This script is presented to the readers of r.a.d. by and is downloadable by anonymous FTP at FTP://ftp.gate.net/pub/users/sunken/CarouselOfProgress.txt. I'm sure that Don Bertino will pick this up for his site as well. Any corrections, changes, comments, or requests may be sent to sunken@gate.net. Script of WDW's Carousel of Progress "Now is the Time" version, that ran from 1971-1994. It was replaced during a rehab with a cross between the original 1964 World's Fair version, and an upgrade in 1994. The cast consists of an Audio-Animatronic family who's explains how progress has changed their life. The show spans 94 years (though there is a big gap between 1940 and 1994). It was originally sponsored by General Electric when it opened at the World's Fair, and also at WDW, but GE decided to sponsor Horizons at EPCOT instead. In fact, the same family could be seen there. The show has a very strange continuity error that makes describing the cast very difficult. Each scene I take it is a new generation. However, it would be hard to believe that the son would just happen to marry a girl named Sarah and have a daughter named Jane each time, yet if 20 years had passed, then it would be very unlikely that the kids would be the same age. 29 AA figures make up the cast, 24 people, 1 parrot, and 4 dogs of the same breed. Scene #1: 1900's Narrator/Father Rover - Dog Stage Left: Sarah - His Wife Jane - I guess as a little girl. Stage Right: His Son - Blonde Hair Stage Left: Grandmother Parrot Stage Right: Jane (in high school) Scene #2: 1920's Narrator/Father Queenie - Dog Scene Right Sarah Scene Left Younger Son Grandfather Scene Right Jane - I guess a senior now in High School Scene Left Cousin Orville Scene #3: 1940's Narrator/Father Sport - Dog Stage Right Grandma Grandpa Stage Left Son - Who has not grown in 20 years. Stage Right Jane - Who took 20 years to get out of HS, and is in her first year of college. Stage Left Sarah Scene #4: Present (1994) Narrator/Father - Who I guess is the son from the 1940's scene. Mother - Sophisticated lady with glasses. Sport - Dog - I guess, they bought a new dog and named him Sport again. Son - Black hair this time. Daughter - Blonde hair. Grandpa - An old man (which doesn't really look like the guy in the other scenes). Grandma - Sarah either. The show is in a round building that revolves. The seats also revolve, around a stationary center stage. There are 6 sets, 4 of these being for show elements. The other two for embarking and disembarking. Three of these stages are designed like this, where the main stage has two smaller stages on either side, covered by a thin curtain (usually with some sort of house or wall motif). When the time comes, the curtain is backlighted so that the diorama can be seen inside. When that scene is completed, the light goes down and the stage is rotated, while the action alternates between them, left, right, left, right, until all four have been shown. _________ _________ / \__________________________________ / \ / Left \ / Right \ /_____________\ Main Stage /_____________\ \ / \ / \ Stage /_________________________________\ Stage / \_________/ \_________/ Running time: 18.0 minutes Now, on with the show... You board the Carousel through double doors, that lead into a theatre that is curved. Unlike other Disney attractions, you are told to move all the way to the center of the row to make room for everyone. Once seated, the show begins with a curtain rising to reveal the logo of the Carousel of Progress. A circle, with 6 sections, surrounded by arrows which show which way the carousel actually turns. This used to be where the GE logo was, before they stopped sponsoring CoP. The narrator, who we find is the father in the first three scenes begins. Narrator: Welcome to the Carousel of Progress. Most carousels go round and round forever, but on this one, every turn, we'll be making progress and progress is not just moving ahead. Progress is dreaming, working, building a better way of life. Progress is a commitment, a commitment to making today and tomorrow the best time of your life. It wasn't always easy. At every turn in our history, there's always someone saying turn back, turn back, but there is no turning back. Not for us. Not for our carousel. Time alway lies ahead and as long as man dreams, and works and builds together, these years too will be the best times of your life. The seats then begin turning to the right, counterclockwise to the first scene, while the theme "Now is the time" is played. Chorus: Now is the time. Now is the best time. Now is the best time of our lives. Life is a prize. Live every minute. Open