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Credit: Inside the MagicWhen Disney guests arrived at Hollywood Studios today, they were greeted with a surprise. That could be a good thing or a terrible thing, depending on your perspective.
Today, 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.
Disney announced earlier this year that the Muppets would be relocating from their courtyard at Hollywood Studios to the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, with the ride expected to close sometime in early 2026. However, Disney also announced that the ride would reopen later in 2026, leaving some wondering how the changeover would be completed in such a short period of time. It appears that we got our answer today.
In the pre-show, Aerosmith greeted guests at G-Force Studios, where their manager informed the band that they were running late for their show. Aerosmith would invite all of the park guests to their show, and away we would go on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Instead of the pre-show, guests were greeted with the show covered by a grey wall as they were ushered onto the ride. Disney did not make any announcement regarding this change, and cast members stated that they were not informed of any changes until they arrived at the park.
Before its removal, the pre-show was experiencing some technical issues, and this removal addresses those problems. Aerosmith has been a part of the ride since it opened in 1999.
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.
For now, the removal of the pre-show is just the first step in turning the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster over to the Muppets and keeping them alive in Hollywood Studios.
Will you miss the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, or are you excited for the Muppets takeover? Let us know in the comments.