This last week Disney announced that the Carousel of Progress would be closing after July 5th to be completely refurbished. John and Sara and the family will all be part of this four act show, but it will be set in completely new eras. We showcase the news of what this show will look like, and provide insights about what it means. But we’re also taking the time to step back in history to see how this show came to be legendary to millions of people around the world. Indeed its history goes back to 1958, nearly some 70 years ago. From Edison Square to the New York World’s Fair, from a new 1967 Tomorrowland in Disneyland until its final home in the Magic Kingdom, we will look at little known stories and details about this amazing show whose creator is the ever visionary Walt Disney. Join as on the Carousel of Progress as it prepares for a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.

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Edison Square

This is known as Plaza Street and it had a very clear purpose once in Walt Disney’s Mind. He wanted to work with General Electric to create a smaller themed district that would be part of Main Street. It would be known as Edison Square. This is how it was described to GE:

“Edison Square in Disneyland will dramatically present the story of the way in which one invention by Thomas A. Edison has influenced the growth and development of America…Edison Square is the story of that era: the birth, growth, development and future of electricity and General Electric products.”

“Located just a few steps from Main Street, Edison Square will be the passing of the ‘old’ of the 19th century to the ‘new’ of the 1900s. As they (the guests) enter Progress Place in Edison Square, where they will find that ‘Progress Is Our Most Important Product’, visitors will see two separate plaques on which General Electric’s symbol and appropriate words setting forth the theme of Edison Square will appear.

“Inside the buildings, General Electric’s theatrical productions will be staged for Disneyland visitors. Edison Square will be alive and vital. Disneyland’s ‘horseless carriages’ and surreys which travel up and down Main Street will move in and out of the area. Such annual Disneyland special events as the ‘Horseless Carriage Day Parade’ and the ‘Easter Parade’ will be a part of Edison Square.

“The square itself will be architecturally landscaped befitting the turn-of-the-century. It will contain the ‘new’ electric lamps, iron grill work, hitching posts and other ‘signs of the times.’ All the windows in the buildings will be authentically dressed and specially lighted to carry out the atmosphere of the area.”

The “future attraction” was noted in Disneyland guide maps from 1958 until 1964, when something else was created for the New York World’s Fair. The attractions in this horseshoe shaped district would eventually become known as The Carousel of Progress. The concept of a moving theater had not been implemented. Rather the guests in groups of 125 would have proceeded moving between several theaters called Harnessing the Lightning, a walkthrough drama exploring how electricity and technology transformed the lifestyle of the American family. While Edison Square was never built, the groundwork was laid for a show centered on a powerful idea: technology would continue to evolve, but people would stay the same.

The carousel concept allowed some 41,000 visitors to see it instead every day at the New York World’s Fair. And when that fair was done, the characters all moved into Tomorrowland at Disneyland in a Carousel theater built for this park.

New York World’s Fair

By 1959, General Electric had requested that Disney switch from a land at Disneyland to an entire pavilion at the New York World’s Fair. This is fairly amazing, since it would be another four years before The Enchanted Tiki Room appeared as the first audio-animatronic show ever, and that it would only be one more year after that there would be not just Abraham Lincoln in the Illinois Pavilion, but some 32 audio-animatronic performers–mostly human–performing in The Carousel of Progress. The carousel concept allowed some 41,000 visitors to see it instead every day at the New York World’s Fair. Add to this, the idea that Disney would take on three other shows as well, all of which would include animatronics, from singing dolls to dinosaurs to the 16th U.S. President.

Here are a few Insights Around the Carousel of Progress

1. Rex Allen provided the original voice for Father or John in the original show. He did acting and VoiceOver work for Disney for years to include. The Incredible Journey, A Country Coyote Goes Hollywood, Ringo, the Refugee Raccoon, Horse of the West, among others.
2. Sara or Mother was played by Rhoda Williams who did the voice of Drizella in Cinderella.
3. The voice of the original grandmother known at the New York World’s Fair as Mrs. G.E. Fair was Barbara Luddy, who had provided the voices of Lady in Lady and the Tramp, Merriweather in Sleeping Beauty, and after the show was created, Kanga in Winnie the Pooh. As a publicity stunt, Walt brought the grandmother along with him in two first class seats as they went from Burbank to New York City.
4. Cousin Orville was narrated by Mel Blanc. Did Mickey Mouse Theater of the Air on NBC doing a number of voices. Then did Gideon of Gideon and Foulfellow but was later made mute except for hiccups. He also did Bugs, Daffy, Porky Pig, Tweety and Sylvester for Who Framed Roger Rabbit. While Mel Blanc did the voice, Walt created the character’s movement. As he watched the scene of “Uncle Charlie” sitting in a bathtub with a fan blowing over a cake of ice. Author Bob Thomas reported, “Walt himself climbed into the bathtub to devise the action. ‘He shouldn’t be reading a newspaper; it should be the “Police Gazette.” There should be a glass of iced tea on the toilet seat there. And–let’s see–his toes would be sticking up at the other end of the tub, and wiggling. Yeah, let’s have his toes wiggling.’”
5. When the show premiered that first summer, Jaqueline Kennedy came to the Fair along with her family to support the effort. Her husband, who had just recently been assassinated was a big supporter of the fair. Jaqueline was still wearing black, but wanted to be a support. Joining her mother, Caroline Kennedy, age 6, was so stricken by the dog that she plead with her mother afterwards that they adopt the dog and bring it home. No one said no to the Kennedy’s but yes was not a possibility in any form. Caroline left in tears empty handed.

