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Carousel of Progress

There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day!
Location:(Park)
Type of Attraction:T
Height Restrictions:T
Typical Wait Time:T
Is It Scary?T

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Magical Moments
Hidden Mickeys & Other Secrets
Did You Know…?
Touring Tips
Photo Gallery

The Carousel of Progress was one of Walt Disney’s favorite attractions, originally developed for the World’s Fair of 1964-65 in New York.

The Carousel of Progress is a unique theater experience where the sitting area actually rotates around the stage! The show demonstrates the progress of technology in the home throughout the years. You’ll watch a typical American family as they progress from the turn of the century, to the Twenties, then the Forties, and finally to the present day. Along the way you’ll be entertained by a cast of Animatronic figures-including the family dog! The father of the family is your primary host, but you’ll get to see and hear from the rest of the family along the way.

The Carousel of Progress is a lot of fun, especially when you see the gadgets (and the misadventures) that our host family has had throughout the years!

Magical Moments

  • You may not notice at first, but as you progress through the years you’re also progressing through the seasons. Make note of the holidays that are occurring during your visits with the Carousel of Progress family.
  • The show is filled with funny moments, especially when Uncle Orville gets into the act!
  • Listen to how the theme song changes musical styles to match the era that’s being portrayed.
  • Most people find the last room (the Christmas scene) the most magical. The beautiful decorations and futuristic gadgets might just put you in a holiday mood (even in the middle of summer)!
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Hidden Mickeys & Other Secrets

  • Look at the painting on the wall above the fireplace in the Christmas scene to find a Hidden Mickey.
  • If you look closely, you’ll also find a Mickey-shaped white pepper mill on the kitchen counter in the final scene.
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Did You Know...?

  • Does the narrator sound familiar? That’s Jean Shepherd, who also narrates the classic holiday film, A Christmas Story.
  • With its continuous showings from 1964 to today, the Carousel of Progress has become the most performed show in the history of American theater, as well as the most-seen stage show in America.
  • This was one of Walt Disney’s most beloved attractions, and rumor has it that Walt specifically ordered that it never be removed from the park.
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Touring Tips

  • The Carousel of Progress is only open seasonally (during the busier times of the year). If this attraction is a particular favorite of yours, you might want to check before your trip to see if it’s open.
  • Even when it is open, the attraction is rarely crowded, so you can experience the show at your leisure.
  • You can sit anywhere you like, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Because the theater rarely fills up, you can usually choose any seat you wish.
  • As you wait outside to enter, be sure to check out the television monitors overhead. You’ll see original footage of Walt Disney himself hosting a short presentation introducing the Carousel of Progress (it was one of Walt’s favorite attractions!).
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Photo Gallery

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