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Credit: Inside the MagicFor many Disney fans, the last couple of years have felt like a tug-of-war between nostalgia and reinvention.
On one hand, the company has been pushing forward with new lands and re-themed experiences. On the other, long-beloved areas are being bulldozed in the name of modernization. The closure of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island this summer was the breaking point for some guests, sparking heated backlash and endless comment threads online.
These closures weren’t just about a riverboat or an island playground—they represented memories, atmosphere, and a sense of old-school Disney charm. Much like when Splash Mountain was shuttered and re-themed, fans once again felt like something classic had been taken away in exchange for another IP-driven project. For many, it wasn’t about ride capacity or “efficiency.” It was about identity.
The Backlash Builds
Rivers of America was more than just a backdrop in Frontierland—it was a breathing space. It offered slower moments of reflection, a chance to walk along the water, watch the Liberty Square Riverboat glide by, or send kids across the raft to Tom Sawyer Island. Losing that in favor of the Cars-themed Piston Peak land left fans mourning an era of Disney that prioritized atmosphere over throughput.
The controversy hit harder because it followed a string of moves that left purists uneasy. Splash Mountain’s transformation, while exciting to some, alienated others who saw it as yet another example of “Disney messing with tradition.” Now, with Rivers of America gone, fans began wondering what would be next on the chopping block.
Carousel of Progress Raises Eyebrows
That’s why, when Walt Disney Imagineering quietly released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing Carousel of Progress, fans held their breath. This wasn’t just any attraction. It’s one of Walt Disney’s personal creations, originally built for the 1964–65 World’s Fair before moving to Magic Kingdom in 1975. The show’s rotating theater and multigenerational family story have carried an aura of authenticity that can’t be duplicated.
The Imagineering video zoomed in on the attraction’s dated “future” scene, which hasn’t been refreshed since 1993. Inside the Magic : Was Disney about to re-theme another classic? Was Carousel of Progress next in line for the chopping block? Inside the Magic even called it days earlier—this was a tease for something bigger.
A Different Kind of Update
Then came the news that Disney would indeed be updating Carousel of Progress—but in a way that felt strikingly different from other recent moves. Instead of ripping out characters or tossing the family aside, Imagineers announced the addition of a brand-new audio-animatronic of Walt Disney himself.
The plan is to introduce a fresh opening sequence featuring Walt in an office-like setting surrounded by blueprints and sketches. Early concept art even shows him standing next to an early EPCOT design. Guests will now hear directly from Walt before moving into the iconic show, keeping the family and all its familiar characters intact.
In short, Disney didn’t throw away the legacy—it doubled down on it.
Here’s what Disney had to say about the refresh:
“There are still plenty of additional details to be revealed, including what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family are up to. Disney Imagineers love this attraction and the heart of it will stay the same while introducing the Carousel of Progress to an entirely new generation of fans, showing them that a great big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.”
Learning From the Past
This approach feels like a direct response to the uproar over recent closures. Instead of chasing synergy at the expense of history, Imagineering is choosing to honor Walt Disney, preserve the original family, and carefully refresh an attraction that truly needed it. It’s the sort of balance fans have been asking for all along.
The Walt Disney Family Museum even praised the update, noting how meaningful it is to see Walt represented through Imagineering’s cutting-edge animatronic technology. It’s a milestone that not only celebrates the man behind the magic but also reassures fans that Carousel of Progress is safe for another generation.
“We are grateful to The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering for their continued collaboration and ongoing partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum. The introduction of a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in ‘Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress’ marks an exciting milestone in our shared mission to celebrate the story of the man behind the magic and inspire new generations with his innovations and vision for the future. We appreciate the continued efforts and meticulous care that Imagineering has taken to keep Walt’s legacy alive,” Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum said.
Why This Matters
Disney has always walked a fine line between progress and preservation. Rivers of America’s removal showed what happens when that balance tips too far into cold efficiency. By contrast, the Carousel of Progress update signals that the company has listened to the backlash and decided to meet fans halfway.
Yes, the ride will finally get its long-overdue refresh. But it won’t come at the cost of the characters, the music, or the spirit that Walt himself created. Instead, it’ll begin with Walt greeting guests in his own attraction—a symbolic gesture that Disney is learning its lesson.
For once, it feels like the company is putting legacy over trend. And in a time when fans are desperate for reassurance, that might be the smartest move they’ve made all year.