Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress Celebrates 40 Years At The Magic Kingdom
This week marks the 40th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom's Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. We've covered this classic attraction in several posts over the years from a look back at the history of this American classic, to its place on in Best Attractions for Relaxing, Staying Cool, and Escaping the Weather posts.
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress Celebrates 40 Years At The Magic Kingdom
This staple of Tomorrowland takes Guests on a journey through time as the Host and his typical American family showcase how far technology came in the 20th Century. The attraction is a special ride to many Disney fans because it's one of the few at Walt Disney World that Walt Disney himself had a hand in creating. It's rumored to have been one of Walt's favorite attractions. Earlier this week the Disney Parks Blog shared this fantastic film of Walt Disney himself giving viewers a peak behind the curtain at the Carousel of Progress.
During its time at the Magic Kingdom the Carousel of Progress went through a few changes - the first being a brand new song for its Florida debt. Sponsored by General Electric for ten years after opening, the Carousel of Progress theme song was changed from its World's Fair and Disneyland theme of "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" to the "The Best Time of Your Life" in order to better fit GE's corporate marketing strategy. However, after going through a full rehab in 1993, the theme music returned to an updated version of "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" with much rejoicing from fans.
While this may be one of the Most Underrated Attractions at the Magic Kingdom, it's one that we think should find a place in your touring strategy. Happy Anniversary Carousel of Progress, we're wishing you a "Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow."
Are you a fan of this classic Disney attraction? Leave a comment and share your best Carousel of Progress story!
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Melissa W wrote on Thu, 01/15/2015 - 15:55:
What a great video! This is one of my favorite attractions.
crazycatperson wrote on Thu, 01/15/2015 - 18:05:
We never miss this attraction. It's a classic. But I wish they'd switch back to the original 1960s final scene for nostalgia's sake.
Sigrid wrote on Thu, 01/15/2015 - 19:26:
This is the best attraction at the Magic Kingdom. Every time I go to the park, I have to go to this ride several times a day. We love it as a family attraction!!!
Jonathn wrote on Thu, 01/15/2015 - 19:51:
I love this show in last of my 40 years visit Disney world (miss in 1990's).I think is time up date new things like tv old set to big new tv 60in.LCD.
Susan wrote on Thu, 01/15/2015 - 20:26:
We always like to see this attraction = gives us a break and if it is hot outside we get to cool down. I didn't realize Walt Disney had a hand in creating it.
Kristen K. wrote on Fri, 01/16/2015 - 13:24:
I love to stop here for a mid-day break. The show is so much fun and you can't beat that rest in comfy seats and air conditioning.
Janet M wrote on Fri, 01/16/2015 - 18:08:
Every time my husband and I visit the Carousel of Progress, he reminds me that he first saw it at the Worlds Fair. It never gets old! A Disney tradition we never miss.
Thiago wrote on Fri, 01/16/2015 - 21:17:
One of my favorites. And I discovered it almost by mistake. The song is so catchy! You keep singing it for days after going on the ride.
Good to know that Walt Disney himself created the Carroussel. Perhaps because of that they will mantain it.
sarrenn wrote on Fri, 01/23/2015 - 10:53:
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is a great attraction that is situated at Magic kingdom I have visited it just before my vermont ski trips from nyc visit. It offers a unique option to see the huge performance that are mostly based on the American history.
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