Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
Really more of a show than a ride, but travel through the 20th century and marvel at the evolution of technology during this classic Audio-Animatronics show.
Updated: 2026-01-16
Curated Review
Based on reviews and other public commentary, here is a curated review of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.
Overall Verdict
The Carousel of Progress is a divisive but essential piece of Disney history. For long-time fans, history buffs, and anyone seeking a comfortable 21-minute retreat from the Florida heat, it is a nostalgic and charming “must-do” attraction that embodies Walt Disney’s optimistic vision. However, its slow pace and significantly outdated final scene make it a frequent candidate for “boring” on the lists of younger or thrill-seeking guests. It is an artifact of pure Disney Imagineering that should be appreciated for its historical significance and its message of a “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.”
The Experience
The attraction is an audio-animatronic stage show presented in a unique revolving theater. Guests sit in a large, circular seating area that slowly rotates around a stationary central stage. This innovative design allows the audience to seamlessly travel to the next scene without the characters or props having to change sets.
The show takes you through four distinct acts:
- Turn of the Century (1900s): Introducing electric light, the telephone, and the ice box.
- The Roarin’ Twenties (1920s): Showcasing the radio and new electric appliances.
- The Fabulous Forties (1940s): The family enjoys television, air conditioning, and the automatic dishwasher.
- The 21st Century (Present Day): The family is shown celebrating Christmas with voice-activated appliances, virtual reality games, and other “modern” gadgets.
The entire 21-minute journey is woven together by the instantly recognizable and infectious theme song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” composed by the Sherman Brothers.
The Good: What People Love
- A Sanctuary of Comfort: The number one practical compliment is that the Carousel of Progress is a 21-minute, sit-down, air-conditioned haven. Since the wait is almost always minimal, it is the perfect spot for weary travelers to rest their feet and cool off from the Florida sun without wasting valuable time in a long line.
- A Piece of Walt Disney’s Vision: It holds the record as the longest-running stage show in the history of American theater and is one of the very few existing attractions that Walt Disney himself worked on and debuted (at the 1964 New York World’s Fair). For many, this connection to Walt is reason enough for its enduring charm.
- The Theme Song: “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” is universally loved for its positive message and catchy tune and is a quintessential piece of Disney music.
- Nostalgic Storytelling: The gentle, humorous, and optimistic story about an American family and their adaptability to change resonates deeply, especially with guests who grew up seeing the show. It’s seen as a warm, comforting experience.
The Bad: Common Complaints
- The Outdated Final Scene: The most significant and frequent complaint is the final “21st Century” scene. Last updated in 1994, it features technology that is now decades past its prime (e.g., bulky car phones and old-school VR headsets). This makes the central theme of “progress” feel ironic, prompting many to joke that the attraction should be renamed the “Carousel of No Progress.”
- Boring and Too Long for Kids: At 21 minutes, the educational and historical focus is often considered too long and slow-paced for younger audiences and teenagers, who may become restless or find it dull compared to modern thrill rides. It has been described as a “good napping place.”
- Aging Animatronics: Due to the age of the show, some reviews note that the audio-animatronics can look “shifty” or show signs of wear and tear, detracting from the illusion for some guests.
Top Tips from Reviewers
- Use it Strategically: Save this attraction for the middle of the day (11 AM - 3 PM) when the park is hottest and most crowded. Since the wait time is almost always short (often a “walk-on”), it’s the ideal spot for a mid-day rest and A/C break.
- Appreciate the History: Go in with the mindset that you are viewing a historical artifact and a piece of Americana. Focus on the early scenes to appreciate how innovative the show was for its time.
- Manage Expectations for the Finale: Treat the final scene not as a depiction of the actual present day, but as historical fiction—what people in the mid-1990s optimistically imagined the 21st century would look like.
Summary
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a true Disney classic, celebrated as a testament to Walt’s vision of a future made better through innovation. It offers a rare, comfortable, and nostalgic 21-minute retreat from the Magic Kingdom hustle, complete with a wonderful song that will stick with you all day. While it is long overdue for a major update to its final scene, the heart of the attraction—the enduring message of hope and the celebration of progress—is timeless. It may not be a high-priority thrill ride, but every Disney fan should experience this historical, charming, and air-conditioned gem at least once.
Reference
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/walt-disney-carousel-of-progress/