Is Carousel of Progress Finally Receiving a Much Needed Update? - Inside the Magic

Walt Disney and WED Enterprises teamed up and created what is now the longest-running stage show in American theater history — Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Though originally created as the prime feature of the General Electric Pavilion for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the attraction now resides in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

Because this attraction was created so long ago, many are calling for the attraction to receive an update. Now, according to a new permit filed by Disney, could this Tomorrowland ride finally be receiving some construction?

Related: Carousel of Progress Needs an Update, But Must Keep Disney’s Legacy

In case you aren’t familiar, this attraction, which was created by Walt Disney himself, is a rotating theater audio-animatronic stage show attraction, currently located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort. The official description listed on the Walt Disney World website reads:

Travel through the 20th century and marvel at the evolution of technology during this classic Audio-Animatronics show.

Follow an American family over 4 generations of progress and watch technology transform their lives. During each era, learn how the technological marvels of the day made life more comfortable—and paved the way for unimaginable innovations.

Discover how gas lamps, the hand-cranked washing machine and gramophone made the pre-electric era a breeze. Watch the advent of electricity give rise to modern conveniences like the electric iron, the radio—and the simple, revolutionary light bulb. See how the automatic dishwasher and television set transformed the American household.

Today’s high-tech marvels include virtual-reality games, high-definition televisions and voice-activated household appliances. Imagine the wonders the next hundred years may bring!

Now, according to a new permit filed, Carousel of Progress could be gearing up for some construction work. The permit, which was filed by Walt Disney World Resort and contracted Buena Vista Construction Company for the job, is to “provide labor, material and/or electrical for construction”.

Though there is not much other information listed, we do know that because Buena Vista Construction Company is named the contractor, and the type of work listed is for construction, we can suspect that some sort of construction work will be done on the attraction.

However, we do want to note that at this time, the Walt Disney World website does not list Carousel of Progress on the refurbishment calendar and so whatever construction work will be done, could be minor — such as fixing the animatronics on stage so that they work properly.

Inside the Magic will update you as we get information regarding Carousel of Progress.

Would you like to see Disney update Carousel of Progress? What do you think this permit is for? Let us know in the comments below.