For fans of Walt Disney World, the phrase “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow” is more than just a song lyric—it’s a promise. However, as we move into January 2026, many Magic Kingdom guests are starting to wonder just how far away that “tomorrow” actually is.Credit: DisneyIt has been exactly five months since Disney first teased a “major update” for Walt Disney World’s Carousel of Progress back in August 2025. While projects like the Cars expansion in Frontierland and the highly anticipated Disney Villains Land have received firm construction timelines and start dates, the rotating theater in Tomorrowland remains shrouded in silence.Why hasn’t Disney set a date for the transformation of the Carousel of Progress, and when can we expect an announcement? Here is a deep dive into the speculation surrounding the future of this classic attraction.The August 2025 Tease: What We KnowIn late August 2025, Disney officials sent the fan community into a frenzy by confirming that a “major update” was in the works for the Carousel of Progress. The announcement was light on details but heavy on significance, marking the first time in decades that the attraction was being considered for more than just a minor refurbishment.Credit: MamaneedstoDisneySince then, the “Disney Bubble” has been filled with rumors. Will the final scene—which currently depicts a “future” that resembles the early 2000s—be modernized? Or is the attraction in for a complete thematic overhaul that touches every scene from the 1890s to today?Five Months of Silence: A Pattern of Delays?What makes the lack of news so striking is the progress seen elsewhere across the Walt Disney World Resort. As of January 2, 2026, almost every other major announcement from the 2024/2025 D23 cycle has been updated:Credit: DisneyBig Thunder Mountain is already deep into its massive 2026 overhaul.Test Track 3.0 has already reopened at EPCOT.Cinderella Castle Painting: Disney made this announcement simultaneously with its Carousel of Progress announcement. The painting project will commence later in January. Yet, the Carousel of Progress remains in its current state, operating daily with no closure date in sight. This silence has led to two main theories: either the project is more massive than anyone anticipated, or Disney is waiting for a specific “Tomorrowland-sized” moment to reveal the news.Speculation: When Will the Announcement Drop?Based on Disney’s historical announcement patterns and the current 2026 calendar, there are three primary windows where we might finally see a start date for the transformation:Credit: Inside the Magic1. The Spring 2026 “Planning Season”Disney often uses the spring to announce summer and fall refurbishments. If the Carousel of Progress update is meant to coincide with the 2026 holiday season or a 2027 completion date, we could see a surprise “Disney Parks Blog” post as early as March or April 2026.2. D23 Events and Fan GatheringsWhile the massive D23 Expo typically takes place in the summer, Disney has expanded its presence at smaller fan events worldwide. If there is a “Destination D23” style event or a major Disney shareholder meeting in early 2026, Bob Iger or Josh D’Amaro may use that platform to provide the long-awaited update on Walt’s favorite attraction.Credit: Disney3. The “Tomorrowland 2030” InitiativeThere are persistent rumors that Disney is planning a comprehensive “New Tomorrowland” initiative to refresh the land’s retro-futuristic aesthetic. If the Carousel of Progress update is part of a larger plan involving Space Mountain or the Tomorrowland Speedway, Disney might be holding the CoP news until it can announce a multi-attraction transformation.What Could the “Major Update” Entail?SEO-driven speculation suggests that the “major update” will focus primarily on the Final Scene. In 2026, the current depiction of virtual reality gaming and voice-activated ovens feels more “today” than “tomorrow.”Credit: DisneyFans are hoping for:New Voice Acting: Potential updates to the voices of John, Sarah, and the rest of the family.Walt Disney: Disney Imagineering already teased that an updated Walt Disney animatronic is coming to the ride in the new updateUpdated Technology: Incorporating modern “Smart Home” features, AI, and perhaps a nod to sustainable living.Easter Eggs: Ensuring the “Rover” the dog and the iconic “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” song remain intact, as they are essential to the attraction’s legacy.Why the Delay Matters for 2026 TravelersFor those planning a 2026 Disney vacation, the uncertainty is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the attraction remains open for those who want to see the original version one last time. On the other hand, the risk of a sudden, long-term closure makes it difficult for “CoP” enthusiasts to time their trips.The Carousel of Progress is a “Stage 4” historical landmark in the eyes of fans—it’s an attraction Walt Disney personally touched. Any change is met with equal parts excitement and scrutiny.Credit: DisneyFinal ThoughtsThe Carousel of Progress is a revolving piece of history. While it has been five months since the tease, the “tomorrow” of this attraction is inevitable. We expect Disney to break their silence before Summer 2026, as they cannot leave a primary Tomorrowland anchor in a holding pattern forever.What do you want to see in the new Carousel of Progress? Are you hoping for a totally new final scene, or should they leave the classic alone? Let us know in the comments!The post The Mystery of Tomorrow: When Will Disney Finally Announce the Carousel of Progress Transformation? appeared first on Inside the Magic.