Originally opened in January 1975, Walt Disney’s CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS is one of the classic Disney rides. This attraction is located in the Tomorrowland area of the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida and features the song “There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”.
The attraction consists of four different acts using Audio-Animatronics that takes guests through the 20th century showing how technology and innovation has changed how the American family lives. The star of the show is a father named “John” who also is the narrator of the show.
Walt Disney himself played a big part in the development of the Carousel of Progress and it is the oldest attraction at Walt Disney World to have been touched by Walt himself. It’s by rumored that this was Walt’s favorite attraction and he originally had the Carousel of Progress on display at the 1964 / 1965 World’s Fair in New York.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is open to all ages and there are no height limitations. It’s a slow and easy attraction; we consider it to me more of a show than a ride but since the theater spins, it’s probably considered to be both.
The four acts of the Carousel of Progress show are as follows:
Act 1: The 1900’s
Act 1 starts out with John sitting in the kitchen with his dog Rover. He talks about the modern conveniences of that time like electric lights, washing machines, phonographs and “horseless trolleys”.
Act 2: The 1920’s
During Act 2 John and his family are celebrating the fourth of July. This act is all about the Roaring 20’s where advances in technology continue to make life a little better. These include a refrigerator, vacuum and electric lights.
John also talks about the recent accomplishments of the era including sports stadiums, electric starters for cars and cross country train travel in just 3 days.
Act 3: The 1940’s
In Act 3 John and the family are getting ready for Halloween. During the scene John sits in his kitchen marveling about the refrigerator, automatic dishwasher and television along with how times are changing.
Act 4: The 21st Century
Act 4 opens with John’s family celebrating Christmas and surrounded by the most modern home technology including a home virtual reality video game and a personal computer.
But even with all the modern innovations, John still burns the Christmas turkey.
See the complete show at our video below.
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Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – Frequently Asked Questions
Following are the answers for some of the most frequently asked questions about the Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort.
How long is the Carousel of Progress show?
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress show is approximately 20 minutes in length. Wait times for this attraction are typically short and we have found them to be less than 15 minutes on most summer days.
Where in the Magic Kingdom is the Carousel of Progress located?
The Carousel of Progress is located in the Tomorrowland area of the Magic Kingdom behind the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover and adjacent to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Is Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress worth seeing?
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is one of the classic Disney attractions and since it typically has a limited wait time, we think it is worth seeing. However, we do not consider it an attraction that can be visiting multiple times during a visit like Space Mountain, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Can you bring food and beverages into Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress?
Food and drinks are not allowed when inside Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Cast members tend to keep a very strict eye out during the show.
Does weather close Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress?
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is an indoor attraction and does not close in times of bad weather. The attraction is held within a fully air-conditioned building.
Learn More about the Walt Disney World Resort with our Theme Park Guides
- The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
- EPCOT at Walt Disney World
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Springs
Where Should We Stay When Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort?
The Walt Disney World Resort has a number of great on-site hotels and each and every one of them have their own benefits, characteristics and price points.
There are multiple “categories” of hotels which are as follows:
- Deluxe Resort Hotels
- Deluxe Resort Villas
- Moderate Resort Hotels
- Disney’s Campgrounds
- Value Resort Hotels
Deluxe resort hotels include the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. These resort hotels are all located adjacent to a Walt Disney World theme park (Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and offer easy access to that park as well as superior amenities and accommodations.
In addition Disney’s hotels and resorts, there are a number of other hotel options including the hotels in the Disney Springs Resort Area and those within the Bonnet Creek Resort.
