Is Carousel of Progress a thing of the past?

[Katie Little]

It is with a heavy heart that I write this thread. I never in a million years thought that I would be criticizing my favorite attraction, yet alone putting my complaints out there for the world to read. But does anyone else think that Carousel of Progress needs a massive update?!

Sidebar: If you are from Disney and you’re reading this, notice I said massive update and not replacement? If you try and take away the 1 ride that is so quintessentially Walt Disney, I will organize a sit in. End Sidebar.

Seriously though, the last scene predicted the future pretty spot on. Virtual reality has been a thing for a couple years now. And while I’m unaware of any stoves that you can talk to, you can control just about everything in your home from your phone.

Here’s what I’m proposing.

• Get rid of the first scene. You know the one that happens at the “turn of the century”? Not the one that we have been in for 18 now, but the 1900s.
• Start with the 2nd scene, and keep the 3rd the same.
• Update the 4th scene to include what those things actually look like. Maybe add in a google home or alexa type thing, a smart phone and a VR headset that actually looks like VR.
• Create a new last scene that highlights a future technology.

Even if they don’t follow my plan exactly, I still think it needs to be updated. By not updating it, they are kind of saying that progress is a relic of the past. Anyway, that’s just been weighing on my heart since my last trip and I wanted to put it out there. It’s still my absolutely favorite ride and really captures the spirit of Walt himself. It has a really cool place in history and I would hate to see it go.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I haven't been on that in sooooo long (just always squished for time) but your update sounds like a good idea to me!
I think Walt would approve.

 

[chartle]

Create a new last scene that highlights a future technology.

and what would that be? One issue with putting future tech is that by the time they figure out what that is design and install it, its old tech.

 

[Domo]

It's a nice place to hide when it's raining as it's under cover and there's no queues.

 

[Katie Little]

One issue with putting future tech is that by the time they figure out what that is design and install it, its old tech.

I agree that this is why it's easier said than done; however, they've done it before. Smart homes and VR weren't a thing when they 1st created the attraction, yet they had no issues incorporating these into the ride. I also agree that it's a little harder now due to the evolution of technology moving so much more quickly. I just don't think it's impossible and even if it were, isn't there a quote from someone famous that says "It's kind of fun to do the impossible?"

 

[Katie Little]

It's a nice place to hide when it's raining as it's under cover and there's no queues.

Oh it's so much more than that! at least to me .

 

[Domo]

I actually adore the ride, it's a great time capsule. I think it's biggest flaw is that not many people actually know it's there at all... it took me a couple of holidays to even find it!

 

[jo-jo]

Because of COP, my DGS understands what an icebox really is. DH at times refers to the fridge as the icebox..

 

[Katie Little]

DH at times refers to the fridge as the icebox..

That's super awesome!!

 

[kilroy1966]

They could always update the last scene, but remember this debuted in the 1960"s. It was every 20 years starting with Walt's childhood around 1900. Also one of Walt's favorites. If you don't like it, skip it. But I won't!

 

[MIGrandma]

It’s one of my favorites and I vote to keep it just the way it is.

 

[Neesy228]

It’s one of my favorites and I vote to keep it just the way it is.

Me too.

While I enjoy the new things that they add to WDW, I do not enjoy them at the expense of the “old”/classics.

 

[Katie Little]

Me too.

While I enjoy the new things that they add to WDW, I do not enjoy them at the expense of the “old”/classics.

I actually agree with that to a point! If they every tried to remove COP I would throw the biggest tantrum!

 

[Diznygrl]

I would just update the final scene, which is probably something they should have been doing with a lot more regularity anyway.

 

[tvguy]

No, it is just fine the way it is.
However, full disclosure. We made our first trip to WDW last June, and were very pleased to get to experience it again. It closed in Disneyland in 1973, probably before many on this board were born. It is a classic Disney attraction.

 

[pooh'smate]

It is such a classic ride and I love it the way it is.

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

Sorry, to me, it's on par with the Tiki room, nobody in my family really cares for it, but it gives a place to sit and rest our feet. Or, as stated above, it's a place to head to when it's raining or hot

 

[Micca]

I've just read somewhere (probably here) that the final scene is scheduled for an update. I forget when it's supposed to be done, perhaps in time for the 50th?

 

[scrapquitler]

I like it the way it is because my kids really learned a lot from it. They understand about the past more because of it. Like the part about the wringer washer, the way the wires ran around the house when electricity was introduced, etc. And they think its fun to see how the 'future' was pictured in the last scene (and they think the 80s retro style is lots of fun, as do I)

 

[Klayfish]

I would just update the final scene, which is probably something they should have been doing with a lot more regularity anyway.

This is my feeling. Leave it exactly as is, except the last scene...it needs updating.