Carousel of Progress or History?

[AuntieKels]

I was listening to an old Disney podcast this morning that got me thinking about the Carousel of Progress. They were discussing whether or not CoP should get a refurb, reimagined or removed. While they all agreed it should not be removed, I was surprised that most wanted a major referb. There was mention of how outdated the animatronics are and possibly going back to the original script.

Do you think CoP should get a major refurb such as bringing all the animatronics up to date?

or

Do you think it should stay the way it was shown at the worlds fair?

I personally think the point of the show is to see the amazing technology of the time in 1964. Animatronics are showcased through out the parks and this is showcasing some of the original history of them. I will note that the last scene needs to either be the original scene or be updated every other year or so; it doesn't make any sense how it is now. The building itself could also use a major renovation.

Looking forward to read what you think!

 

[doconeill]

The two aren't mutually exclusive - they could update the animatronics yet still be true to the original - it would just work more reliably. They could update them to the point of more realistic motion with the current state of the art - whether that would somehow affect the show itself I don't know.

The last scene could use some updating - VR helmets are somewhat passe, etc. but the voice controls are becoming reality. IIRC they did at least replace the TV with a flat panel in the past couple of years.

What's getting pretty far fetched is their ages...wouldn't the father be at least 120 in the final scene?

 

[carpedm]

AuntieKels - first, thanks for listening

I think doconeill has a similar point of view to mine. I would like to see all the AA's updated to current gen technology, but I think the story should revert back to the World's Fair period. I think the last scene in particular should not try to keep pace with technology today, but should reflect the 1964 thinking of the future.

Regarding the father's age, we need to lose the idea that it's the same family throughout time, but rather the average American family in each time period.

-- David Smith

 

[doconeill]

Regarding the father's age, we need to lose the idea that it's the same family throughout time, but rather the average American family in each time period.

Oh, I understand that...the Imagineers wanted to keep a narrative consistency between the scenes/ages. Artistic license and all that.

 

[Chuck S]

In the version that was at Disneyland, there was an escalator to the second floor of the building rather than exiting through the back of the theater. Upstairs there was a prologue show narrated over the City of the Future that is now seen on the Peoplemover/TTA. That narration could always be updated to include the newest ideas of what the future held rather than having the final ending of the show be Christmas scene. It really worked much better, but I can see that it is not possible to exit everyone via escalator today because of wheelchair access, and I don't think the Florida theater building was built with a second floor that would be able to house the City of the Future.

 

[Friendly Frog]

I am fine with it as-is. Partially because I love the style of architecture in the last scene. A little granite and an appliance update and I would be ready to move in.

 

[kbelle8995]

I would only want to see the last scene updated. It's been done before.

Like many others I would hate to see it removed or completely changed. While the imagineers are extremely talented and have updated quite well on HM and POC let's also remember the Tiki Room New management. Luckly that one was restored to the orginal.

 

[AdWayInc]

O please leave it alone... don't change it... I remember seeing it at the 1964 NY Worlds Fair and loved it then and it is still my favorite attraction of all time. NO changes for me Please!

 

[kaligal]

They should build a new one and add another room or two. It's been too long.

In fact, they should add a few, so that they have another in 20 years.

 

[Cherinva]

I too remember it from the Worlds Fair in NY....I wouldn't want to see it removed, but a little updating would be ok. It is a classic !!!

 

[tink576]

I love the Carousel of Progress! That said I would love to see it get a nice refurb updating it considering that the ride we have now was updated (changes to the scenes and script) from the original worlds fair ride.

 

[safetymom]

I think they should update the last scene. I love this attraction but think Walt would have wanted to update it.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

I think they should update the last scene. I love this attraction but think Walt would have wanted to update it.

I agree! CoP is one of my favorites at WDW. I love the real connection that is has to Walt and that dog, gotta love that dog. An update on that last scen would be welcome for me!

 

[brucerob62]

AuntieKels - first, thanks for listening

I think doconeill has a similar point of view to mine. I would like to see all the AA's updated to current gen technology, but I think the story should revert back to the World's Fair period. I think the last scene in particular should not try to keep pace with technology today, but should reflect the 1964 thinking of the future.

Regarding the father's age, we need to lose the idea that it's the same family throughout time, but rather the average American family in each time period.

-- David Smith

The father..what about the dog..now thats an old dog

 

[mjaclyn]

First, let me say that CoP is and always will be one of my all time favorite attractions. That being said, I can see it going one of two ways:

1. They revert back to the original script and scenes from the World's Fair and label it a 'classic' attraction. Something that we should look at as a game changer, one of Walt's favorite projects and appreciate it for what it was.

2. Keep it 'as-is' but change the last scene to sometime in the 1980's because that would fit in with the 20 year gaps that the previous scenes show. I feel that it is pointless to keep trying to update that last scene to being sometime in the future because as we can plainly see now, the technology and style is quickly surpassed by the present.

Either way, I DO think that the original AA's should be preserved so they can be appreciated for what they were at the time without burning them out. A major refurb of the attraction could bring it back to the original OR change the last scene but also use brand new AA's (that look exactly the same as the old ones), in order to enhance the show. Technology has come such a long way and I think something like that could be done without completely destroying the attraction.

 

[wishspirit]

The father..what about the dog..now thats an old dog

Oh, I'm sure he could still teach us some new tricks!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I think all of Tommorowland has lost its focus. They should come up with a new theme for the entire area, and refurb COP along that theme.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

Yeah, Tomorrowland is a bit tired in general. But I have a softspot for CoP. I agree with most that it should stay true to the original with an updated last scene every few years or so. BUT I wonder if another room could be added after you exit the show with an Innoventions-type of interactive room with new technology. Come to think of it, it's too bad that this whole attraction couldn't be moved to EPCOT as a pre-show for Innoventions.