But this show wasn’t the only thing in the GE pavilion. In fact, the pavilion was called Progressland, with one aspect of the entirety being Carousel of Progress. Other highlights of the $17 million, three-story Progressland pavilion included demonstrations of thermonuclear fission, an “all-electric city” model ,and “a fiery story of man’s struggle to control Nature’s energy on the world’s largest projection screen” (the building’s skydome). According to the Smithsonian Institute the focus on cutting-edge electric power was a timely one in 1964. Post World War II America saw a boom in manufacturing and purchase of electric appliances. At companies like General Electric, new technology and growth meant that they had more American consumers than ever before, using more power at a lower cost. Nuclear fission was also a relatively recent development. Nuclear fission was discovered in 1938, and atomic power (and weaponry) were developed both during World War II and in the years after.  In short this a big guest favorite at the fair.

Home to Disneyland

The show left the New York World’s Fair and came home to Disneyland. Here it would be presented in July of 1967 as part of a “New Tomorrowland” featuring not only this attraction, but an Adventure Through Inner Space presented by Monsanto, a Rocket Jets ride towering high above the land, and a PeopleMover that would weave through all of this.

When the show premiered in 1967 in Disneyland, the new version had guests stepping onto the stage at the end of the show and then going up the speed ramp to a second level. There you came into a three tiered space that allowed you to look upon a 6,900 square foot model of Progress City. It is represented partially in the current PeopleMover attraction at Magic Kingdom, But this model was much more complex in size and scope. It included some 4,500 buildings, 20,000 trees and shrubs and 2,450 moving vehicles which radiated out from the climate controlled “center city.”

On To Walt Disney World

In 1973 The Carousel of Progress left Disneyland and returned to the east coast when Tomorrowland was being expanded to include the PeopleMover, Starjets and importantly, Space Mountain. The attraction was sponsored again by General Electric who requested a song change that encouraged the purchase of appliances. The Sherman brothers penned “The Best Time of Your Life”. This attraction for many years was complimentary, as was America the Beautiful, a Circle-Vision 360 film, and If You Had Wings presented by Eastern Airlines.

In 1994 a new Tomorrowland came to Magic Kingdom, with additions like The Timekeeper and Alien Encounter. Along with all that was an updated version of Carousel of Progress. This time, the “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” song came back to the show, and a new host Jean Shepherd, known for creating A Christmas Story, became John the Father. Rex Allen became the grandfather in this version. A pre-show outside the attraction stepped through Walt Disney introducing the Carousel at The New York World’s Fair.

With the space emptied at Disneyland, Marc Davis led the development of a new show for the American Bicentennial called America Sings. In truth, this is probably the most sophisticated audio-animatronic show ever created.

When it became dated years after, the concept of Innoventions like at Epcot was built into the structure. There a Tom Morrow animatronic similar to Robin Williams in the Timekeeper sings “There’s a Bright New World of Innoventions.”

As for Walt Disney World, General Electric stayed on as a sponsor until 1985, at the end of that 10 year contract. By that time they had gone on to bigger and better things–namely Horizons–which opened in 1983. They also sponsored Illuminations, which ran in two versions, One from 1888 to 1996 and then the second more famous one from just before 2000 to 2019.

A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

Let’s examine what Chris Beatty, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, shared with us last week in their overview of this newly refurbished attraction:

As you can see, Carousel of Progress was designed to celebrate change, not to stand still. As Imagineers, we now have the great responsibility of keeping Walt’s ideas of innovation and forward-looking spirit alive as we continue building the attraction’s future together. So where are we heading?

You may remember that last year we announced that guests will soon be able to see Walt Disney himself in the attraction, made possible through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology. Walt is in a scene inspired by the 1964 special “Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair,” which is where he first introduced the idea of Carousel of Progress and shared his enduring belief in the power of progress to shape a better tomorrow. 

The team is having a lot of fun sourcing and replicating many of the props seen in that special, like the prototype Tiki bird, the Tower of the Four Winds model, a doll from “it’s a small world,” and so much more.

This once unimaginable opening moment will set the stage for the next era of storytelling for our American family and their lovable dog.

New Decades Coming to Carousel of Progress

In addition to adding Walt Disney to the very attraction that bears his name, Imagineers will also be updating all the scenes to new time periods, where we’ll get to see what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family are up to as they navigate ever-changing technology in new decades.

One of our main goals for this update was to keep the attraction relatable for today’s audiences by featuring eras in which our guests have personal connections. That includes the iconic “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” which will continue to play as guests transition between scenes.

The Imagineers working on this refresh grew up during these decades, so it’s been a real trip down memory lane to revisit the music, fashion, technology, and experiences that helped shape our history all reflected in this family’s story.

