Disney Confirms Major Overhaul of Carousel of Progress and Signals New Era for Classic Rides

Overview

• Disney announced the Carousel of Progress will close on July 6, 2026 for a comprehensive reimagining that aims to reopen in 2027.
• The confirmed overhaul will add new decades and updated scenes and will include a Walt Disney Audio‑Animatronic in the attraction’s opening sequence.
• Reporters say this project reflects a broader preserve‑and‑refresh strategy at Walt Disney World that updates core stories and music while modernizing effects.
• Spaceship Earth has not been officially scheduled for work and any refurbishment plans remain speculative, but coverage cites it as the most likely next candidate because several scenes now read as historical rather than futuristic.
• Possible technical upgrades mentioned by reporters include modern projection systems, upgraded lighting, refreshed ride vehicles, and next‑generation Audio‑Animatronics, which could change guest experience and set a template for other EPCOT classics.