Credit: DisneyThe Muppets are about to step into the spotlight in a big way at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The iconic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is officially set to close early next year to make way for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — a completely re-themed version of the fan-favorite thrill ride. On paper, that might sound like a dream come true for longtime Muppets fans. But when Disney revealed the opening timeline, a lot of those same fans started to get nervous.
The new ride is slated to open in summer 2026, which gives Disney roughly eight months to transform one of its most complex roller coasters into an entirely new experience. And for many, that timeline raises a lot of questions.
A Fast Turnaround That Has Fans Talking
Disney hasn’t officially announced the exact closure date yet, but based on the summer 2026 opening window, it’s expected that the coaster will close in January 2026 and reopen in late August or early September. That gives Imagineers a short window to complete an overhaul of a major indoor thrill ride — a timeline that, frankly, is rare.
To put it in perspective, when Test Track at EPCOT underwent its reimagining, it took around 13 months. And when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaced Splash Mountain, that process also stretched beyond a year. Both of those projects involved keeping the basic structure in place — just like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — yet they still required extended closures to bring everything together.
Fans Worry It Could Be More of an “Overlay” Than a True Retheme
What’s raising eyebrows isn’t just how short this timeline is, but what it might mean for the final product. With only eight months to work with, fans are starting to wonder whether this will be a full reimagining or a light overlay.
The expectation is that the coaster’s track layout will remain the same. Most of the work will likely focus on set pieces, lighting, projection mapping, and theming elements within the show building. Even so, swapping out every scene, repainting ride vehicles, reprogramming lighting and sound cues, and installing a new pre-show takes time.
And yes — the pre-show is being changed, with new animatronics planned alongside screens. But animatronic work isn’t quick. Even something that seems simple on the surface can require months of fabrication, testing, and installation.
History Shows Disney Can Move Fast… But It’s Rare
The one example fans keep pointing to is Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! in Disney California Adventure. That attraction transformed the former Tower of Terror in just over four months back in 2017. It proved that Disney can deliver a polished, fully themed experience in a short time when everything lines up perfectly.
But that was a unique situation — and it hasn’t really been replicated in recent years. Since then, Disney has leaned toward longer, more deliberate timelines for major ride overhauls. That’s why so many fans are side-eyeing this short turnaround.
Why the Pressure Is Higher This Time
This isn’t just about transforming a coaster. It’s about doing justice to the Muppets, a beloved franchise that has been waiting for its big moment in the parks for years. Fans are already processing the loss of Muppet*Vision 3D and its surrounding courtyard, which has been closed to make way for Monstropolis.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of the park’s most high-profile attractions. When it reopens, expectations will be sky-high. A ride that feels rushed or underwhelming could seriously disappoint guests who were hoping this would be the Muppets’ big comeback.
As one fan put it in a viral post, “The Muppets deserve more than a cheap overlay. They deserve something unforgettable.”
A Tight Timeline Could Mean a Staged Rollout
There’s also the possibility that Disney is planning to stage the rollout of the attraction. That could mean the main coaster experience launches first, followed by smaller enhancements — like advanced animatronics or additional show elements — later on.
This approach wouldn’t be unprecedented. Disney has quietly added new details to several attractions post-opening in recent years. But it could also risk dampening the initial excitement around the Muppets’ return, especially for fans expecting a grand opening with all the bells and whistles from day one.
How It Fits Into Hollywood Studios’ Bigger Picture
The timing of this project isn’t happening in a vacuum. Hollywood Studios already has multiple areas under construction or behind walls. The Muppet Courtyard is closed, Animation Courtyard is being transformed for a new experience, and now a major thrill ride will soon go offline.
That leaves a lot of pressure on the remaining attractions to carry the park. It also means Disney needs this Muppets coaster to be a strong, crowd-pleasing win — not a rushed project that sparks more complaints than applause.
Fans Want Disney to Take Its Time
While many are thrilled to see the Muppets get a major attraction, there’s a growing chorus of fans saying they’d prefer a longer closure if it meant a better final product. After all, the company has shown it’s willing to invest years into new lands and attractions when it believes the payoff will be worth it.
A rushed Muppets coaster would be a letdown not just for Muppet fans, but for the park itself. It’s stepping into the shoes of a ride that’s been a Hollywood Studios staple since 1999. That’s not a small legacy to live up to.
The Bottom Line: A Big Bet on the Muppets
Eight months — or less — is a bold timeline, and it has fans split down the middle. Some believe Disney can pull it off, citing the company’s history of surprise turnarounds. Others worry this could end up being an underwhelming “paint and projection” job instead of the Muppets masterpiece they’ve been dreaming of.
Either way, all eyes are on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as it heads into its final stretch. When those iconic limos make their last launch early next year, Disney will be on the clock to deliver something spectacular.
The Muppets deserve their moment — and fans are hoping Disney doesn’t rush it.