Walt Disney Animatronic Coming to Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress

A Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic is coming to Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress. Walt’s character will be added to a “brand-new introductory scene.” The news was announced during Destination D23’s “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel by Imagineer Chris Beatty.

Walt won’t be the only addition to the iconic attraction. Disney shared that existing scenes will also be getting updates:

“There are still plenty of additional details to be revealed, including what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family are up to. Disney Imagineers love this attraction, and the heart of it will stay the same while introducing the Carousel of Progress to an entirely new generation of fans, showing them that a great big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.”

Carousel of Progress is quintessential Disney. Originally built for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, Walt personally oversaw its development. He and his Imagineers created an attraction that beautifully highlights both technological advances and nostalgia. It’s a brilliant 20-minute show. I dare anyone to leave that theater and not sing the Sherman Brothers’ There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.

After debuting at the Fair, Carousel of Progress was moved to Disneyland, where it entertained guests from 1967 to 1973. It was relocated to Magic Kingdom in 1975.

Magic Kingdom is getting the second Walt Disney animatronic. The first debuted in “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” at Disneyland this past June. We’ll share more updates on Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress as they become available.