Disney Works Quickly To Remove More of Aerosmith From the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, as the Muppets Takeover Continues

Earlier this month, without any warning, Disney removed the pre-show featuring Aerosmith from the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Disney World cast member confirmed that the change was permanent and was done in order to help expedite the ride’s changeover. That quiet move should have been a sign that Disney had a plan all along.

Shortly after making that move, Disney announced that the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith would permanently close on March 1, and the new Muppets version of the ride would reopen “sometime in the summer of 2026.” That kind of turnaround for a changeover of this magnitude seemed impossible, but again, Disney had a plan.

Permits filed this week reveal what Disney’s plan will be. The company will keep the Hollywood Studios attraction in operation for as long as it possibly can while working on the pre-show, and shut it down after that work is completed to begin the remainder of the changeover.

Disney’s newest permit lists Mecca Productions as the contractor to “install set elements.” This allows Disney to keep the ride in operation a little while longer before the larger changes take place.

Given the scale of construction currently underway at Hollywood Studios, Disney needs to keep this attraction operational for as long as possible to provide guests with another reason to visit the park while the work is in progress.

The removal of Aerosmith from the ride is a part of Disney’s larger reimagining of Hollywood Studios. Gone is Muppet Vision 3D, to be replaced by Monstropolis, the Monsters, Inc. Land. Disney has also removed Animation Courtyard and replaced it with the new Art of Disney Animation experience, which is also set to open in 2026.

This transformation sets up a big summer for Hollywood Studios with the reopening of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster featuring the Muppets and the new Art of Disney Animation experience—all the more reason to head to the Studios this summer.

What are you most looking forward to at Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments.