Disney Ride Continues Despite Painfully Broken Wrist

Guests at Walt Disney World were forced to watch quite a painful sight recently at the Magic Kingdom Park. While the beloved Carousel of Progress ride usually encompasses humanity’s many technological innovations over the years, this particular moment did something special. The attraction showed that progress cannot be stopped for anything, even when John Progress has broken his wrist!

The Show Must Go On

The Carousel of Progress has been part of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for a very long time. While it started as a New York World’s Fair exhibit in 1964, it eventually went to Walt Disney’s Florida theme park. The ride takes Guests through a series of innovations through the eyes of an American family. It also sports a ridiculously catchy song that often stays with riders long after their experience ends.

John (also known as John Progress) is the show’s host and guides the audience through various scenes depicting technological advancements and changes in daily life throughout the 20th century. The animatronic has done this role proudly for over 60 years, but his age might finally be catching up with him.

John Progress’ Hand Snaps Off

While clearly a robot, John Progress shows first-hand the horrors of getting old. Guests spinning their way through history recently noticed something strange about him while he narrated one of the many scenes. The animatronic had a clearly visible broken wrist, but that didn’t stop him from recognizing the importance of showmanship.

John continued his typical and enthusiastic narration while his hand swung wildly in many different directions. Though he obviously is not a real person, it still looks exceedingly painful! In true dedication to the craft, Mr. Progress maintained hold of his Niagra Falls fan during the ordeal.

This would have been a horrifying sight if John was a real Cast Member, but it made for a hilarious experience in what is normally a slow and arguably boring attraction. However, this further proves that Disney employees are committed to keeping the magic going even when dealing with a handful. You can see the entire scene play out on user Tess Elana’s TikTok.

@tessaelena74

John Progress hand snaps off of the animatronic in The Carousel of Progress #carouselofprogress #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #magickingdom #disney #wdw #carouseldesigns #carousel #tomorrowland #carousels #disneyland #greatbigbeautifultomorrow #spacemountain #disneylife #disneygram #carousell #waltdisney #instagramcarousel #disneyparks #disneylove #peoplemover #carouselhorse #branding #graphicdesign #carouselride #hauntedmansion #instadisney #carouseltheme #epcot #design #brokenhand #malfunction

♬ original sound – Tess Elena

Carousel of Progress Controversy

The Carousel of Progress has found itself in the limelight for more than just broken wrists. A popular satire site wrote a story detailing the Progress family going “woke” in a holiday scene. It didn’t take long to spread around social media. Critics tore Disney apart, though the story was nothing more than a tall tale. Carousel of Progress remains the same ride it has always been, and Disney has made no announcement to change that.

We hope that John Progress manages to get his painfully broken wrist looked at soon. No one should have to perform under such agonizing work conditions. At the very least, maybe the recent squirrel intruder found in Carousel of Progress could lend him a hand!