Official: Disney Begins Countdown for Permanent Closure of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

For over two decades, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has been a staple of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering one of the most intense thrill rides in all of Walt Disney World.

Since its grand opening in 1999, the ride has taken guests on a high-speed limo ride through Los Angeles, complete with a heart-pounding Aerosmith soundtrack.

Now, the countdown to the ride’s permanent closure has begun. Disney has officially confirmed that The Muppets will be taking over the attraction, marking the end of an era for the beloved rock-and-roll experience. The latest visible sign of this transition? Scrim has appeared around sections of the queue, blocking the view of the Sunset Showcase Theater and indicating that work is starting behind the scenes.

The End of an Era for Aerosmith

The news of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s transformation comes alongside another major announcement—MuppetVision 3D is closing permanently. The long-running show, which has been a part of Hollywood Studios since 1991, will soon be removed to make way for a new vision of The Muppets in the park. Instead of a theater attraction, Disney is now fully committing to integrating the beloved characters into a high-speed roller coaster experience.

MuppetVision 3D will now make way for Monsters Inc. Land.

For longtime fans of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, this change may be bittersweet. Aerosmith has been synonymous with the ride since its inception, and for many guests, the combination of classic rock and high-speed thrills made this one of the most unique attractions in Disney history. However, Disney’s shift toward IP-driven attractions meant that it was only a matter of time before a revamp happened.

Scrim Goes Up—Construction Begins

In addition to Disney’s official confirmation of the retheme, physical changes are already happening at the attraction. New scrim has been added in the queue area, blocking guests from seeing parts of the Sunset Showcase Theater, which is adjacent to the ride. This kind of setup is common when Disney begins a major refurbishment, signaling that the transformation is officially underway.

The presence of scrim, combined with the recently filed permit for a full reported repaint of the ride’s iconic red guitar, suggests that Disney is preparing for a long-term overhaul. While the exterior may keep some familiar elements, the interior experience will be completely different once The Muppets move in.

What the New Muppets Coaster Could Look Like

With The Muppets officially taking over, the big question is—what will the new ride experience be? While Disney has yet to reveal full details, speculation points to a wacky, chaotic storyline fitting of Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the rest of the gang.

One potential scenario could see guests joining Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem on a wild ride through a rock concert that has gone completely off the rails. Instead of a limo racing through LA traffic, the coaster could be transformed into a tour bus-style experience, where the Muppets’ usual brand of comedic mayhem unfolds in high-speed fashion.

A New Chapter for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This transformation represents a major shift for Hollywood Studios, which continues to evolve away from its original focus on classic Hollywood. With MuppetVision 3D closing and The Muppets being given a more prominent role in the park, Disney is making it clear that they see the franchise as a valuable part of the resort’s future.

For now, fans of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster should take their final rides while they still can. With scrim in place and the retheme officially in motion, it’s only a matter of time before the original ride permanently shuts its doors, ushering in a new era of Muppets madness at Walt Disney World.