D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event wrapped up its second night with a show-stopping performance for “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress.” If you caught it live at D23, on Disney+, or even just on social media, you probably want to experience that incredible musical medley all over again!
We all know Neil Patrick Harris loves a grand opening, and he delivered! As the lights dimmed and the “Horizons” presentation began, he led an unforgettable, star-studded show. What a perfect way to celebrate the night’s theme than with a song honoring the legendary Audio-Animatronics figures throughout Disney Parks?


What Inspired the Disney Experiences Showcase Opening Number?
Carousel of Progress features some of Disney’s most iconic Audio-Animatronics. But the performance didn’t stop there; it also gave nods to classics like “it’s a small world,” DJ Rex from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Neil’s dream for the night? Becoming a Disney Parks Audio-Animatronic himself! He kicked off the song by saying, “I bet everybody here has that one special Disney role meant just for them,” which really resonated with the crowd.
Neil wasn’t alone! Comedian Tig Notaro appeared as Abraham Lincoln – and later, the Yeti from Expedition Everest! We also saw Megan Hilty as Madame Leota and Jack McBrayer as the Caretaker. Musical theatre stars Skylar Astin and Darren Criss joined in, playing pirates and even hitchhiking ghosts! Plus, Disney Legend Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, made an appearance, along with a surprise cameo from Disney Legend and former Imagineer Joe Rohde. Talk about a star-studded cast!
The new song featured a fresh melody, but keen ears also caught familiar tunes! You definitely heard snippets of The Sherman Brothers’ “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” that super catchy theme from Carousel of Progress. “Part of Your World” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid and “Belle” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast also made an appearance. The lyrics beautifully guided us through the history of Disney Parks Audio-Animatronics, all backed by the live band, The Phoenicians, and an energetic dance troupe.
Get ready for an “animatronic roll call”! This song was absolutely loaded with Easter eggs and tributes to Disney Parks attractions, lore, and even pop culture. Can you spot them all?
Lyrics to the Disney Experiences Showcase Opening Number
IN THIS GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL WORLD, OR LAND
THERE’S A JOB THAT’S WAITING FOR ME
WHERE THE AIR IS SWEET AND THE SOUND’S PRE-PLANNED
AND ADMISSION IS PERPETUALLY FREE
A ROLE THAT LASTS FOREVER
WITH NO BAD DAYS WHATSOEVER
PART OF HISTORY
WISH I COULD BE…
ANIMATRONIC
WHERE LIFE IS A RIDE
ENTERTAINING ALL DAY
WHILE AIR-CONDITIONED INSIDE
ANIMATRONIC
WHERE LIFE IS A BREEZE
I’D NEVER FEEL MY AGE BECAUSE I’D HAVE ROBOTIC KNEES
I’D SPEND ALL DAY GREETING FANS
WITH GUTS MADE OF GEARS
WHILE THAT SAME SYMPHONIC MUSIC PLAYS ON LOOP IN MY EARS
I’D LIKE TO BE A DISNEY ANIMATRONIC
AND LIVE MY LIFE ON A RIDE
ANIMATRONIC
I’D LIKE THE ROUTINE!
EACH DAY IS THE SAME AND EVERY NIGHT I GET CLEANED
AND SINCE MY JOB IS ICONIC
THEN I’D NEVER BORE
JUST TAKE IT FROM AN A-1 MODEL WHO’S BEEN HERE SINCE 1964!
ANIMATRONIC
YOU NEVER GET OLD!
NO NEED TO REHEARSE WHEN YOU’RE REMOTE CONTROLLED
I’D LIKE TO BE CATATONIC
BUT WIRED WITH GLEE!
YO HO YO HO AN ANIMATRONIC LIFE FOR ME!
RUM!
GOLD!
GOLD!
MAYBE I COULD BE A HANDSOME PIRATE GESTURING TO TREASURE
OR A PAIR OF SKULKING SKELETONS DEVOID OF EARTHLY PLEASURE!
NOTHING LIKE DEATH BECOMES HER!
IN THE ENDLESS HALLWAY I’LL SING MY TUNE
LIKE THE HATBOX GHOST YOU APPEARED TOO SOON
I CAN DANCE AND SCARE AS A HAUNTED HOST
WHILE WE DISAPPEAR LIKE PEPPERS
GHOSTS
HAPPY HAUNTS MATERIALIZE
AND BEGIN TO VOCALIZE
GRIM GRINNING GHOSTS COME OUT TO SOCIALIZE
I COULD DANCE ON MY SERVOS
OR GLIDE ON MY SLIDE
OR JUST CHILL IN EVEREST
BECAUSE MY MECHANISMS DIED
IT’S GREAT TO BE A DISNEY
ANIMATRONIC
AND LIVE MY LIFE ON A RIDE
ISN’T TECHNOLOGY AMAZING
SEE HOW THE FACIAL EXPRESSIONS PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
HERE’S WALT HIMSELF, TRAILBLAZING!
I’D GIVE MY LIFE TO BE CRAFTED BY THOSE BOSS IMAGINEERS
THERE MUST BE SOMETHING THERE THAT WASN’T THERE BEFORE
I COULD DJ LIKE REX!
OR BE A SMALL CHILD DOLL!
AND JOIN IN IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL!
I’LL KEEP MOVIN’ I’LL KEEP TICKIN’
AND LIKE CARLOS WON’T BE CHICKEN
GRAB A KNIFE AND GRAB A FORK
WITH A CROONER FROM YU NORK
AND LIKE SKIPPY I’LL BE STATIONED
IN SUSPENDED ANIMATION
DON’T CARE IF I’M LAST GEN
OR ADVANCED LIKE KYLO REN
I’LL MOVE LIKE THE NA’AVI SHAMAN
UNLESS B-MODE IS MORE COMMON
BE A SCIENTIST WHOS FOXY
OR A GANGSTER FULL OF MOXY
I’LL IMPRESS, I’M UNPLUGGED
ASKING TOURISTS FOR WARM HUGS
THEN AT LAST I’LL LAST FOREVER AND
FOREVER’S WHAT IT’S WORTH
TO LIVE EACH DAY
THE EXACT SAME WAY
IN THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!
WHEN YOU ARE ANIMATRONIC
YOUR LIFE IS DIVINE!
YOU DON’T FEEL PAIN OR NEED THE
LIGHTNING LANE TO SKIP THE LINE
CAUSE WHEN YOU’RE ANIMATRONIC THE MAGIC’S INSIDE!
SO LETS GET ELECTRONIC!
IN STEREOPHONIC
NO NEED TO EAT OR DRINK
SO I CAN SKIP MY COLONIC!
ALL I WANT IT LIFE IS TO BE ANIMATRONIC!
ANIMATRONIC!
ANIMATRONIC!
ANIMATRONIC!
ANIMATR—
ANIMATRONIC!
AND LIVE MY LIFE
(THERE’S A GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW)
LIVE MY LIFE
(SHINING AT THE END OF EVERY)
LIVE MY LIFE ON A DISNEY
THEME PARK RIDE!
