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Carousel of Progress

The History of the Carousel of Progress – Up the Waterfall Episode 19

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Carousel of Progress FatherNow most carousels just go round and round without getting anywhere.  But on this one, at every turn, we’ll be making progress.  And progress is not just moving ahead.  It’s dreaming and working and building a better way of life.  Progress is the sound of a motor, the hum of a turbine, the heartbeat of a factory, the sound of a symphony, the roar of a rocket.  Progress is people getting release from drudgery, gaining more time to enjoy themselves and live richer lives.  And as long as man dreams and works and builds, this progress will go on…in your life and mine.

And with those words, Rex Allen began the original “Progressland” attraction hosted by General Electric at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York. Progressland is more familiar to us as the theatre portion of the experience – the Carousel of Progress. In truth, there was quite a lot more to the World’s Fair exhibit and we go over all of its retro-fabulous history. While we may all be able to recite the current iteration of the classic Carousel of Progress attraction, it does have a very interesting and storied past, including Walt Disney’s personal involvement in its creation.

Progressland pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair - a Walt Disney Production - the original Carousel of Progress
General Electric’s Progressland pavilion – a Walt Disney Production – from the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York

 

In this episode of Up the Waterfall podcast, we journey back to the very beginnings of this beloved attraction, the changes it has experienced over the decades, and what we hope will happen for its future. We hope you enjoy this info-packed episode, I know we loved recording it!

Progressland at night 1964 World's Fair
General Electric’s Progressland pavilion at night

You can listen anywhere you download and listen to podcasts, including: 

(If there’s a podcast service where you can’t find our show, let us know and we’ll get it added there!)

You can also watch on our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our fun opening sequence and some fun images of the Carousel of Progress over the years. Here’s the latest episode:

 

Feel free to comment below with your memories of Carousel of Progress, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow Carousel of Progress fans!

Progressland concept art
Early concept art for the Progressland energy-filled future

 

Progressland concept art
Artist rendering of the incredible drama of nuclear fusion from the Progressland exhibit

 

Here are some of the books and recordings mentioned in this episode (the links will go to the item on amazon.com and are affiliate links – meaning no extra cost for you but a small portion goes back to zannaland if you make a purchase – thank you for supporting our site!):

Walt Disney and the World's Fair
The images from this post are from this CD set and booklet an amazing trove of Disney history!
Designing Disney by John Hench
Designing Disney – Imagineering and the Art of the Show by John Hench
Walt Disney Imagineering book
Walt Disney Imagineering – A Behind the Dreams Look at Making Magic Real


 

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Twenty Eight & Main-New Disney Merchandise Line-Limited Release Items

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While I may be totally messing with Disney’s intended demographic for their newest merchandise line, Twenty Eight & Main – designed for the “Discerning Gentleman…” I can’t help but be excited for the great graphics and designs used and the promise of more to come. A few months back, Merchandise Communications Manager Steven Miller gave us a little sneak peek of the Twenty Eight & Main line, via the Disney Parks Blog:

One of the merchandise programs I’m most excited about this year is called Twenty Eight & Main. This Disney Theme Park Merchandise exclusive collection of quality goods was designed for the discerning gentleman who enjoys visiting Disney Parks (hey, that’s me!). When I first saw artwork last summer, I couldn’t wait to tell the world just how awesome it looks. I caught up with Bobby Bongiorno, merchandiser for graphic apparel, to learn more about what other gentlemen like me can expect later this year.

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“Twenty Eight & Main will be known for quality and attention to detail,” explained Bobby. “We intend to use unique fabrics and washes for many items. We will also include embellishment techniques such as light weight embroidery, patches and appliqués to create items that will be functional and will fit great. The look will be classic, yet stylish and modern in every sense.”

The collection will contain apparel items such as short and long-sleeved shirts, vintage-style T-shirts, hats and more. There will also be accessories including drinkware, D-Tech phone cases and other travel items.

And now, a few of these items are showing up with a bit of detective work on the Disney Store site…I shared the links this morning on my twitter and facebook accounts, but when I found some more products, I thought it warranted a blog post to spread the love.

Here is what I’ve found so far – wood signs and t-shirts – the signs are a bit pricey at $130 each, but DisneyStore is running a $30 special on Twenty Eight & Main tees when you buy 2 or more, so that’s something anyway. From what we are hearing, the quality of these shirts will be worth it. We’ll have to see. As for now, the designs are tempting:

 

Carousel of Progress Wood Sign – Limited Release

 

Carousel of Progress Limited Release Tee
Florida Project Wood Sign - Limited Release
Florida Project Wood Sign – Limited Release

 

Florida Project Limited Release Tee

 

Twenty Eight & Main Wood Sign – Limited Release

 

Twenty Eight & Main Tee – Limited Release

 

Some of the Twenty Eight & Main line of designs had already shown up at the small kiosk called The Sign Shop in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Steven Miller also asked Bobby about the inspiration behind the program’s name, in case you were wondering:

“The name was inspired by the year of Mickey Mouse’s debut and the timeless Main Street, U.S.A.” replied Bobby. “The lion reaching towards the star symbolizes Walt Disney’s pursuit of his dreams. The same lion can be found on the coat of arms featured on iconic Disney Park castles.”

More Twenty Eight & Main items debut this fall in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. (And right now at the DisneyStore.com!) We’ll be sure to keep tracking any new releases. Until then – happy shopping!

All attached links are affiliate links bringing you directly to the product displayed or DisneyStore.com-no extra cost or steps for you, and you help support zannaland.com with any purchase made. Thank you for reading!

 

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