Carousel of Progress

[Minky]

Ok dont hate me, I know this is a biggie with a lot of people...but what is it?? I know its open seasonally but thats it! So what is it and what season does it open for?

 

[RyMickey]

Walt Disney himself created the Caroussel of Progress for a World's Fair (I want to say 1964, but it may have been '54, or something like that). That reason alone is why many seem to love it - something Walt actually had a say in.

The show follows one man (voiced by the narrator of the movie "A Christmas Story" whose name escapes me right now). You sit in a theater that slowly rotates around the stage (hence 'caroussel'). It rotates, then stops for about 5 minutes for a scene, moving forward in time with each rotation. It starts in the '20s and goes up to the millenium (I think) and you find out about what life was like in each era. Example: In the 20s, they had a handpump to get water from a well, in the 50s, the tv becomes popular, etc.

Personally, I love it, as does our family of mostly adults. It's something I would imagine younger children getting bored with, but it is a wonderful relaxing break. It's quite humorous and has a catchy tune that bridges the gap between the various stages.

I would definitely give it a try if you've never seen it before.

RyMickey

 

[Leota]

CoP is a MUST. We love it. I believe the season they are referring to, is peak/regular season. I think with Alien Encounter closed, it's open more.

It really is worth going to once, to see if you like it. The Walt value alone, makes it doubly special to us.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I saw it at the NY World's fair and it's been a long time favorite of mine at WDW. But it's almost never open and hasn't been open during our last dozen or so trips. The last time I saw it open, there wasn't a soul going in and the CM out front was literally begging people to try the attraction.
THis attraction dosen't spin wildly, go upside down, get you wet, or blast loud "music" in your ears. In spite of the very close connection between COP and Walt Disney, it's exactly the sort of thing they seem to be trying to get rid of. My guess is that they would very much like to shut it down altogether...

 

[eagmommy]

My dd's are 4 and 6 and they along with myself, love the COP!! It is a nice place to sit down and enjoy the show while being in air conditioning. Although, the last time I went, it broke down and we watched the same segment over and over and over! It took me forever to get that song out of my head! Anyways, I love it and infact, I am going today!!

 

[missycj96]

Its always been one of my favorites. I am glad that it will be open this time.

 

[Jacket93]

Here are som pics of COP from last trip
It was always closed when we go so we went in and snaped a few pics. no falsh of course

 

[Leota]

I videotaped it because I'm scared they're going to shut it down. I missed taping Tiki & Toad & I didn't want to get disappointed again.....

 

[rockin_rep]

We love CoP, too! It's an attraction we do later in the day when we need a break from running to and fro LOL.

It's also a good place to rest, regroup and reflect on the day(s), how great it's been and how much we still have to look forward to on our trip!

We also feel similar about Tomorrowland's Transit Authority. Neither are attractions we run for during ee but they're still part of the magic!

 

[suzimar57]

saw the Carousel of Progress at the 1964 New York World's Fair when I was 7 years old - loved it then, still love it now!

it's a "must" for every trip (when it's open....)

 

[CindyBeth]

My dd & I love it too!!!! And always see it, if it is opened!

 

[Dalpal]

I was at that Worlds Fair! I was eight.
I thought this ride was the coolest thing I had ever saw. Was'nt there another ride that Disney did for that Worlds Fair? Maybe it was IASW. Anyone remember?

 

[Uncleromulus]

I think they had something called "Meet Mr. Lincoln"...
And a early verson Its a Small World.
And something they built for FORD that was somewhat like the World of Motion Ride.

 

[xAmarisx]

Everytime Im in WDW CoP IS a MUST! hehehe Its great for an airconditioned break and I just love that song that gets stuck in everyones head. "Its a great big beauitful tommrow "Hehehe

 

[WishingOnAStar]

Jacket93,

Thanks for posting those pictures- I am getting all teary-eyed!
My sister and I always LOVED that ride.
I am praying it is open when we go - end of Sept.

"Now is the time.... now is the best time....."