At Walt Disney World, nostalgia doesn’t guarantee survival. In recent months, a string of closures has raised alarms among loyal fans. Now, rumors suggest that one of Tomorrowland’s most enduring staples may be next to fade into memory.
Though no official announcement has been made, a new rumor has reignited long-standing concerns over the fate of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress—one of Magic Kingdom’s oldest and most historically significant attractions.
The rotating theater show first opened in 1975 at Walt Disney World after originating at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair. It was designed by Walt Disney himself, intended to showcase technological optimism through a family’s journey across the 20th century. Today, the show remains relatively unchanged since its last major update in 1994, and it continues to stir debate over whether its time is up.
Walt Disney’s Creations Struggles
For devoted fans, Carousel of Progress is more than just a nostalgic piece of theme park history—it’s one of the few attractions that Walt Disney personally oversaw. As Disney notes, “Walt Disney originally conceived the show as part of a new area at Disneyland Park called Edison Square. When the concept was abandoned, the idea was reimagined, eventually opening under the name ‘Progressland’ at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair.”
The show made its way to Magic Kingdom four years after the park opened. With its Sherman Brothers theme song, Audio-Animatronic cast, and hopeful finale, it has long been a quiet fan favorite—even as attendance has fluctuated and Disney has seemingly neglected the show.
That affection, however, hasn’t stopped speculation. The last significant overhaul was more than 30 years ago. Since then, the most notable changes have been cosmetic: refreshed costumes, lighting tweaks, and occasional maintenance. Compared to the high-dollar IP integrations elsewhere in the parks, Carousel of Progress has remained largely untouched—and that’s become a cause for concern.
Fans Fear Closure as Mechanical Issues Reportedly Mount
This week, rumors surfaced online suggesting that the ride may be in technical trouble. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, claimed that “6 of the 9 motors on [Carousel of Progress] are running, with one of them breaking last week.” These motors control the show’s rotating mechanism, and according to the post, the ride is “on the last one they can run before the ride stops spinning entirely.”
Fixing the issue would reportedly involve a full rebuild. “The catch is though, not enough people ride it per hour and management is looking to either replace it or remove it entirely,” the user continued. They added that internal discussions about the ride’s future “are fairly new after the motor blew.”
I was just informed by someone who works at MK that 6 of the 9 motors on COP are running, with one of them breaking last week. These motors allow the ride to spin and according to my source, they are on the last one they can run before the ride stops spinning entirely.
— Cynical Disney (@cynical_disney) July 10, 2025
The same user noted concerns about timing. “After Buzz goes down next month, PeopleMover will be next to receive a major refurbishment. If COP goes down during PeopleMover’s refurbishment, there will be a problem.”
Though the post clarified that “nothing is set in stone,” it aligns with Disney’s broader trend of reevaluating legacy attractions. Recent years have seen the closure of long-running shows and rides that, while not high-traffic, had passionate fan bases.
Tomorrowland’s Identity Crisis
Carousel of Progress isn’t the only aging fixture in Tomorrowland. Tomorrowland Speedway remains a frequent target of criticism, with fans calling the gas-powered cars outdated and environmentally tone-deaf. While newer overlays like the TRON Lightcycle / Run coaster have added flash to the area, others argue the land’s core still feels disjointed.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is the next attraction headed for change. The ride will close next month. Disney has confirmed a major refurbishment that will include updated vehicles, a new show scene, and enhanced gameplay. The revamped version is expected to feature handheld blasters with always-on lasers, interactive targets, video-screen scoring, and a new robot character named Buddy. The overhaul is expected to last well into 2026.
“There is 0% chance [Carousel of Progress] is running at [Magic Kingdom] in ten years,” one fan wrote bluntly. Another added, “At this point, nothing is safe and everything is disposable.”
The possible loss of Carousel of Progress hits differently, though. The show is one of the last direct links to Walt Disney’s vision of optimism and progress. It’s imperfect and out of sync with modern tech, but for many, that’s part of its charm.
As Disney pushes forward with billion-dollar park expansions and IP-forward designs, Carousel of Progress stands as a reminder of the company’s roots. If it closes, fans won’t just be saying goodbye to a ride—they’ll be watching another piece of Walt’s legacy disappear.
Do you think Disney should close Carousel of Progress?
The Carousel of Progress should be saved….it is a historical part of Disney and one of the original rides that Walt Disney himself personally had a hand in it. I have enjoyed it when I have been there …….. one of the must see rides for me …….. please don’t get rid of it Thank you!