Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress — Local services in Bay Lake

So animatronics wise, it's like E.T. at Universal Studios. It's dated and technology has improved since the time it was created. But this is one of those quintessential classics that everyone should see at least once. Considering this attraction was made for the 1964 World's Fair is pretty fascinating. It looks through the lens of the past within the characters own context in history, and ironic comments are made ("I heard there's a couple of brothers trying to make a flying contraption. They'll never get it in the air!" is one comment made by the main character speaking to the audience, speaking from the turn of the century).

What is eery to me is the this is a celebration of progress. With video game franchises like 'Bioshock' and 'Fallout' presenting alternate dystopian futures are built off of this culture of progress. We've also seen the price of progress, like asbestos and DDT presented as miracle products but turned out to be quite harmful.

In the modern context this site is important because this is a glimpse of American Progress culture of the 1950's and 1960's. I am thankful for the ease with which scientific advancement has afforded us. But it has come with a cost. There's a detachment with our food, the relationships that we have, and changes to how we deal with challenges. Progress has brought many gifts and in some ways has had changes on society in ways that couldn't be predicted.

Processed food was celebrated in this attraction, now we see people trying to cook again, eat organic. Obesity is a major problem in America. Kids today don't know how to write cursive, because they don't need to thanks to the computer. There's many more arguments and examples that could be made about this attraction with regards to progress. I'm no Ludite, so I appreciate modern conveniences but I do try to weigh what technologies to use.

For better or for worse, it's a necessary stop. When you go, reflect on what life was like, and think how that life differs...

I don't understand the reviews that say the show is dated. Most of the show is about HISTORY. The technology that operates the 'actors' is still current for the 21st century. Note, like most rides in Disneyworld, you are being monitored for behavior. If you decide to stand/walk during this ride/show expect the show's narration to stop and an upset voice over loudspeakers asking you to sit down. This is a rotating ride where you sit down and simply watch with AC. It is only 20 minutes so don't worry if your kid is screaming the entire time. Likely they'll calm down by the time the recurrent theme song plays again. Why is it so important to sit down? Because a rare event of a cast member's death happened on a similar circular stage (based on this rotating stage) in the now defunct show, "America Sings." The poor girl, only 18, got caught between the walls when they rotated squishing her to death. Even though the ride now has sensors and breakaway walls to prevent another tragic event like this, when dealing with the heavy machinery that rotates this stage, caution is best to keep everyone safe. Carrying a little one and the stage unexpectedly moving and the child falling in the dark (yes the lights go completely out at one point during this show) is something I hope never happens. So play it safe. Shut down briefly after 9/11 - it has since listed as a seasonal ride -- so attend it if you want to keep it open! Nice to relax with some AC and sing along. We all need more optimism in our lives, and this show promises a better tomorrow. I am glad I got to see it as I didn't see it as a child myself in the 70s. Fun fact - Narrator/father is the same person who does the narration to A...

This ride is charming, but cheesy.

I’m a New Yorker, so we only went to Disney a few times when I was growing up. I’m sure I went on this ride as a kid but don’t remember it at all.

Fast forward to 2017, I came here with my mom and we went on it. Pretty cool to see it with her since she (and my dad) each got to see it when they were young teens at the World’s Fair in NY!

This is probably not the ride for your thrill seeking ten year old boy who covets roller coasters. The animatronics are a bit dated.

The ride takes you through 4 time periods.

Circa 1900 - I like this part, it’s fun to learn about what life was like 10-20 years before my own grandparents were born. Life was primitive back in the day.

1920s - We learn more interesting facts about what is happening in the USA at this point in time.

1940s - My second favorite scene after the “current day.” It’s a nice reminder of the simple life since we now live in such frightening times (mass shootings, suicidal terrorists, a mentally unstable President).

Current day - According to Wiki, this was last updated in 1993 and it shows. The fashion on the kids takes me back to my junior high days, I get a laugh out of the antiquated ski boots and rugby shirt. I like this scene though, it warms my heart and makes me think of my own family Christmases with grandparents from when I was a kid in the late 80s/early 90s.

This show does have a lot of history to it, some kids will find this interesting. I think most adults will get a chuckle out of visiting this attraction at least once. The theme song will certainly be stuck...