When it comes to Walt Disney World, few attractions carry the same weight of nostalgia and history as the Carousel of Progress. Tucked into Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, this rotating theater has been part of the Disney story for decades, embodying Walt Disney’s passion for innovation and his fascination with the future.But recently, Disney dropped something that has fans buzzing: a new behind-the-scenes video from Walt Disney Imagineering, showcasing rare footage of the Carousel of Progress—and sparking speculation that a major refurbishment might be on the horizon.Credit: Kelly Verdeck, FlickrA Video That Speaks Louder Than WordsThe Imagineering clip gives fans an exclusive look at the attraction’s final scene, which famously depicts the “future” as it was imagined in the early 1990s. Many longtime guests know that this portion of the show was refurbished in 1993, with its somewhat clunky interpretations of futuristic technology like voice-activated appliances, bulky VR headsets, and awkward attempts at “smart” gadgets.In the video, Imagineers highlighted elements of the set, drawing attention to details that casual guests often miss. One of the most fascinating reveals was an abstract painting of Fantasia that hangs on the wall of the final scene. Unless you’ve really studied the environment, chances are you never even noticed it. This artistic Easter egg is a subtle nod to Disney’s history tucked within a vision of the future.Walt Disney Imagineering shared a new behind-the-scenes look at Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom! pic.twitter.com/3BUrCu2CVC— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) August 28, 2025But here’s where things get interesting: why would Disney suddenly bring so much attention to Carousel of Progress now, after years of letting the attraction quietly age in place?Why Fans Anticipate a Refurb ComingDisney doesn’t put out behind-the-scenes content for no reason. While the company often celebrates anniversaries or milestones with nostalgia pieces, this latest drop feels different. Fans online were quick to speculate that the Imagineering video could be a quiet hint that big changes are in the works for Carousel of Progress.Let’s be real—the final scene has been overdue for an update for years. What looked futuristic in 1993 is now charmingly dated. The family’s “high-tech” appliances look primitive compared to what’s in most homes today. Even the concept of VR, which once seemed groundbreaking, has leapt decades ahead of the version guests see onstage. The result is that Carousel of Progress, while still beloved, is starting to feel out of sync with its original purpose: showcasing the possibilities of tomorrow.By spotlighting the refurb from 1993, Disney may be planting seeds that it’s time for the attraction’s next evolution. After all, if the final update was more than 30 years ago, the math speaks for itself—it’s due.Credit: DisneyA Ride Unlike Any OtherPart of what makes the Carousel of Progress so special is its connection to Walt Disney himself. Originally created for the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, the attraction was one of Walt’s proudest projects. He wanted to create an experience that showcased the way technology shapes daily life, bringing optimism and excitement about what the future could hold.After its run in New York, the attraction moved to Disneyland, and eventually found its permanent home at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1975. Ever since, it has stood as both a time capsule and a forward-looking vision, even as the definition of “the future” has shifted dramatically over the decades.For many fans, riding the Carousel of Progress is a rite of passage. The rotating theater, the classic theme song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” and the multi-generational storytelling make it unlike anything else in the park. An overhaul would certainly be controversial, but it might also be necessary to preserve Walt’s original intent.What a Refurb Could Look LikeSo what might an overhaul of Carousel of Progress actually entail? If history is any indication, Disney wouldn’t scrap the concept entirely. The ride’s narrative framework—following a single family through the progression of technology—is too iconic to abandon. Instead, fans could expect updates to the final scene, and perhaps even some tweaks to earlier decades to freshen up their presentation.The biggest changes would almost certainly happen in that last act. Imagine a “future” scene that reflects the world of the 2020s and beyond. We’re talking smart homes powered by AI, cutting-edge wearable technology, and some fresh gadgets. Virtual and augmented reality could be represented in ways that feel authentic, not cartoonish.Credit: DisneyThe Nostalgia FactorOf course, any overhaul would need to walk a fine line. Carousel of Progress isn’t just any ride—it’s a piece of history. Fans are deeply protective of it, and some fear that too much modernization could strip away the charm that makes it so beloved. The 1993 refurb already changed quite a bit, and some longtime Disney purists argue that the attraction hasn’t been the same since.But nostalgia can only carry so far. If Walt Disney were alive today, many believe he would insist on updates. After all, the entire purpose of the attraction was to show guests what the future might look like—not to lock it in amber.Reading Between Disney’s LinesIt’s worth noting that Disney has not officially confirmed any plans to update Carousel of Progress. The Imagineering video is, on its surface, just a look back at a beloved attraction. But for Disney fans, everything has meaning. Every tease, every throwback, and every “random” piece of content feels like it could be a clue.And when it comes to Carousel of Progress, the timing seems particularly suspicious. With so many projects already announced for Magic Kingdom and beyond—including the ongoing overhaul of Frontierland and new expansions planned for the next decade—it wouldn’t be surprising if Carousel of Progress is on the list.Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the MagicThe Future of TomorrowlandIf Carousel of Progress does receive a major refurb, it would fit neatly into Disney’s broader efforts to refresh Tomorrowland. The land has often struggled with its identity, caught between retro-futurism and modern tech. Updating its most historic attraction could be a powerful way to re-center the theme and keep Tomorrowland relevant for new generations.Imagine walking into a version of Carousel of Progress that not only honors Walt’s vision but also genuinely inspires guests with ideas about where humanity could go next. That kind of storytelling could breathe new life into the attraction and, by extension, Tomorrowland itself.A Big Beautiful TomorrowFor now, the Imagineering video serves as a love letter to Carousel of Progress—and a tantalizing hint of what may be on the horizon. Whether Disney fully commits to a refurbishment remains to be seen, but fans are already imagining what could be next.If nothing else, the video reminds us that this classic attraction still has Disney’s attention, but there is likely more going on than what meets the eye.The post Disney All But Confirms Overhaul for Iconic Carousel of Progress appeared first on Inside the Magic.