your eyes, And watch how you live it. Yesterday's memories are shining and new. Tomorrow is still but a dream. But right here and now, you've got it made. The world's beating faster, and you're in the parade. Now is the time. Now is the best time. Be it time of joy and strife. There's so much to cheer for. Be glad you're here for. It's the best time of your life. The narrator, who is the father, is sitting in a rocker, with a paper in one hand and a pipe in the other. He's wearing a robe, as if he'd just gotten up. The scene is an old house with a water pump, ice box, and iron cast stove. And a kerosine lamp sits behind him on a table. His trusted dog, lies on the floor. A bird is seen out the window, singing. Narrator: Well, the robins are back! That's a sure sign of spring. What year is it? Oh just before the turn of the century. And believe me, things couldn't be any better than they are today. Yes sir, we got all the latest things, gas lamps and telephones and the latest design in cast iron stoves. The stove opens up to reveal food inside and the reservoir. That reservoir keeps 5 gallons of water hot all day on just 3 buckets of coal. Hehehe, sure beats chopping wood. And isn't our new icebox a beauty? Holds 50 pounds of ice. The icebox opens up to show the ice, the bread, and milk. Milk doesn't sour as quick as it used to. Our dog Rover here, keeps the water in the drip pan from overflowing. You know, it wasn't long ago that we had to carry water from a well. Thanks to progress, we have a pump right here in the kitchen. The pump over the sink, magically moves to pump water out of it. Course, we keep a bucket of water handy to prime it with. Yes sir, we've got everything to make life easier. The first of the rotating dioramas mentioned above appears at stage left. A woman dressed in apron, is ironing a shirt, while her daughter, spins a spinning wheel. In the background is a large pantry with bags of sugar, etc. Narrator: Mother, I was reading about a fellow named Tom Edison who's working on an idea for a snap-on electric light. Sarah (wife): I'll believe that when I see it. Narrator: That's my wife Sarah! Sarah: But with my new washday marvel, it takes only 5 hours to do the wash. Imagine! Narrator: That's right folks, now Mother has time for recreation, like... Sarah: Like canning and polishing the stove. Narrator: Okay Mother, you just iron the wrinkles out of my shirts. Sarah: Yes dear. The scene lights fade, and the curtain returns. Narrator: But no one can improve on nature for drying clothes! Suddenly a lightning storm hits, and we can see it rain through the windows. Narrator: Oh well, the sistern was low on rain water anyway. The dog, who in scene one is named Rover, starts growling at the thunder, or maybe his master's silliness. Anyway, though the dog is the same breed through the entire show, you'll notice subtle differences in each scene, as a dog only lives 14-18 years, and so would not be alive for scenes spaced 20 years apart. Therefore, it's a different dog and each dog has his/her own name. Narrator: Rover, mind your manners. The dog wags his tail, as he lays his head back on the floor, between his paws. The next diorama appears on stage right. His son is staring into the predecessor to the Viewmaster, a stereoscope. He is seated at a table, with a lamp sitting next to him (still an oil lamp of course). Narrator: You know, our home entertainment is getting better too. With his amazing new stereoscope, my son can now see and learn all about the latest events in the world, like the World's Fair in St. Louis. Son: Wowwee! Hey Dad, what's the hoochie koochie Dad??? He turns from his stereoscope, and looks to his dad for the answer. Narrator: Get back to your homework son! Oh yes, we also have one of those new talking machines. It plays music right here in our home. His son's diorama fades out, while the one on stage left lights once again. This time, it's an old woman in a rocking chair knitting, while listening to a tenor sing "Now is the Time." There are many photos on the wall (which was just invented not too long before that). A parrot is seated on a perch, obviously annoyed. Over the music, he speaks (sounding a lot like one of the Tiki Birds). Tenor: Now is the time. Now is the best time. Now is the best time of your life! Parrot: She keeps that thing going all day long. That tenor is driving me nuts! Progress! The music and the lights fade on stage left, and stage right comes alive with a scene of his daughter Jane, seated at a Vanity table fixing up her hair. Narrator: Hehe, you know the young folks have their own ideas about entertainment. For