One of the oldest attractions in Magic Kingdom is getting a much-needed UPDATE!
Carousel of Progress
Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland has been through a few different updates over the years, with a pretty major one back in 2022 that brought updated outfits to many of the animatronic characters in the show’s various scenes. Now, another (but smaller) update has hit this popular attraction!
Carousel of Progress opened in Magic Kingdom in 1975. The attraction takes you on a journey through the 20th century, showing the evolution of technology and how new inventions affected people’s lives!
Carousel of Progress
The show is set in a rotating theater; you’ll sit down, and then the audience is slowly rotated around the stage to the different scenes.
Carousel of Progress
The new update that is already partially finished at Carousel of Progress affects the theater’s seats. Previously, the seats were all this teal color.
Seats at Carousel of Progress before the update
Now, they’ve been updated to be various colors, including blue, red, orange, and green.
Carousel of Progress Seats
The seats also have a pattern on the back cushion now. It’s a retro-style design of starbursts. The seat cushion is still a solid color, and it matches the color of the back.
Carousel of Progress Seats
Although Disney used a retro pattern for the seats, we think this change makes them look much more interesting and less outdated! Plus they match the theme of the attraction now, too.
Carousel of Progress Seats
This update is only partially complete. Some of the seats in the theater are updated, but others are still that teal color. We’ll be watching to see when the project is completely finished.
If you want to hop on the Carousel of Progress on your next trip to Magic Kingdom, you should be able to get on without much of a wait! The attraction usually has a short line (if there’s any line at all). It is not part of the Genie+ system, so there’s no Lightning Lane for it.
Carousel of Progress
Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the latest news from Disney World!
Click here to check out the big 2022 Carousel of Progress update!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Are you a fan of this classic Disney World attraction? Let us know what you think of the new seats in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
This is just a great ride. Never really crowded and a nice way to stay out of the elements and learn a jaunty new song. I miss it in Disneyland. Always visit it in the Magic Kingdom.
Reupholstered seats are great, but when will they refurbish the animatronic scenes and add an ending that can be updated as time marches on? That’s what the attraction really needs.
It’s wonderful that the seating area is getting an update, but the final scene in the show needs an update. I kind of thought the final scene was intended to be the present, but it’s a few decades behind at this point.
Glad to see this one happening. Last year I noticed how bad the exterior was cracking and in need of paint. The ceiling tiles were stained and the grid holding the tiles were rusty. I rode the Carousel of Progress in the early 60’s at the N.Y. World’s Fair. It holds a special place in my heart.
We LOVE Carousel of Progress! Not only is it a great break in the AC off your feet, but it lets us experience something that has that original “Walt Disney” touch. It is a must-do full of our own memories for generations. I hope they never try to take it away again! (Although we are very happy that the final scene did get an update 🙂 It seems like someday, we’ll need a new scene altogether – I hope they find a way to make that happen. Maybe alternate some of the earlier scenes in and out.
Looks like the carpet on Carousel of Progress was also updated.
This iconic Magic Kingdom attraction has always been a “signature symbol” of Disney, but it’s definitely time for some much-needed upgrades. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it turns out after the makeover! Plus, with Disney constantly upgrading and innovating, I’m sure the experience will be even more exciting and immersive in the future.