Get ready for a musical switch-up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The iconic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith is set to undergo an exciting transformation, trading its rock ‘n’ roll vibe for the zany antics of The Muppets. Disney Parks Blog made the official announcement on Friday, sending waves of excitement through Disney and Muppets fan circles alike.
Image alt text: Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy standing cheerfully before the entrance of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, hinting at the ride’s upcoming Muppets retheme.
“We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster,” Disney stated, highlighting the anticipated synergy between the high-energy coaster and the beloved Muppets characters. This reimagining marks a significant milestone as the first-ever Disney ride completely themed around The Muppets, promising a blend of thrills, laughter, and catchy new tunes. Fans can look forward to an immersive experience filled with Muppets-themed merchandise along Sunset Boulevard, enhancing the overall attraction.
While Disney has not yet announced a specific closure date for the current Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith or an opening date for the Muppets version, they assure park visitors that there’s still ample time to experience the Aerosmith-themed ride before its transformation.
Image alt text: Night view of the vibrant neon sign for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, featuring the Aerosmith band logo and ride name, illuminated against the twilight sky at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Since its debut in 1999, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith has been a high-speed favorite, immersing guests in a backstage adventure with the legendary rock band Aerosmith. Earlier this year, the ride underwent a significant refurbishment, fueling speculation about its future direction. This Muppets retheme answers those rumors, signaling a fresh chapter for the attraction.
The decision to bring in The Muppets has been met with enthusiasm from Disney enthusiasts who have long advocated for greater Muppets representation within the Disney parks. This update also builds upon the success of the 2023 Disney+ series, The Muppets Mayhem, indicating Disney’s continued investment in the Muppets franchise.
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Image alt text: Artistic concept rendering of the upcoming Monsters, Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, showcasing colorful buildings and a glimpse of the suspended roller coaster attraction.
Alongside the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith news, Disney provided an update on the previously announced Monsters, Inc. land, initially revealed at D23. This new area, the first dedicated to Monsters, Inc., will feature a family-friendly suspended roller coaster themed around the film’s iconic door vault scene, along with shopping, dining, and a brand-new theater show. To create space for this Monstropolis expansion, the current Muppets Courtyard, home to Muppet*Vision 3D, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, and PizzeRizzo, will be replaced.
Muppet*Vision 3D, a beloved classic that opened in 1991 and one of Jim Henson’s final projects, holds a special place in Disney history. Disney has acknowledged the importance of preserving this legacy. “As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future,” the blog post confirmed, assuring fans of Muppet*Vision 3D’s enduring presence in some form.
This reimagining of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith is part of a broader wave of transformations across Walt Disney World. Other exciting projects include a new Cars-themed area coming to Magic Kingdom and an Encanto-inspired attraction planned for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, demonstrating Disney’s commitment to refreshing and expanding its park experiences. The shift from Aerosmith to The Muppets on this thrilling coaster signals a fun and whimsical direction, promising a fresh and engaging experience for guests of all ages.