instance, Jane, our teenage daughter is getting ready to go to a trolley party on one of those new electric streetcars. She says hayrides are old fashion. Jane: Thanks for letting me go Poppa! Narrator: Be home by 9 o'clock Daughter! Jane: Yes, Poppa. The lights fade and focus returns to the father. Narrator: It's hard to imagine that life could be any easier. There is a new company *called General Electric* working on bringing the same power that runs the trolley into folk's homes, and because those fellas are working that out, one thing is certain. The seats then begin turning to the right, counterclockwise to the second scene, while the theme "Now is the time" is played. Chorus: Now is the time. Now is the best time. Now is the best time of our lives. Life is a prize. Live every minute. Open your eyes, And watch how you live it. Yesterday's memories are shining and new. Tomorrow is still but a dream. But right here and now, you've got it made. The world's beating faster, and you're in the parade. Now is the time. Now is the best time. Be it time of joy and strife. There's so much to cheer for. Be glad you're here for. It's the best time of your life. This is a scene from the 1920's. The appliances seen in the first scene are in the same place, but has been updated with newer ones. A vacuum sits in front of them, and wires hang down from the ceiling. The narrator is seated backwards on a chair and holding a Niagara Falls fan in his right hand, while his other rests on the chair. Again, a slightly different dog is lying on his paws at her master's feet. Narrator: Hottest summer we've had in years. Well, we've progressed a long way since the turn of the century 20 years ago. No one realized then that this would be the age of electricity. Everyone uses it. Farmers. Factories. Whole towns. The sound of the traffic is heard. With electric streetlights, we don't have to worry so much about the youngsters being out after dark and what a difference in our home. We can run as many wires as we need in any direction for Mother's new electrical service. While he says the last line, the stage grows dark, and the wires light up in flourescent colors from black lighting. Then each item is highlighted with a spot, as it's mentioned. Each also makes a motion significant to what it is. Narrator: Electric sewing machine, coffee percolator, toaster, waffle iron, refridgerator. And they all go to work at the click of a switch. A little musical interlude begins as the appliances go crazy, including the vacuum (which runs back and forth). The refridgerator door swings open, the sewing machine spins, the coffee pot percolates, etc. Narrator: Take it easy! You'll blow a fuse! They die down, and the lights return to normal as the dog starts growling, annoyed at all the commotion. This one is Queenie, a female dog. Narrator: Queenie, leave them alone. She then lays her head in her paws, while he continues on. As he talks, the first of stage 2's dioramas come to light, beginning on the right hand stage this time. It's his wife, sitting outside on the porch, under the stars, doing her embroidering. Narrator: Well the days of lugging heavy irons from the old cook stove to an ironing board are gone forever. With an electric iron and electric lights, mother now has time to enjoy her embroidery in the cool of the evening. Right Mother? Sarah: Yes dear. Nice set for such a short piece, but onward. While stage right ends, stage left begins with an old man seated in a rocking chair, with a chrystal radio earpiece to his ear. Meanwhile a younger grandson, is standing on a box, listening to the phonograph. Narrator: Oh by the way, we got a phonograph now, and a new music called Jazz. All the youngsters go for it. With his chrystal set, Grandpa can recieve transmissions from just about anywhere. The radio is then heard over the phonograph. It's a report about Charles Lindbergh's historic flight to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis. Radio: We interrupt this program to bring you this news bulletin. Charles A. Lindbergh landed in Paris today. I repeat, Charles A. Lindbergh landed Narrator: Now, that's amazing news! Too bad we get so much static. Hehe, I'm also getting a little static from my daughter. Back to stage right, where we see Jane once again, this time about 17-18. She is wearing a sweater with a skirt and scarf, and a mirror is in her right hand, as she fixes here hair. Her room has an oriental lamp, a telephone, a West City HS Banner, a no parking sign, and several photos. Jane: I don't see any harm with my looking for a job Daddy Narrator: It's a man's world out there