BREAKING: Carousel of Progress Update at Magic Kingdom, Walt ...
The Carousel of Progress is getting an update at the Magic Kingdom that is set to include a new audio animatronic version of Walt Disney.
wdwnt.comHere’s a concise update on the Carousel of Progress as of late May 2026.
What’s happening
- The Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom is undergoing a major overhaul. Disney has confirmed a multi-year refresh that will replace every scene and introduce new decades, effectively a timeline shift for the show.[3][4][5]
- A new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, likely to appear in the opening segment, is part of the plan, with permits and official briefings indicating work toward adding Walt Disney to the attraction.[7][10]
- The current version is slated to close on July 5, 2026, with refurbishment beginning July 6 and the full updated version expected to debut sometime in 2027. Multiple sources note this timeline, tying the closure to the extensive rebuild ahead of the attraction’s 60th anniversary and beyond.[4][9][3]
Key sources and notes
- YouTube and park-news outlets are reporting a “great big beautiful refurbishment” that includes new scenes and decades, with the attraction reopening in 2027 after a complete overhaul.[1][3]
- An August 2025 Disney Parks-related report confirms an update including a Walt Disney audio-animatronic introduction as part of the overhaul.[2][5]
- A February–June 2026 wave of coverage references permit activity and official announcements about adding Walt Disney to the show, signaling active progress on the project.[10][7]
What to expect for visitors
- If you’re planning a trip between late 2026 and 2027, expect a closed attraction and alternative plans in Tomorrowland during the overhaul window. The official window points to a 2027 reopening, coinciding with the broader 60th-anniversary activities and the new decade-driven scenes.[9][3][4]
- After reopening, the ride will feature updated narrative segments spanning newer decades and likely a new introductory sequence with Walt Disney, plus updated audio-animatronic figures throughout the show.[5][2][4]
Would you like a short, cite-rich timeline you can share with friends or a quick bullet-point briefing for planning a 2027 visit? I can tailor it to your dates and interests. Citations: Carousel overhaul details and timeline references.[1][3][4][5][7][10]