10 Reasons for Protecting Carousel of Progress

[DVCconvert]

From another website:

Reasons to Protect
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

10. A Disney tradition
Many Magic Kingdom guests (or their family members) first visited Carousel of Progress at the 1964-65 World?s Fair, and its presence at Walt Disney World today makes their visits even more magical. The Carousel of Progress is a gift that families can 'pass down' from one generation to the next, and it is therefore one very direct connection that all guests have with Walt Disney and the origins of his theme parks.

9. A true Tomorrowland attraction
In an era in which Tomorrowland looks more like a futuristic Fantasyland, dominated by Stitch and Buzz Lightyear, Carousel of Progress is the only attraction (along with The Timekeeper) that looks to the future. Its view of tomorrow is optimistic, practical, and full of character.

8. It delights, informs, and inspires
Carousel presents the history of household innovations with humor and sensitivity, and guests also come to appreciate how far we've come in a century! The direct impact of electricity and other inventions on family life is vividly and heartwarmingly illustrated, and visitors can?t help but write themselves into the story and associate what they see with the quality of their own family lives.

7. A "progressive" message.
As the attraction's prologue declares, Walt Disney loved the idea of progress (especially in the context of the American family). This idea flourished at the core of all of his work, and it is the philosophical underpinning of practically all the wonders at Walt Disney World.

6. Classic methods of storytelling
The story of Carousel is impeccable. Audio-Animatronics figures engage the audience and bring the narrative alive, as well as lend the story a genuinely human dimension. Also, its story enhances the great variety of attractions at the Magic Kingdom.

5. Original characters, original song
While the parks increasingly use movie characters to tell stories (and use songs with much less frequency), Carousel of Progress is a stronghold of originality. The Carousel family has become a Magic Kingdom icon, while the Sherman Brothers' "There?s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" is one of the most beloved and catchy theme park tunes of all time.

4. A unique ride system
Designed by Walt Disney himself, the Carousel theater is like no other show set on earth. It is the best vehicle for the attraction's message (as progress is circular and continuous), as well as an interesting and engaging system to ride.

3. A living piece of Disney history
Carousel of Progress has always been one-of-a-kind, and it has one of the richest histories of all Disney attractions. Yet Carousel will never be condemned to be a historical relic (as long as it operates), for it can always be updated to reflect the times and the current direction of progress.

2. About the family, for the family
The attraction literally revolves around the family, the focal point of all of the changes happening in the world of invention. This is a hallmark of classic Disney entertainment, and it is seldom achieved better than in Carousel. Also, this attraction defines family entertainment, as family members of all ages can enjoy the show. Children will view the show as a humorous depiction of the past, while the attraction is nostalgic and wistful for elderly riders. Everyone can enjoy it, yet everyone comes away with something different.

1. It says Walt Disney all over it!
This speaks for itself, really. Carousel of Progress is a testament to Walt Disney?s genius as a showman, as an innovator, as a visionary, as a family man, and as a philosopher. It is the only Walt Disney World attraction that has his name on it and is the only ride in the Magic Kingdom in which guests learn about his creative legacy. The presence of Walt Disney will be alive and well in the Magic Kingdom as long as the gears of the Carousel of Progress are kept well oiled and turning.

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

I agree whole heartedly excellent post

[loriandmatt]

ditto - great post, great attraction for all the reasons listed.

i know that enjoying that attraction together sparked a very interesting conversation between my then 6 year old son and his grandmother. "was it really like that gramma?" she went on for the longest time, he was entranced with her. they bonded. he has never forgotten it.

- lori

[foxtrotter]

If they get rid of COP, I will actually cry. No, it's not the most 'exciting' attraction, but it's worth seeing every time we go and I adore it.

[disneyokw]

I think if they got rid of COP Walt would be turning in his grave. The people in charge need their heads examine if they ever touch it.

The main reason to keep it.

IT IS WALT DISNEY!!!

[DVCconvert]

I agree whole heartedly excellent post

Thank you! I think It's an important attraction to preserve in the Magic Kingdom!

[weregoingtodw]

And, er, don't forget....

11) It's air conditioned and is the perfect place to grab a quick nap!

[Steven41782]

It's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of everyday.
It's a great big beautiful tomorrow, and its just a dream away!

I'll boycott the MK if they get rid of it!.. er, at leat I would try.

[weregoingtodw]

LOL - that makes me think of Erika! Every time I watch the kids & her sing that it gets a chuckle outta me!

[digskat]

Originally Posted by DVCconvert

Thank you! I think It's an important attraction to preserve in the Magic Kingdom!

ditto

[Vivianne]

I love COP. It's a wonderful attraction. There's enough change already. They should keep this attraction and only rehab it as necessary.

[wdwdavem]

What an excellent post. I like many others love to see new attractions, but sometimes things should be left unchanged. This is one of those cases. Long live COP!

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks for the terrific post. Our whole family just loves CoP. Let's hope Disney does the right thing and puts some money into CoP, so that all our families can enjoy the show for many years to come. With this being the 50th B'Day of Disneyland why are they not promoting CoP more ?

[Jakesmom1]

Ok, So I am letting my age show, but I was at the Worlds fair in 1964 and saw the original with my mother and father. They are both deceased now, so everytime I see this attraction it brings back wonderful memories, and I always cry, ( I know such a baby )

I would be devistated if they actually changed it or removed it. It's bad enough they dont keep it open year round.

Besides the fact is just screams Walt Disney !!!!

[DVCconvert]

Make Your Feelings Known:


EMAIL:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications: wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

WRITE!:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000

Mr. Al Weiss
President of Walt Disney World Resort
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 828-3464

Mr. James A. (Jay) Rasulo
President of Walt Disney Attractions
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

Mr. Lee Cockerell
Executive VP of WDW Operations
1375 Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000
Phone: (407) 934-7287

Mr. Dave Vermeulen
General Manager of the Magic Kingdom
PO Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 824-4040

Mr. Phil Holmes, Vice President
Vice President of the Magic Kingdom
PO Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830