Jane. Jane: Well it won't always be Father. Queenie gets upset again, sticking up for her "sister." and barks at her father. Narrator: Now, cut that out Queenie! You are supposed to be man's best friend. This didn't really satisfy the dog, but she concedes and lays her head back down to listen to what's going on, while the narrator speaks of plumbing and an unwanted guest, on stage left. Narrator: Well, we got indoor plumbing now, saves a lot of walking. In our new bathroom, we've got a a house guest. Perhaps one of the most memorable scenes. The bathroom is shown with a sink and an old fashion porcelain tub, in which sits a scruffy man reading the paper. On a table next to the tub, is a fan, and in front of that fan, is a block of ice. His feet can be seen peeking over the side and he is humming, with no real tune. Narrator: Cousin Orville. And as usual, he's taken over the coolest spot in the house. I will say one thing for him though, Orville has rigged up something pretty clever. He calls it air-cooling. Hmmm, too bad he's not reading the want ads. The lights fade, and a voice calls out from the shadows. Orville: No privacy at all around this place. Narrator: Sorry Orville. You know, considering all the conveniences we have, it looks at though we've made real progress in making our lives easier. And when we read about the things those research people are working on, well, we can be sure of one thing... The seats then begin turning to the right, counterclockwise to the third scene, while the theme "Now is the time" is played. While the carousel turns, the dog looks around at the people, looking a little confused at what's happening. Chorus: Now is the time. Now is the best time. Now is the best time of our lives. Life is a prize. Live every minute. Open your eyes, And watch how you live it. Yesterday's memories are shining and new. Tomorrow is still but a dream. But right here and now, you've got it made. The world's beating faster, and you're in the parade. Now is the time. Now is the best time. Be it time of joy and strife. There's so much to cheer for. Be glad you're here for. It's the best time of your life. Again, we return to the kitchen, but the kitchen is again upgraded with new appliances. A dinette, which the narrator now sits here, replaces the empty space. Also added is a dishwasher. Again, the dog is there, but now he's Sport, a male dog once again. The year is in the 1940's. Narrator: Well it's autumn again and the kids are back in school. Thank goodness. He takes a long pause here as he looks to his right. Presumably it's to listen to the music, but I seem to remember something else said there. Anyway. Narrator: Here we are in the frantic forties, and the music is better than ever. And it's amazing how our new kitchen wonders are helping to take over the hard work. Everything has improved. The electric range is better, refridgerator's are bigger and make lots more ice cubes. But my favorite is the electric dishwasher. The dishwasher opens up and a rack of dishes comes out for a moment. Now mother spends less time in the kitchen and I don't have to dry the dishes anymore. Oh I spend a lot of time here. Narrator: Have to! Now that television has arrived, Grandma and Grandpa have taken over my den. Stage right opens this series of dioramas with Grandma and Grandpa sitting in front of the newly invented black and white TV. On it, is a western that Grandpa had been watching, that is before he fell asleep. Narrator: Television has changed our lives. It's brought a whole new world of culture into our home. Grandma leans over to her husband, who's dozed off. Grandma: Are you asleep dear? Recieving no answer, she switches from the western to a boxing match and starts screaming at the TV. Grandma: Come on! Come on! belt that guy! Get him! Pound him! Come on champ! (NOTE: It's hard to hear all the things she screams here). Narrator: To each his own, right Sport? Sport, who's lying on the floor, like the other dogs, looks up and barks his support, and annoyance at the loud music. He then wags his tail and lies back down. Narrator: No doubt television will improve and the kids will learn a lot from it. Right now, my son is interested in models. Airplane models that is. Left stage opens to reveal a boy sitting at his desk working on a model airplane. A lamp lights the room and he's got the motor on it turned up to high. Pictures of airplanes cover the walls. Son: Dad! Dad! It works! It works! Narrator: I hear it! I hear it and so do all the neighbors! Good work son! The motor stops, but not before the dog barks in protest for being disturbed. Narrator: Sport, knock it