May 22

Carousel of Progress

IMG_5471Journey back in time as Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress exhibits how technological advances during the 20th century have made life more convenient and comfortable for a typical American Family. Narrated by the Partiarch, John, follow four generations of progress from the pre-electricty turn of the century to modern day times.  Featuring state-of-the-art animatronics, the rotating theater has a stationary stage with innovative seating that rotates around center stage, much like a carousel.

The 21 minute show features four acts:

  • Act I, Spring the turn of the century
  • Act II, Summer 1920s
  • Act III, Autumn 1940s
  • Act IV, Winter of present day

The Carousel of Progress was personally created by Walt Disney for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair and was originally conceived as part of Edison Square, a new area at Disneyland park.  When that idea was abandoned, it was reimagined and opened under the name of “Progressland” at the World’s Fair where it was an instant hit.  The attraction was moved to the Disneyland park and eventually added to the Magic Kingdom in 1975 and revamped in 1994, with the classic song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”. 

While this attraction does not offer any thrills, it is education and also holds a certain nostalgia in that it was one of Walter Disney’s own creations.  Every one should experience it at least one time when visiting the Magic Kingdom.

Interest:  Kids, tweens, teens, and adults.

Height Requirements: No height restrictions

Accessibility:  Guests must transfer from Wheelchair/ECV, assistive listening, audio description, handheld captioning and video captioning available

Thrill Level:  Slow Ride, revolving theater

FASTPASS+ is not offered

Location:  Tomorrowland

 Snow White’s Ranking:    

Holly Wiencek
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Holly Wiencek

Holly Wiencek is the author of Capturing the Magic: A Photographic Journey Through the Walt Disney World Parks. A Florida native and lifelong Disney enthusiast, Holly has been visiting Disney Parks since she was a toddler. With countless visits to both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, she has spent a lifetime exploring and learning about the history and legacy Walt Disney left behind and the details created by Disney Imagineering. She spends her spare time making Disney magic in her everyday life and enjoys sharing that magic with her husband and her daughter, Abby.

Visit www.capturing-the-magic.com for a preview of the stunning coffee table book, Capturing the Magic and purchase your copy today.

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