Skip to main content

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress: A True Classic




Do you overlook the Carousel of Progress? Let me tell you why you shouldn't.

It is easy to get lost in thrilling rides like Big Thunder Railroad or Space Mountain while visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World; but if you can take a quick break from all of the flashier attractions, tucked in the back of Tomorrowland is a gem that has been a part of the Magic Kingdom since 1975.


The Carousel of Progress has been my favorite “ride” since my age was in single digits. Back then, General Electric sponsored it and I always called it the GE House of Electric. As the ride demonstrates, technology is constantly changing and a quick Google search can confirm this terminology was mine and mine alone.  Regardless of its name, the Carousel of Progress has always been a mandatory stop of mine on any trip to Walt Disney World, and it should be on your trips as well.  

This attraction was first introduced to the masses at the 1964 World’s Fair.  From what I have heard over the years (and via the internet, of course!), it was a pet project of Mr. Walt Disney. The attraction has a circular stage divided into six separate moments in time. As the audience spins from scene to scene, we watch the evolution of technology and electricity, and how it has changed all of our lives throughout the years. For adults, it can be a walk down memory lane. For children, it introduces them to eras that they might have heard of but just cannot visualize.

It also gives all of us a tangible snapshot into history. You can literally watch life go from being quiet and simple, to clamorous and complicated. It is quite the dichotomy to observe, since in theory technology should make all things more seamless and easy.  If you aren’t a theologian and do not want to think too deeply about an attraction, you still have an incentive to visit the carousel:  the staging is fantastic. Additionally, you will get a great earworm stuck in your head as you listen to Father and his family sing “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” while you spin from room to room.  

The Carousel of Progress is one of those attractions that should be preserved and cherished for its history and for its innovation.  I often try to imagine myself back in 1964 and think of what a novelty this ride must have been then. I personally think that the Carousel of Progress shows what a true innovator Walt Disney was. As the theme song says, “Man has a dream and that’s the start. He follows his dream with mind and heart. And when it becomes a reality, it’s a dream come true for you and me.” 



Enjoy!

-Heather R.




Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Ways To Get Psyched For Your Disney Trip!

Hey-Howdy-Hey, Disney Guys and Gals!      Is anyone familiar with Barney Stinson's "Get Psyched" Mix? Anyone? How I Met your Mother Fans? Ok, great! So you totally get where I'm going with this! If you have no idea what I am talking about, you can watch a clip  HERE!  Basically, the theory is that no matter what's going on in your life, you can get yourself psyched up and ready for something awesome to happen, all by listening to the right piece of music. Playing off of that theory, I feel that one of the very best things about a Disney trip is actually  preparing  for it, or getting psyched! You can have a whole bunch of crappy stuff happening in your life at the time, but if you have a Disney trip on the horizon... even if it's 564 days away, you have something to look forward to and enjoy preparing yourself for. In fact, many Disney fans, (myself included), pretty much get from one day to the next by preparing for upcoming trips. You may even book a ne
Post a Comment
Read more

Mythos Restaurant at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Located on The Lost Continent of Universal's Islands of Adventure, Mythos is an award-winning, full-service restaurant that offers an otherworldly experience. If you've ever been to Universal's Islands of Adventure, you've undoubtedly walked by this restaurant with its towering rock formations, waterfalls and ancient figures carved into the side of the building. The restaurant has been calling to me for years and I was finally able to give it a try. When you enter the restaurant, it feels like you've entered a cavernous grotto from another world. There are oceanic and mythical touches throughout the indoor dining room and there's also outdoor seating with great views of the park. View from our table The menu features a mix of Mediterranean, Asian and American cuisine including Spanakopita Dip, Pad Thai and a Bacon Cheeseburger. There's also a kids menu for little ones and a dessert menu featuring Chocolate Banana Gooey Cake.  On our first visit to Mythos, we
Post a Comment
Read more

Universal's Volcano Bay Private Cabana Review

On a recent training in Universal Orlando Resort, agents Maci, Ashley, Aubrey and Yaritza and I rented a private cabana for the day at Universal's Volcano Bay. There are multiple locations around the park along with the option to have an upper or lower level, all of which reflect in various pricing. Agent Ashley received an email the day before informing her of where to check-in the next morning. While we were personally escorted to the cabana shortly after check in, the line at the check in location is the same as those getting towels, meaning it was not short. As expressed by an additional guest checking into a different cabana, we would have greatly appreciated a separate line, since this caused our group about a half hour wait. We're all adults and made great use of our time getting some fun pictures before the park was filled with guests, but this is important to be aware of if you are traveling with children.  We had an upper level Cabana which came with a splendid view!
Post a Comment
Read more