in the comments!
Last scene is a bore. We already know what we have today ! Love the Americana scenes.
I’ve always enjoyed Carousel of Progress. I will hold my opinion on the changes until I am able to experience them in person. That being said, I certainly hope that the overall theme of the experience is not abandoned. Namely to show a glimpse of what life was like decade to decade. I find that stepping back and looking at life today in the context of where we came from is vitally important. Far too many young people (my children included) look at me as a person of “my generation”. Old school and out of touch. Things ‘back then’ may have not been as advanced, requiring people to do the hard, often unpleasant, work. But there is nothing wrong slowing things down a bit and taking the time to experience life rather than become a bystander. Put the present in context as it were, rather than ignore the past as if it never happened.