One of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved classic attractions is about to change forever.
Disney has officially confirmed that Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom will temporarily close for refurbishment beginning July 6, 2026, meaning guests only have until July 5 to experience the attraction in its current form. The closure will allow Disney Imagineering to begin work on the attraction’s largest update in more than 30 years.
Disney previously announced that the refreshed version of Carousel of Progress will include a brand-new opening scene featuring Walt Disney, updated acts and time periods, new storytelling details, and fresh Easter eggs and references throughout the attraction.
The new opening act will reportedly use Audio-Animatronics technology to bring Walt Disney himself into the attraction for the very first time, inspired by the original 1964 World’s Fair presentation of Carousel of Progress.
Disney has also confirmed that each act will now be tied to more clearly defined eras, including the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, a 1980s Halloween scene, a millennium-era internet boom sequence, and a newly reimagined future scene.
This Will Be the Attraction’s Biggest Refresh Since the 1990s
Carousel of Progress has remained largely unchanged since its last major update in 1993, making this refurbishment one of the attraction’s most significant overhauls in decades.
The attraction originally debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair before eventually moving to Disneyland and later Magic Kingdom in 1975. Today, it remains one of the last attractions Walt Disney personally helped develop.
Disney also recently confirmed the attraction will reopen sometime in 2027 following the refurbishment.
July 5 Will Be the Last Day To See the Current Version
With the refurbishment beginning July 6, guests visiting Magic Kingdom over Fourth of July weekend will essentially have one final opportunity to experience the classic version of Carousel of Progress before the updates begin. The attraction is expected to reopen in 2027 with no official date confirmed just yet.
Hearing “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” may hit a little differently knowing major changes are right around the corner.
We’ll continue following all the latest Carousel of Progress updates, Magic Kingdom refurbishment news, Tomorrowland changes, Disney Imagineering projects, and Walt Disney World developments, so be sure to check back soon for more Disney Parks updates.
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