Carousel of Progress Rumors

[boomhauer]

On the rumors board someone posted that last week, Disney was conducting a survey after the show to see what people liked and disliked. Also says there is talk of a new E-Ticket attraction that would occupy the area between the old Skyway and the Galaxy Theatre, which is precisely where CoP lies.

On one hand, makes me worried that they may finally take the wrecking ball to it. On the other hand, asking them questions as to what they liked and disliked could mean they're just thinking of possibly updating it.

Someone posted a comment that was actually pretty interesting about how they should try updating the attraction as opposed to gutting it like they did with Future World at Epcot.

I won't get into the whole "Walt would want this" or "Walt would role in his grave" schpeels. Who knows what he would have thought? I think for alot of people out there, IF they decide to gut the CoP, it'd be very sad for them.

 

[Hidden_Mickey]

I love COP, but it seriously needs a facelift and modernization. It has such a great history, starting out at the World's Fair in NY and ending up at WDW, which is like a permanent World's Fair. And I love Jean Shepard. A Christmas Story is my favorite Christmas movie.

 

[bradk]

according to Lou Mongello, we know exactly what Walt would have wanted. according to him, it was Walt's personal request that the attraction always 'remain in the Magic Kingdom.' presumably that was technically when the attraction was at disneyland, but there's no denying CoP was Walt's favorite attraction and it was posthumously renamed in his honor.

i haven't heard of an E ticket attraction at MK. well, I thought I had, but bluesky reported a D ticket was in the pipeline. I do 'know' there are long term plans for a major new attraction on the 20K site (there's a huge amount of space still going unused, even if they keep the pooh playground).

 

[CinderellaPug]

While I think that COP should be upgraded, I doubt that Disney will completely get rid of it. Imagine the uproar if they did. If people went crazy for Disney removing DreamFinder and Mr. Toad, imagine their reaction if COP was taken away.

CP

 

[GoofyTraci]

i'm just confused as to what "SHOW" the original poster is talking about!

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I think this is a pretty tough question. On one hand, I know many people who enjoy the WDW of their childhood and the nostalgia that all the old rides bring. Also, there is something to say about attractions which were made in the past and what they can teach us today.

On the other hand, there is also something to say about keeping the parks updated, or even ahead of the times. As technology increases ride designs can be more interactive and realistic.

Keeping all these points in mind, I would be sad if COP left. I remember going on it when I was about 10 years old (of course, I thought it was boring and wanted to get off). Now, about 14 years later, I like COP and appreciate it more.

Tough choice either way though

 

[amyhughes]

Ooooh I hope they don't!

There' a great big beautiful tomorrow!

Everytime that comes on MouseWorld Radio I perk up, true it needs a facelift and a refurb kinda like the end of Spaceship Earth does every so often, but I think it is one of those classic rides that many people would be upset if it were gone for good!

 

[phisigprincess]

I rode it for the first time in my 10 trips last year and DH and I loved it! I really would like them to keep it around now that I just discovered it!

 

[PatsMom]

We go every trip (except for when it used to be closed sometimes - lately it seems to be open all the time). It is a bit outdated but it is a classic. And when it is hot, it is air conditioned! We are always afraid that the rumors are true and it will be shut down and we will have missed the last opportunity to view it. Much as I would like to see a new E or even D attraction in the MK, I would prefer that they not tear down COP to do it.

 

[j_lehr]

This is my favorite ride in all of Magic Kingdom!! I have the theme song on my I pod and I am constantly singing it around the house! CoP is one of those rides that is unique and can only be found at Disney. I really hope they don't take it away!

 

[GinnyFavers]

Believe it or not, this is one of our 8 year old son's favorite attractions! He loves anything with lots of audioanimatronics.

Audioanimatronics are what sets Disney apart. They better stick with the ones they've got, and even add some more, or they risk losing their heart and soul.

That, and original music, that is written just for the theme park attractions.

Just my humble opinon, of course!

 

[mickeymyfavorite]

I love COP, it's a staple in our vacation, I'm sure they would think about updating. COP is one of Walt's very own.

By the way were is the rumor boards ?

 

[Mickiethepooh]

I first rode it at the World's fair, and I ride it every time we are there if it is open. I would be heart broken if the destroyed it. but then that has not stopped them from destroying many of my other favorites as well.

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

I'd rather see them get rid of stitch than CoP. Linda

 

[ultimatemickeyfreak]

the CoP theme song comes on the radio dis and I listen to that every morning!!! My Dh has never even been on it and he walks around the house when it comes signing it. I can't wait for him to ride it when we go in a couple of weeks!!!!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

according to Lou Mongello, we know exactly what Walt would have wanted. according to him, it was Walt's personal request that the attraction always 'remain in the Magic Kingdom.' presumably that was technically when the attraction was at disneyland, but there's no denying CoP was Walt's favorite attraction and it was posthumously renamed in his honor.

i haven't heard of an E ticket attraction at MK. well, I thought I had, but bluesky reported a D ticket was in the pipeline. I do 'know' there are long term plans for a major new attraction on the 20K site (there's a huge amount of space still going unused, even if they keep the pooh playground).

Lou Mongello has mentioned this rumored E-ticket attraction for Tomorrowland in his last two podcasts. He's gotten conflicting statements on whether the Galaxy Palace Theater will be demolished for the new attraction or if it will be the Skyway building. One of his sources says that the Galaxy Palace plot of land is too small for an E-ticket, but Lou points out that there would be plenty of room if the parking lot behind the theater was also demolished, and even more space if the CoP was removed as well.

Personally, I've heard from another source that the Galaxy Palace Theater is scheduled for demolition. While I usually don't put much credence in these types of rumors, I think the fact that Disney recently announced that Night of Joy--which uses the theater as one of its venues--will be moving to DHS next year, bolsters the plausibility somewhat.

 

[bradk]

well the galaxy theatre sure is a different story than CoP and really wouldn't be much of a loss. even if NoJ continued at MK, they could make temporary arrangements for it. the galaxy theatre is a permanent fixture which rarely gets used and when it does, it doesn't need nearly the capacity it has (at least for magic music days, maybe during 'twas the night before christmas). in fact, since you mention it, i probably can't think of a greater insult to destroy CoP and keep the theatre. maybe CoP will get relocated if all that goes down. always a possibility, no?

and whatever disney decides to do, it can do regardless of the past.

but this is what his page says.. i also made sure to make the distinction that this is as per him. so i wonder what his response would be if you asked him about it

Walt Disney requested that the Carousel of Progress never be removed from the Magic Kingdom. Although it was moved from Disneyland to Walt DisneyWorld, the attraction continues to this day.

from http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/trivia/mk/tomorrowland/carousel.php

 

[jnykly]

Disney CAN'T get rid of COP...

I agree it does need updating, but it is still a must see for me and my family.

There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow....

 

[ChrisFL]

One of his sources says that the Galaxy Palace plot of land is too small for an E-ticket, but Lou points out that there would be plenty of room if the parking lot behind the theater was also demolished, and even more space if the CoP was removed as well.

The problem is that parking lot is a main area for a LOT of things going in and out of MK, there's many services and supplies that go through there, I SERIOUSLY doubt they would be able to just take it out.

 

[GiGi30]

This is my favorite ride in all of Dinsey World! Completely for nostalgia reasons, I say leave it alone. On the other hand, I think they could really do alot with the ride to bring it into the new times.

Question:

Has it ever been updated or is this the original version?