off. Sport acts like he would say "Fine!" and gives a quick wag, and again returns to his favorite position. Narrator: How about that? My son, the engineer! Well, okay, where was I? Oh, remember back in the twenties when young people got their exercise dancing the charleston? Well today our daughter Jane keeps in shape with electricity. Stage right opens back on Jane's room, who's in college now. The vanity table remains, but all the high school banners have been replaced with pictures, and a glass square wall. She is in a slip, with her back facing the audience, using a hip strap to vibrate the pounds off her. While she does so, she is talking on the phone and her voice is garbled from being shaken. Jane: Babs, I'm having so much fun in my first year of college! Babs (phone): Have you met any of the seniors yet? Jane: Oh dozens, and Saturday I'm going to the dance with a real dreamboat. Babs (phone): Are you doing any of the new dances? Jane: Oh we still jitterbug, but I'm having some trouble with the Rhumba. I can't quite get the hip action. Anyway, listen... The conversation goes on, but when her father stops listening, so too does the scene (besides you know long girls can talk on the phone, and it's only an 18 minute show) :) Narrator: Hmmm, anymore hip action and she'll disconnect something. Boy, Sport is an outspoken dog. He begins barking again. Narrator: Quiet Sport! You can never underestimate the power of a woman. And speaking of women doing things, Mother is caught up in the new do-it-yourself craze! She's remodelling our basement into something called a rumpus room. Stage left lights up into a scene where his wife is on a ladder, pasting up wallpaper. On the table, a food mixer is stirring paint. She is humming "Now is the Time." Narrator: Hehehe. Mother is pretty ingenious, like using her food mixer for stirring paint? The mixer goes on by itself. Narrator: Ohh, that's my wife Sarah. The mixer stops and she turns toward him. Sarah: John? Narrator: Yes dear? Sarah: I was just thinking. Narrator: About what? Sarah: That if you hired a man to do this, wouldn't you pay him? Narrator: Well of course dear! Sarah: Then I should get equal pay! Narrator: Well, umm, hehe, well we might negotiate something later on dear. Sarah: When?? In answer to her question, the cuckoo in the cuckoo clock pops out and sings. Cuckoo Sings: Now is the time. Now is the best time! Narrator: You stay out of this! Well, if it's time for anything, it's time to move on and it's time to sing the song again. Come on everybody! The seats then begin turning to the right, counterclockwise to the last scene, while the theme "Now is the time" is played. Again the dog watches with interest. Chorus: Now is the time. Now is the best time. Now is the best time of our lives. Life is a prize. Live every minute. Open your eyes, And watch how you live it. Yesterday's memories are shining and new. Tomorrow is still but a dream. But right here and now, you've got it made. The world's beating faster, and you're in the parade. Now is the time. Now is the best time. Be it time of joy and strife. There's so much to cheer for. Be glad you're here for. It's the best time of your life. The last stage does not have the two smaller diorama stages. Instead it's a full living room and kitchen. In this scene are all the members of the family. On the bamboo chairs to the far left is Grandpa and the daughter, who's holding a guitar. To the right, seated on the step into the kitchen is the grandmother. Seated at the counter, is the son. Next to him, standing in back of the counter with a frying pan in his hand, is the father. And the mother, is seated at the computer with her back to the audience on stage right. Sport (who may or may not be the same dog) is sitting up this time, in front of the counter. All the modern conveniences fill the house, like a total kitchen, sky lighting, florida Room/patio, and in the center is a 40 inch rear projection TV. Surprisingly no VCR. :) While cooking, the narrator begins the final scene. Narrator: You know, this is the time of day I really love. Will you look at that sunset out there. All make comments in agreement. Daughter: Fabulous! Mother: That is so breathtaking! Father: A great way to end a great year. Grandma: It's beautiful! Mother: I must say having the whole family here together on this New Year's Eve is even more beautiful! Father: Dear, I think you're right! Grandma: Of course she is! Son: You tell them Grandma! Grandma: I mean it! We're all healthy and together and I think we're living in a wonderful time. Son: You and Grandpa are sure having a wonderful time. In one year, you've