A Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic Is Coming to the Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom
Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty revealed at Destination D23 that a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney himself is coming to 'Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress' at Magic Kingdom, anchoring a brand-new introductory scene. The project is a collaboration with the Walt Disney Family Museum.
For the first time, guests will see Walt Disney himself brought to life through Audio-Animatronics in one of his most personal attractions. Imagineer Chris Beatty revealed at Destination D23 that a new figure of Walt is coming to "Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress" at Magic Kingdom, anchoring a brand-new introductory scene.
The Buzz
Announced on stage during the "Creating the Happiest Place on Earth" panel at Destination D23 and shared by the Disney Parks Blog, the reveal has fans buzzing — a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic is one of Imagineering's most ambitious and emotionally resonant projects in years.
Walt's Own Attraction Gets a New Introduction
The Carousel of Progress holds a unique place in Disney history. It was Walt Disney's own idea from beginning to end, debuting at the 1964 New York World's Fair, where it became an immediate smash hit. Since then, the show has logged more performances than any other stage show in the history of American theater, and it has called Magic Kingdom home since 1975.
Now, before guests follow an American family — and Rover — across four generations of progress, they'll experience a new introductory scene and hear from Walt Disney himself. Progress and innovation were two of Walt's cornerstone passions, themes that have always sat at the heart of the attraction.
A Collaboration With the Walt Disney Family Museum
The project is a partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering and 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," said Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum. "We appreciate the continued efforts and meticulous care that Imagineering has taken to keep Walt's legacy alive."
"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." — Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director, Walt Disney Family Museum
Disney Imagineers have emphasized that the heart of the attraction will stay the same even as the new scene introduces the Carousel of Progress to a new generation of fans. Additional details — including what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family will be up to — are still to come.
Why Fans Are Buzzing
A Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic is more than a technical showcase; it's a deeply symbolic addition to the very attraction Walt conceived and championed. Recreating a real, beloved historical figure with the lifelike nuance modern Audio-Animatronics demand is among the most delicate challenges Imagineering can take on, and doing it for Walt himself raises the emotional stakes for longtime fans. The reveal lands as the Disneyland Resort celebrates 70 years since Walt opened the park on July 17, 1955 — a fitting backdrop for honoring the man who never stood in the way of progress. An opening date has not yet been announced, but the Carousel of Progress is poised to deliver "a great big, beautiful tomorrow" to a whole new audience.