Disney World Roller Coaster Falling Apart, Closure Notice Incoming

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Mickey Mouse and Steven Tyler over the interior of Disney's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

Credit: Edited by Inside the Magic

Walt Disney World Resort seems to be neglecting Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ahead of its upcoming Muppets retheme. During a recent visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, an Inside the Magic team member noticed some glaring issues in the attraction’s queue.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1999, and a counterpart in Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris Resort followed in 2002. In 2022, Disneyland Paris rethemed its version to Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, absorbing the roller coaster into the Avengers Campus area of the Walt Disney Studios Park.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith entrance at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the Magic

For years, rumors swirled that Walt Disney World Resort would follow suit and retheme its version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Younger guests aren’t familiar with the Aerosmith brand, and allegations of sexual assault against Steven Tyler made his appearance on the attraction more controversial.

In November of last year, Walt Disney World Resort announced that the Muppets would take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The retheme comes as the Disney park prepares to close Muppet*Vision 3D and Muppets Courtyard to make for a new Monsters, Inc. (2001) themed area and roller coaster.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster exterior
Credit: Inside the Magic

Muppet*Vision 3D will close on June 7, 2025, but a final date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith hasn’t been announced. This will leave Disney’s Hollywood Studios without the Muppets until the roller coaster’s transformation is complete.

As Walt Disney World Resort prepares to retheme the Aerosmith roller coaster, maintenance teams appear to be neglecting parts of the ride. During a visit last month, an Inside the Magic team member noticed this uneven, peeling ceiling panel in the ride’s queue.

A close-up of a gray ceiling panel with visible patches and uneven surface texture.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

Historically, Walt Disney World Resort quickly repaired and painted over cosmetic issues like this one. It’s unclear if they plan to do so before closing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith for its retheme.

Inside the Magic previously photographed this damage in the attraction’s queue in December 2023:

A large section of paint has been peeled off the wall on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Guests have carved things into the plaster.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

Disney Park guests had peeled paint off the wall and scraped messages into the plaster. This damage was eventually repaired.

Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t given a window for when it plans to announce Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s closure date.

Have you noticed any damage to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort attractions? In the comments, share your experience with Inside the Magic. 

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