Lucky the Dinosaur, Allegedly (Ep. 589)

A Great Big Beautiful Redo: Carousel of Progress Gets a New Future (Ep. 586)

Jun 1, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode, the hosts explore the significant upcoming changes to the Walt Disney World attraction Carousel of Progress. With the current version set to close in July 2026, the team discusses the confirmed plan to modernize the show, which includes updating the time periods portrayed. The new scenes will shift to 1969, 1985, and a New Year’s Eve celebration at the turn of the millennium, followed by a final scene set in the distant future. The hosts note the ambitious decision to replace the narrator and rethink the script entirely rather than just performing minor cosmetic updates. The conversation also covers recent theme park developments, including the update to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, which now features Grogu and the Mandalorian. The hosts provide a firsthand account of the experience, noting the improved visuals while highlighting a persistent design flaw for certain roles. Additionally, they discuss the overwhelming popularity of the new Bluey experience at Animal Kingdom and the logistical challenges the park faces in managing the high guest demand. The episode concludes with industry insights regarding Universal’s upcoming projects and a look back at the historical evolution of Disney attractions.

Todd Martens on Galaxy’s Edge Reimagined - Plus Muppets Take Over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (Ep. 585)

May 25, 20261h 19mSummary

In this episode of The Disney Dish with Jim Hill, the hosts dive into recent updates at Walt Disney World, sharing their first-hand experiences with newly refurbished attractions. Jim and Len provide a detailed breakdown of the updated Soarin’ Across America, highlighting the improved pacing, the stunning natural visuals, and the clever, less intrusive use of CGI compared to previous iterations. The conversation then shifts to the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, now featuring the Muppets. Both hosts express genuine enthusiasm for the attraction’s overhaul, praising the abundance of humor, the intricate set design, and the high-quality homages to classic rock aesthetic in the pre-show area. Beyond the rides, the hosts discuss the enhanced animation courtyard and the ongoing adjustments to park operations, such as new line management procedures at Expedition Everest. They also analyze a recent visitor survey, using it to explore Disney's current strategy for gauging guest satisfaction with refurbishments and their efforts to promote family-focused programming for the summer season. The episode concludes with a brief look at upcoming seasonal events at Universal, making for a comprehensive update on the current state of theme park offerings.