One of the most popular attractions in Tomorrowland since 1974, Carousel of Progress was the first to take on the new look of Tomorrowland both inside and out.

The musical comedy show has been seen by more Guests than any other theatrical presentation in the history of American Theater since its debut at the 1964 World's Fair.

The show traces the impact of technological progression on Americans' daily living, from the start of the 20th century into the near future, with a cast of family characters brought to life through Disney's Audio-Animatronics.

Through an added pre-show, Guests discover more about the original Carousel show designed by Walt Disney, and will also hear the return of the original theme song, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow." A new script and cast of voices offer Guests a glimpse of new innovations like virtual reality, voice-activation, and high-definition television.

* Open seasonally.

Type - show

When to go - Visit anytime

Duration - 22 mins

Restrictions
Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVs to experience the attraction.

Hidden Mickeys
There are lots of neat surprises in the last scene: check out the nutcracker on the fireplace, the plush toy peeking out of the present, the wrapping paper, and the white pepper mill on the kitchen counter.
Also, the painting on the back wall is an abstract version of Mickey Mouse from "Fantasia."

Rating - 5

Lyrics
There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

Reviews

"I first enjoyed this attraction at Disneyland about 40 years ago. It was one of my favorites and I rode it every time I went to Disneyland. I was disappointed when it was changed to "America Sings", which was not as good, and then it was changed to "Innoventions", which I rarely visit. I visited WDW about ten years ago and was delighted to find that the Carrousel of Progress was there. We are planning to return to WDW in September 2003. I have heard that it is only open seasonally and that I might not be able to ride it when we get there. From the reviews I have read, it appears that there are many people that enjoy this attraction. I encourage WDW personnel to consider keeping the attraction open longer each year." (8/03) Ron Whitaker

"I think the animatronic technology is so outdated that it looks incredibly cheesy. This is the 21st century afterall, and I feel that the carousel of progress is an outdated eyesore--but maybe I'm putting too much emphasis on "Progress". I felt the same about the Jungle Cruise animatronics when I recently visited. Of course, I had visited Animal Kingdom earlier in the day and nothing compares to the real thing! Animatronics can be cute in cartoonish settings such as the Tiki Room and possibly even the Pirates of the Carribean. I first visited Disney World when I was 6 years old, and this is the one attraction I remember most because it scared me so badly. I loved the Haunted Mansion, and it only scared me a little at the time. I recently visited MK with my little brother (I am now 26) and the Carousel of Progress still gave me the creeps, so be mindful if you have sensitive little ones (or even big ones) who may scare easily." (8/03) Shannon

"I thought this ride was great. I am so mad that the cast members closed it. I mean, come on, this ride was Walt Disney's idea! Keep it open!" (6/03) Angela Neal

"This is the one ride that is a must to see.We frequent WDW once a year from the UK and look forward to it. We reccommend it to everyone who is visiting. This year it was closed and we were told it would not be opening. This would be a great loss to the park and would be greatly missed from your friends across the water." (11/02) Paul

"I orginally saw this attraction at the World's Fair in New York. I have visited WDW at least 20 times since the Fair and I always enjoy this attraction. Unfortunately, the attraction has been closed the last three times I visited WDW in 2001 and 2002. It is a great error in judgement to close this attraction permanently." (11/02) Bob Nolt

"This was the one attraction I wanted my husband to see on his first ever trip to Disney World and to my dismay, it was closed. I asked one of the workers and he said that it would never reopen. I really enjoyed the Carousel of Progress in 1988 when my daughter and I visited the Magic Kingdom without my husband. I really think the carousel is a great learning experience for school age children. It is a shame to loose this attraction." (6/02) Jennifer S.

"This is my favorite attraction at Disney World. It brings the past alive and shows how far we have come in this technological age. It peek into the past that is fun. I also have a very personal reason for liking this attraction so much. My Dad was the model for the father in the scenes.Please take the time to view this fascinating attraction." Joanne Alger

"If you are a true Disney fan, please go on this ride IF you you are lucky enough to go to the park while the ride is running! This was Walt's OWN idea! It is enjoyable, entertaining, relaxing, educational, and sentimentally important. As of now the ride is closed - please petition or make phone calls to have the ride re-opened for good. Let us honor Walt, our Disney hero - and re-open his own creative ride. Everyone will benefit from keeping this piece of history running!" (2/02) Kristen

"Isn't it sad, the one attraction that has so much sentimental value to us, and had to Walt Disney himself, is closing for good during the year that celebrates Walt. The Carousel Of Progress has been closed since late September, will be reopening again for Christmas, and then, sources point to that the Carousel Of Progress will finally be closed for good." (12/01) Jared

"Yes I love this attraction. I can relate to my Great grandfathers house when we would go to visit in the 50 and 60's. The jack-o-lantern on the table in the one scene looks like one I use to have as a child. I look for it each time I go there. The only thing is that the attraction closes at 5pm or 5:30pm in the evening and sometimes I miss it and don't get back to see it another day. It's a nice place to sit and get out of the heat too." Tomalee

"The last time I saw this attraction was in 1988. I was with my daughter who was then 12. I have gone to Disney World about 3 times a year and everytime I go its always closed due to some reason. I am going once again next week and I have to plan my day ahead just to get to this great attraction. Its so much fun. I really like the animation and going through time to see the changes our world has gone through. I don't remember if it was a long wait - but like everything else you just need to know when the best time to go to certain attractions are. I did not know about the Fastpass back then. Go after dinner time. All the kids are back at the hotel. Don't ever go during high temperature hours. too hot to wait in line. This is such a nice ride for senior citizens and people who like the animation puppets." Amy Woehler

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