Overview

• Imagineering announced at Destination D23 that a new introductory scene will feature an audio‑animatronic Walt Disney before the attraction’s four‑generation family story.
• Concept art presented at the panel depicts Walt in a blue sweater within an office-like space surrounded by sketches and blueprints, including references to EPCOT and the Monorail.
• Chris Beatty said the addition aims to reconnect the show to Walt’s vision while Imagineers teased potential updates to the family characters such as John and Sarah.
• Disney has shared no timeline, closure details, or opening date for the update, stating only that the heart of the attraction will remain intact.
• The plan follows July’s debut of a Walt Disney figure at Disneyland and is widely characterized by outlets as the most significant Carousel of Progress change since 1994.