Video: Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom a Disney World Review
Check out Video: Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom a Disney World Review to see the attraction that holds the record for the longest running stage show.
Location
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is located in the Tomorrowland section of Magic Kingdom. At Cinderella Castle hub, head to the right over the bridge crossing over into Tomorrowland. You will pass Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Carousel of Progress is just past Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
A Bit of History
With Carousel of Progress being Walt Disney’s personal creation, we need to delve into the history of this unique attraction.
The show was originally designed for Disneyland but the thought was scratched. Later, the idea was brought back to life when GE approached Walt Disney to build an exhibit for the GE Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The exhibit was called Progressland. “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” was the theme song and the attraction was a hit!
In 1967, after the World’s Fair closed, Progressland was moved to Disneyland. It was placed in the Tomorrowland section and given the name Carousel of Progress. It was replaced in 1974 and moved to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in 1975 where it remains today.
Once Carousel of Progress was in place at Magic Kingdom, the show was rewritten and the theme song changed to “The Best Time of Your Life”. However in 1994, it was reworked back to the original show and theme song.
The Attraction
Carousel of Progress is a revolving theater. There is a stationary center stage and the audience seating revolves around this center stage. There are four scenes and each lasts about five minutes. The premise of Carousel of Progress is showing a typical American family living through technological advances.
When you walk in and take your seat, you will see the Carousel of Progress logo surrounded by curtains. It is here you will hear a short introduction of history of this attraction. A Cast Member will also give you a few instructions to remember during the show.
Scene 1
Scene 1 begins in the early 1900s during the spring. Birds are chirping with music in the background. John, the dad, is sitting in his rocking chair with his dog, Rover, lying on the floor. John tells of buildings up to 20 stories high, 8,000 automobiles in the U.S. and advancements like gas lamps and the hand-crank washing machine. John begins singing “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and you begin rotating to the next scene.
Scene 2
Scene 2 takes you to a summer during the 1920s. John talks about all of the advancements of the past 20 years including electronic kitchen appliances such as the refrigerator and toaster oven. You will see extension cords everywhere to make sure these things keep running. Eventually, all of this blows a fuse and cuts power to the whole neighborhood. This interrupts everyone as they are getting ready for the July 4th fireworks. The fuse is replaced and as they finish getting ready, the theme song begins to play and you are taken to scene 3.
Scene 3
Scene 3 takes place in the autumn of the mid 1940s. John tells of advances in the refrigerator so that it now holds more food than ice. He mentions the invention of the dishwasher. He also talks about being a part of the “rat race”.
He explains that he drives into the city to work each day and drives back home. Jim, the son, is carving a Jack-O-Lantern and says that it looks like his sister Patty. In order to cheer up Patty, John asks everyone to join in singing “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and you will rotate to the final scene.
Scene 4
Scene 4 brings you to winter of “present day” with the whole family in one room, including grandfather and grandmother. The family talks about high-tech inventions like virtual-reality games and high definition television. They even have a voice-activated oven which turns the heat up and ruins the turkey. John talks of advances like an automated oven so he never has to cook again and the family laughs and begins “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” one last time. You will then rotate back to the introduction. It is here you are told not to forget your belongings and you exit the attraction.
Nostalgia
I truly believe everyone should experience Carousel of Progress. If for no other reason than the nostalgia of knowing Walt Disney had his very hands on this attraction. Carousel of Progress is the only attraction at Magic Kingdom that was entirely realized by Walt Disney himself! This makes it a must-do for my family every trip!
Tips
- FastPass+ is not offered for Carousel of Progress. There is hardly every a long wait.
- Carousel of Progress is a great attraction on a hot or rainy day!
- Carousel of Progress was a favorite of Walt Disney’s, which makes it a must-do.
Height Requirement
There is not a height requirement for Carousel of Progress. No matter what age, or height, everyone in your party will be able to enjoy this attraction.
Accessibility and Other Information
You may remain in your wheelchair or on your ECV for Carousel of Progress.
Audio Description, Assistive Listening, Handheld Captioning and Video Captioning are available upon request.
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