managed to travel around the world, take up tennis, and even organize your high school reunion. Incredible! Grandma: We have an awful lot to be thankful for! Grandpa: Well the old gal's right about that. Daughter: Grandpa?! Wait a minute. How about some of those good old days of yours. The ones you are always raving about. Grandpa: They were good all right, but I'll tell ya, we had to spend quite a chunk of those good ole days, just taking care of essentials. Father: Oh essentials, glad you mentioned that. It's time for me to start my New Year's Eve spectacular. Omelette Superb Avec Jambone! Daughter: Mmmm, not the famous Omelette Superb Avec Jambone! The son sort of breaks out of the story for a minute, looking out at the audience. Son: Known in other circles as Ham and Eggs. Sport barks, I guess enjoying that the son revealed the secret. He's such a nervy dog. Father: Now, don't push it Sport. As for you two, whatever happened to respect for your elders? Grandpa: Well, we always wondered the same thing when you were growing up. Mother: Well, you two can ponder that age old question, but since it's almost dark, I think I'll put your recipe on memory. Her hands make several motions on the computer keyboard. Mother: and throw a little light on the subject. The lights in the patio come on. Daughter: Oh mom, while you are at it, will you tap the program scan? I'd like to see the New Year's Eve celebration in Europe and the East. Son: Is it that time already? Daughter: Of course, as a matter of fact, It's past that time in half the world. Son: Wow, the awesome things that they teach these children nowadays. Daughter: Very funny! The TV goes on, showing first some news from England. TV: It's a new year here in London. A large crowd has gathered... The mother changes the channel. Another report from France. TV: Tremendous claims, as happy Parisians welcome the New Year. The channel changes again, and it's a reporter standing on Main Street. TV: A happy holiday spirit fills the evening. We still have several hours before midnight here in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, but already people from all over the world are celebrating... The newscast continues, but they idly whoo over it, making it difficult to hear. Fireworks than come on the screen. Grandma: Oh my goodness, look at that. Son: Sensational! Father: That's great. You know Mother I feel like sending up some fireworks myself. Mother: We really do have a lot to celebrate, and not just things either. Father: No, it's the whole quality of our lives. Son: Hey, it's great you two feel that way. Mother: Why shouldn't we? Son: The world is getting more complex. Daughter: Really! Grandpa: Well, today is always more complex than yesterday. Always has been. Father: But it's more exciting too. To think we have so many more choices. Mother: I think that's the best part. Father: Sure, today they are bringing good things to life that weren't even dreamed of a generation ago. (NOTE: Bringing good things to life was GE's motto). The oven timer bell goes off. Mother: Oh, speaking of good things, sounds like it's time for our Omelette Superb Avec Jambone. The dog starts barking at the sound of that...Guess he's hungry! Father: See, even Sport's enthusiastic about the future. Hehe, alright fella, I get the message. The dog stops his yappin' and the father turns back to his wife. Father: And yes dear, you are right. Now is the time. Mother: Why don't we all sing it? The daughter strums her guitar as the music is heard once again. Chorus: Now is the time. Now is the best time. Now is the best time of our lives. Life is a prize. Live every minute. Open your eyes, And watch how you live it. Yesterday's memories are shining and new. Tomorrow is still but a dream. But right here and now, you've got it made. The world's beating faster, and you're in the parade. Now is the time. Now is the best time. Be it time of joy and strife. There's so much to cheer for. Be glad you're here for. It's the best time of your life. The seats then begin turning to the right, counterclockwise to the embark/ disembark scene (with the curtain and the logo), while the theme "Now is the time" is played. This time, the song's music continues while the CM requests that people remain seated until the carousel comes to a complete stop and the doors open. This script has been transcribed by sunken@gate.net. No money was recieved in preparation of this document. If you have requests and I have the tape to do them, I'll be glad to do other transcriptions. If you would like a show transcribed that I do not have, that you do. We can work something out.