Disney has been walking a tightrope between innovation and tradition, and fans haven’t been shy about pointing out when the company tips too far in one direction. The closures of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island this summer hit a nerve, reminding many longtime visitors that their favorite pieces of Disney history were being erased in favor of new, branded expansions. The controversy echoed the storm that surrounded Splash Mountain’s transformation and left die-hard fans bracing for what could be next.
Carousel of Progress in the Spotlight
That uneasiness spiked when Disney Imagineering released a behind-the-scenes look at Carousel of Progress. This wasn’t just another attraction—it was one of Walt Disney’s personal creations, originally built for the 1964 World’s Fair. Fans feared that if Disney could overhaul this, nothing was safe. Social media lit up with speculation that the “future” scene, unchanged since 1993, was about to be scrapped entirely.
A Refresh That Feels Different
Instead of dismantling the attraction, Disney announced something surprising: a brand-new audio-animatronic of Walt Disney himself will open the show. The refreshed introduction will feature Walt in a setting surrounded by sketches and EPCOT blueprints, directly addressing guests before the family we all know returns to the spotlight. For once, Disney isn’t removing characters or rewriting history—it’s doubling down on it.
Listening to Fans
The move seems like a direct response to the backlash Disney faced after shuttering beloved attractions. Rather than pushing synergy at all costs, Imagineers are restoring confidence by highlighting Walt’s vision. Even the Walt Disney Family Museum applauded the addition, calling it a milestone that keeps his legacy alive.
Why It Matters
For fans, this update is a reminder that not every change means the end of tradition. The Carousel of Progress refresh won’t erase its charm, music, or characters. Instead, guests will see Walt himself welcoming them into the show. In a season filled with heated debates over what Disney is becoming, this feels like the rare win that both honors history and looks to the future.
No, it really wasn’t in response to backlash. You realize, Disney has to be one of the most data driven companies in the world. They know who is coming to what attraction, and what numbers, and at what times. The closures of Rivers of America and TSI were coming for years, guest had stayed away in droves and literally voted with their feet to close the attraction. Please stop catastrophize this update in the normal course of things for new and more inviting attractions. Yes, we all have nostalgia, but it is not going to dictate the company’s future. It never has, it never will.