One thing that I think makes the Carousel of Progress so special is that physical props, painted backdrops, and practical effects everywhere. And the team is working tirelessly to make sure things like appliances and artwork are true to that decade.

Act 1 – the 1960s

When the show first opened at the World’s Fair, its story began by looking back about 60 years to the dawn of the new century. Now more than six decades later, this new iteration mirrors that idea, starting 60 years back from today in the 1960s.

In the summer of 1969, our Carousel family, along with millions around the world, gather around the television to witness one of humanity’s greatest achievements: the historic moon landing. Filled with awe, the moment captures the spirit of innovation and possibility that has always been — and always will be — at the heart of Carousel of Progress.

Act 2 – the 1980s

It’s the ‘80s, where everything bigger is better, and things keep on getting bigger! We pick up with the family on Halloween Night of 1985, and for the first time ever, Sarah is taking center stage. She’ll share how all the new appliances and gadgets are making life easier for the whole family.

Speaking of John, we’ll find him out on the porch handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, and poor Uncle Orville can be found in the bathroom with “no privacy around here!”

Act 3 – The New Millennium

With the ‘90s drawing to a close, our Carousel family is preparing to ring in the new millennium on New Year’s Eve 1999. Amid the excitement of the countdown to 2000, a new thing called the Internet is bringing John, Sarah, Jimmy and Patty – and the world – closer together than ever before.

And if you’re anything like my family, not everyone is making it to midnight. Grandpa has already nodded off before the big countdown, while Grandma sneaks the TV over to wrestling when no one’s looking.

Act 4 – The Possible Future

As we reach the end of our show, we see the family one last time in the distant future, in an out-of-this-world home. From a helpful robot assisting with everyday tasks to space travel, the scene imagines a future where extraordinary innovation has become part of life and proves that a beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.

To help bring this new finale to life, Imagineers looked back at original concept sketches by Disney Legend John Hench, drawing inspiration from his imaginative vision of the future.

Tom Morris, former Imagineer and guest on this podcast stated in a post:

” 100% support this relaunch! The configuration of the show as we’ve known it for 60 years was a result of sponsorship with GE. Prior to GE’s involvement, it was planned as a nostalgic show for Edison Square, a planned neighborhood of Main Street. It now sits in Tomorrowland, and context matters. It’s long overdue for a show that doesn’t focus on one century–and household appliances–but BETTER LIVING in general. I’ve long suggested expanding show’s timeline, beginning with a humorous “caveman” intro in Stage 1, and fast forwarding to the far future in Stage 6. I know that this isn’t the outline of the proposed show, and I’m fine with that! Just keep the song–that’s where the heart and soul is! And maybe reincarnate the Kaleidophonic Organ somewhere (1960/70s)! Bravo, this is long overdue!”

I saw it in 1969 and remember the catchy song lit up by a Kaleidophonic screen, a sort of wall where the guests would see the song puled in a rainbow of changing colors patterns and lights.

The story treatment explained that in the first act: “Our narrator and his family give no indication that life is ‘dreary’ or filled with too much labor. On the contrary…the prevailing thought is ‘How could things be any better than they are today!’ Thus each time the Carousel Theater revolves–and life does indeed get better and better–the impact of ‘how electricity changes the world we live in’ is graphically presented to the audience. Richard Sherman calls the song and show the “wonderful positiveness” with which the creator of this concept, Walt Disney, viewed the possibilities of each new day.

There is not an opening date listed for the new version of Carousel of Progress, but it is expected for 2027, which will mark 60 years that the attraction first premiered at Disneyland with the opening of the new Tomorrowland.

Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization

If you like this kind of nerdy insight on all things Disney, then check out my newest offering. For over a year I’ve been capturing and sharing stories of Disneyland, while creating a new online tool for you to explore all of them in one place. It’s called Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization and it’s an interactive, multimedia experience. This is truly designed for those who are seeking to find new ideas that will guide you to 

1. Provide Individual & Organizational Leadership Excellence
2. Create Employee Engagement & a Team Culture
3. Offer a Superior Customer Experience

Not only does the content through examples, stories and models play to these themes, but each section provides “Souvenirs for You and Your Organization”. They are reflective questions that may be used to better the work or operation you may be lead or be part of. And in that instance, it is more of a business focus. In fact, many may utilize funding set aside in their organization for training and development to purchase this volume.

Click here to order Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization. It’s also available on the show notes page of our podcast. Whether you’re on a comfy sofa at home or on Main Street, U.S.A. this experience allows you to navigate through all nine lands to explore some 100 locations where you can find Disney insights that will be inspire and guide you and your organization. 

Books From Your Host at Disney Insights

Also, if you’re looking to grab something today, go to Amazon where you will find four of my books available for purchase. Three explore Disney at length, and one explores world class businesses to include Disney. Check them out!

My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! 

Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. 

Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence.

Thanks for joining us for this podcast. Know that as in the title of my organization, Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about performance. Find the second star to the right, and keep going straight on till you reach it. Follow the compass of your heart, and know that with a smile and a song, a little faith, effort and pixie dust, your dreams can come true. After all, if we can dream it, we can do it. Until next time, bright suns, we’ll see you real soon!