Carousel of Progress

[BeachClubVillas]

I leave for the World one week from Sunday (yay!!!) and I was wondering if Carousel of Progress is still open. I know they open it seasonally, but it never seems to be open when I'm there at the end of June. I can't remember the last time I went on it, and it's one of my favorites.
Thanks for your help!

 

[General Grizz]

Yup! Tigsmom is correct.

Have a great trip! :sohappy:

 

[BeachClubVillas]

That's awesome!! Thanks so much!

 

[dodgr98]

Does anybody else out there remember the old song that the host sang when the carousel was turning? It went something like, "now is the time, now is the best time of your life." Anyone know of a link to the original song?

 

[*MichelleP*]

"There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, Shining at the End of Every Day...."Lyrics are Here

 

[scottnj1966]

Now is the Time

Originally posted by dodgr98
Does anybody else out there remember the old song that the host sang when the carousel was turning? It went something like, "now is the time, now is the best time of your life." Anyone know of a link to the original song?

NOW IS THE TIME

Now is the time
Now is the best time
Now is the best time of your life
Life is a prize. live every minute
Open your Eyes, and watch how you win it

Yesterdays memories may sparkle and gleam
Tomorrow is still but a dream
Right here and Now You've got it made
The world's forward marching, and you're in the parade

Now is the time
Now is the best time
Be it a time of joy or strife
Theres so much to cheer for
Be glad you're here, for it's the best time of your life.


This was the version I remember as a kid. I loved it. Very soon I will have that whole show on my website. I cant wait to see it again.

bigfloridacountry@cfl.rr.com
www.bigfloridacountry.com

History of the COP

 

[TravisMT81]

just road it on Saturday!!!

 

[General Grizz]

Originally posted by TravisM
just road it on Saturday!!!

How have crowds been? and the quality?

Thanks! :wave:

 

[scottnj1966]

crowds and quality

Originally posted by General Grizz
How have crowds been? and the quality?

Thanks! :wave:

Not too busy. Not a long wait at all.

The quality is poor. Ripped curtians, needs paint, animatonics are needed some help. They have not put much into it except for when GE left and they changed the score and script.

 

[General Grizz]

Yup, I saw that ripped portion as well back in March.

 

[BeachClubVillas]

What a shame! It's a wonderful attraction and it is so sad to see it fall into disrepair

 

[MichRX7]

It's just disgusting that the show can be in that condition.

Why don't they just go out and spit on Walt's grave while their at it.

I mean honestly, what does it take to keep that ride in shape? Is it so much more maintenance than other rides in the park? And I'd think it takes a lot fewer CMs to run it than most other MK rides.

Hmm...wow, I guess I just gave a piece of my mind, lol...

 

[General Grizz]

Originally posted by BeachClubVillas
What a shame! It's a wonderful attraction and it is so sad to see it fall into disrepair

Yes. . . and its potential closure has nothing to do with this.

Disney should *not* close CoP because it's not in its optimum condition. Rather, it should close it down and redo the whole thing.

The show isn't all that bad, but its age shows in a few of the animatronics.

 

[iluvstitch]

I rode COP at the end of May- the theatre was about half full, but it wasn't a really crowded day anyways. I didn't notice ANY rips or problems w/the attraction at all- it didn't look worn out or old or anything! All the animatronics were working- my favorite is the dog. It seemed the same as when I saw it as a kid- except the song was different, of course. Everyone in the theatre seemed to enjoy it, including my bf who had never seen it before.

 

[BeachClubVillas]

Originally posted by MichRX7
It's just disgusting that the show can be in that condition.

Why don't they just go out and spit on Walt's grave while their at it.

I mean honestly, what does it take to keep that ride in shape? Is it so much more maintenance than other rides in the park? And I'd think it takes a lot fewer CMs to run it than most other MK rides.

Hmm...wow, I guess I just gave a piece of my mind, lol...

You are totally right! I couldn't have said it better myself. It is a disgrace to Walt's memory to let that attraction sit in anything less than pristine condition. In fact, I think it's an insult to his memory even operate it seasonally!

 

[MichRX7]

Yeah, whenever we go (usually during off-season) and I look over and see CoP just sitting there it drives me batty. It is still one of my Mom's favorite rides and I go on it with her every chance we get. She was super excited to see it open the last time we went.

Personally I'd like to see them keep most of the original animatronics. I think they actually add something to the first few scenes and it's so historic.

Now the end scene I'd put in the newest best AA figures available to show (drum roll please) PROGRESS.

Maybe redo the theme song so that every theatre one plays IaGBBT and theatre two plays NITT, etc.... That way we could enjoy both of the songs. Maybe a little mix of the two songs at the end.

 

[dodgr98]

That's the song. Thanks Scott. I put your site on my my list and will check it often.

 

[scottnj1966]

contact me

Originally posted by dodgr98
That's the song. Thanks Scott. I put your site on my my list and will check it often.

contact me dodgr98 at bigfloridacountry@cfl.rr.com
I will give you access to the videos.

 

[Expo_Seeker40]

Unfortunatly Walt's Favorite ride, is one of the most negelected rides. Honestly Grizz is right, if they were to close it, close it down for a nice long rehab, just like It's A Small World [Though WDW's in not the original.] is getting a nice long rehab.

"There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" was the ride's original theme song. It was changed when the ride was brought to WDW in 1975 I think. This was due to General Electric's new slogan, "Bringing Good Things To Life". In 1994 The ride reopened, and was restaged. The original theme song returned, but lacked the brilliance when "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" had Father singing with a full piece band and orchestra and chorus every time the theater rotated.

Now I didn't see too much problems, but I could tell the audio and lighting was not up to par. I think the Father of 1940 is one of the most advanced AA's in the ride. He can appear to easily bend at the waist, come back up, make slight turns, and tap is feet, and make very fast head turns to the audience, whule the other AA's can't do all of that.

Regaurdless...the ride is 40 years old, Walts Favorite, and needs tons of upgrades in technology, including a new theater that has more comfy seats, and isn't so heavey, or breaks down {wether it or itsn't from maintence.]

I hope this quote from the intro to "Now Is the Time" doesn't come true...."Turn Back, Turn Back"

 

[DarkMeasures]

If the attraction were to be redone, maybe the building should be expanding so there isn't a giant leap from 1940 to 2000. And 2000 itself is inaccurate because Bill Gates was the only person with the voice activated stuff, Video Disks were never successful, and Virtual Reality only exists partially at Amusmentparks.