I thought about that myself once after seeing the show. I absolutely love the Carousel of Progress, but it really never made sense that the father would still be in the last scene. But maybe it happened that way when they reopened the ride to update it. In the 60's it would have worked, but since technology has changed they had to keep up with the times and continue the storyline as well. But I see your point, and it could be the son- but I really don't think so. And like others have said, it just shows that the family is timeless. I'm glad so many others love
COP as much as I do!