NEWS: Carousel of Progress Is CHANGING at Magic Kingdom
Disney just shared a BIG announcement -- we have ALL the details!
www.disneyfoodblog.comHere’s the latest on Disney World’s Carousel of Progress.
Answer in brief
- The Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom is undergoing a major overhaul with plans to refresh the entire attraction, including new scenes spanning updated decades, and an audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney in the opening. The project aims to open the revised version sometime in 2027, with the current version closing for refurbishment starting July 2026 (final day of operation July 5, 2026). This is based on multiple industry reports and official Disney communications from 2025–2026. [Sources cited inline after each claim below.]
What’s changing
- Complete overhaul of the ride experience, replacing all scenes with new content and a shifted timeline that extends several new decades into the future. This includes a redesigned opening featuring Walt Disney as an Audio-Animatronic figure. [WDWNT/WDW News Today reports, August 2025 announcement; Disney Parks blog reference via coverage in August 2025.][1][4][9]
- Opening scene update: introduction now incorporating an animatronic Walt Disney, aligning with Disney’s ongoing program to refresh classic attractions with modern technology and storytelling touches.[4][9]
- Timeline and scope: reports describe a multi-year refurbishment effort, with target completion and re-opening in 2027. Some outlets note a July 2026 closure for the project’s start.[2][3][4]
Timeline to know
- 2025–2026: Public announcements and permits indicating the scope of updates, including Walt Disney’s animatronic addition.[6][9][1]
- July 2026: Current version of Carousel of Progress slated to close for refurbishment, with the full overhaul expected to finish in 2027.[3][2]
- 2027: Expected reopening of the refreshed Carousel of Progress with new scenes and Walt Disney animatronic introduction.[3][4]
How this fits with park news
- The updates are part of a broader wave of park modernization announced around Destination D23 2025, signaling Disney’s continued investment in beloved classic attractions with newer technologies.[1][4]
- Some coverage highlights that the overhaul is significant enough to set a 2027 opening window, underscoring a substantial redesign rather than a light refresh.[2][3]
What this means for guests
- If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom in late 2026 or early 2027, expect a newly reimagined Carousel of Progress with updated scenes and a Walt Disney animatronic opening. Plan accordingly for potential ride closures during the refurbishment window.[4][3]
Illustration
- A visual concept is often shown in coverage of the update, illustrating the new opening scene and the broader timeline shift for the attraction.[1][3]
Citations
- Carousel of Progress update and Walt Disney animatronic introduction announced at Destination D23 2025; coverage notes the update and project scope.[1]
- Permit filings and official statements indicating work underway and a 2027 opening target.[9][6]
- Reported closure date and 2027 reopening window from multiple outlets covering the overhaul timeline.[2][3]
- Background on the attraction’s history and the recent updates to opening scenes in prior years.[5]
If you’d like, I can pull the most up-to-date official statements or assemble a printable one-page timeline for planning an Orlando trip around the refurbishment window.