After rumors circulated earlier this year, Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed the complete overhaul of a 25-year-old attraction. With the confirmation of this ride overhaul, what does this mean for Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let’s find out more.
The Muppets Will Takeover This 25-Year-Old Attraction: The Final Goodbyes Begin Now at Disney World
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith debuted on July 29, 1999, as Disney’s first roller coaster to feature multiple inversions. Located at the end of Sunset Boulevard, the ride offered guests a thrilling limo ride through Los Angeles to the tunes of Aerosmith’s greatest hits. It quickly became a fan favorite for its high-energy soundtrack, neon visuals, and cutting-edge storytelling.
For over two decades, this ride has been a staple of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, known for its exhilarating launch system, which catapults guests from 0 to 57 mph in just 2.8 seconds. However, as Disney continues to evolve its parks to reflect new stories and characters, the time has come to bid farewell to Aerosmith’s legendary music.
The new Monsters, Inc. land will replace Muppets Courtyard and MuppetVision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Meanwhile, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be rethemed to the Muppets, who will “team up with some of music’s biggest stars” for a music festival. – @AshleyLCarter1 on X
The new Monsters, Inc. land will replace Muppets Courtyard and MuppetVision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Meanwhile, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster will be rethemed to the Muppets, who will "team up with some of music's biggest stars" for a music festival. pic.twitter.com/TlomLBhGwS
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) November 22, 2024
The Muppets Take the Stage
Disney’s announcement of a Muppets-themed overlay for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has taken many by surprise. While fans have long speculated about updates to the ride, few could have predicted that Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang would step into the spotlight. This reimagining marks a significant milestone for The Muppets, as it will be their first-ever dedicated attraction at Walt Disney World.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Gets a Muppets Makeover: A New Era for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney World has officially confirmed that the iconic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set for a complete overhaul, marking the end of its 25-year run. In a surprising twist, the beloved attraction will be reimagined with a Muppets-themed overlay, bringing an entirely new energy to Sunset Boulevard. The announcement comes as part of broader changes at the park, including the addition of a Monsters, Inc.-themed land.
According to Disney, the updated ride will feature The Muppets teaming up with some of “music’s biggest stars” for an unforgettable rock music festival. Guests can expect plenty of laughs, new tunes, and the signature chaos that The Muppets are known for.
Why the Change?
The Muppets’ new home on Sunset Boulevard is part of a larger reconfiguration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Alongside the announcement of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster retheme, Disney confirmed that a Monsters, Inc.-themed land will take over the current Muppets Courtyard area. While this may disappoint some fans of MuppetVision 3D, Disney has assured guests that The Muppets will still have a strong presence in the park—albeit in a different corner.
This move aligns with Disney’s ongoing strategy to breathe fresh life into its attractions while leveraging its rich catalog of IPs. The Muppets, a franchise beloved by generations, will undoubtedly add a whimsical and family-friendly twist to the high-energy coaster.
What Fans Can Expect
While details remain scarce, Disney has promised that the new ride will deliver “laughter, screams, and new tunes” for guests to enjoy. The Muppets’ unique brand of humor is likely to shine through, with plenty of Easter eggs and nods to classic characters like Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, and Animal.
In addition to the ride itself, Disney teased that Muppets-themed merchandise will soon be available on Sunset Boulevard, giving fans the chance to bring a piece of the experience home.
For those eager to experience the original attractions, there’s still time to enjoy both MuppetVision 3D* and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in their current forms. Disney has yet to announce when construction will begin, giving guests a final opportunity to say goodbye to these beloved experiences.
A New Chapter for Walt Disney World Resort’s Hollywood Studios
The addition of The Muppets to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster represents a new chapter for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a park that has undergone significant changes in recent years. From the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the debut of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the park has continued to evolve its offerings to cater to a diverse audience.
With the upcoming Monsters, Inc.-themed land and now this unexpected Muppets makeover, it’s clear that Disney is committed to creating fresh, immersive experiences for guests of all ages.
The Legacy Lives On at Disney World
Though the original Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is set to fade into Disney history, its legacy as a groundbreaking attraction will endure. Fans of The Muppets, meanwhile, have much to celebrate as the beloved characters take center stage in what promises to be one of the park’s most entertaining updates yet.
As Disney prepares for this exciting transformation, one thing is certain: the laughter and thrills of Sunset Boulevard are here to stay—just with a little more Muppet mayhem. This Disney World park will undergo some big changes, but this theme park will remain a Disney Park must for families and kids of all ages. The Disney experience is about to be enhanced.
Stay tuned for further updates, including concept art and an official opening date for the new Muppets-themed attraction. For now, it’s time to celebrate the past and look forward to an exciting future at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.