Credit: DisneyWe’re not saying we hate it, but there are a few things we’d change about Disney World’s Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.
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There are a ton of great rides and attractions to enjoy during a trip to Walt Disney World, but the resort has far fewer options when it comes to thrilling roller coasters. Magic Kingdom is home to perhaps the world’s two most famous coasters, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but neither of them really are all that thrilling.
The park’s newest thrill ride, TRON Lightcycle / Run, steps things up quite a few notches. However, guests will have to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios if they’re seeking Disney World’s most intense white-knuckle adventure.
Tucked away at the back of Sunset Boulevard are two of Disney World’s best attractions: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. Both are staples of the resort, but considering that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster just celebrated its birthday and will also close soon, we thought it’d be a great time to talk about things we like, and don’t like about the ride.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, originally called Disney MGM Studios, on July 29, 1999.
The ride has provided thrills and chills to millions of guests in the decades since, becoming one of Disney World’s most popular and famous attractions.
The Line
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Disney typically goes above and beyond to create an immersive and enjoyable waiting experience for its rides and attractions, but Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is not one of them. Most of the time, guests will either be standing outside in the sun or in a cramped and crowded “recording studio.”
There is one redeeming quality of the ride’s queue, however, that being the final part where guests can see riders take off.
Due to the ride’s popularity, guests should expect to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours in order to enjoy Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.
Those seeking to cut down on their time spent waiting can purchase a Lightning Lane for this experience.
The Theming
Nobody loves dated late 90s Disney theme park designs more than we do, but even we can admit that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster desperately needs a refresher. The decades-old ride lacks a certain quality found in other iconic Disney coasters, like Expedition Everest or the more recent Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
There’s also a valid argument that a band like Aerosmith doesn’t resonate with modern Disney World guests. The ride’s proximity to The Tower of Terror doesn’t help, either, with one being a timeless, world-class attraction and the other being, well, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.
We absolutely adore the roller coaster and always ensure we get a few rides during our trip. We’re simply saying the ride could use some TLC, which it will soon receive.
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As we said earlier, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will close permanently in 2026. Disney has not yet revealed an exact date, but guests who “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” better hop aboard sooner rather than later.
However, the roller coaster itself isn’t leaving the venue; it’s just the Aerosmith branding. The legendary rock band, led by Steven Tyler, will be replaced with a bold, colorful, even crazier cast of characters: the Muppets.
Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, along with the rest of the Muppets crew, are expected to make an appearance in this revamped roller coaster.
Do you agree with our list? Will you miss Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?