Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith officially closed its doors at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The popular attraction will undergo a significant transformation, reopening later this summer as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. This change marks the end of an era for the iconic rock-themed ride and ushers in a new, family-friendly musical experience.
Key Takeaways
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is permanently closed.
- The ride will reopen as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
- The new attraction is expected to debut this summer.
- Guests will join The Electric Mayhem and other Muppets characters.
- The exterior guitar marquee will receive a psychedelic makeover.
A Fond Farewell to Aerosmith
On its final day of operation, the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster drew large crowds. Wait times soared throughout the day, reaching up to 115 minutes. This made it the longest wait time across all of Walt Disney World Resort for a period.
Even as Hollywood Studios approached its 9 p.m. closing time, the attraction remained in high demand. At 8:30 p.m., the wait time was still 85 minutes. By 8:45 p.m., it jumped back to 115 minutes.
The queue for the ride extended well beyond its usual limits. The single-rider line also closed as the standby queue snaked through the outdoor area. Guests continued to line up for PhotoPass pictures near the attraction archway until the very last moments.
Last Day Statistics
- Peak wait time: 135 minutes (at 8:59 p.m.)
- Longest wait in Walt Disney World: Yes, for a portion of the day
- Final closing time: 9 p.m.
As the park neared closing, several surrounding kiosks shut down early. Rock Your Face, Pretzel Palooza, and Shop 'n' Roll concluded operations before the ride officially closed. However, KRNR The Rock Station remained open, serving guests until the final moments.
The ride's pre-show had already closed in December, preparing for the upcoming changes. This allowed for early work on the new Muppets-themed pre-show experience.
The Muppets Take Over G-Force Records
The reimagined attraction, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, is set to open its doors this summer. This new version will immerse guests in the world of The Muppets, featuring beloved characters like The Electric Mayhem, Kermit, and Miss Piggy.
The story begins at G-Force Records, a studio recently acquired by J.P. Grosse, Scooter's uncle and owner of the Muppet Theatre. Scooter, now the studio manager, will appear as an animatronic figure in the new pre-show area.
"Guests on a V.I.P. tour will see The Electric Mayhem delayed in the recording studio before they head out to their concert across town."
The pre-show will also include animatronic penguin audio engineers, while Miss Piggy and Kermit will appear on screen. The narrative involves guests joining a V.I.P. tour, only to find The Electric Mayhem running late for their concert across Hollywood.
New Ride Narrative
Guests will join a V.I.P. tour at G-Force Records, now owned by J.P. Grosse. Scooter, the new manager, will guide guests before they are whisked away in a special limousine to help The Electric Mayhem make it to their concert on time.
A Psychedelic Makeover and Muppet Twists
To ensure guests reach the concert on time, Muppet Labs has equipped a special limousine for a high-speed journey across Hollywood. This ride will feature Muppet-themed scenery and landmarks along the way. Passengers will also hear The Electric Mayhem performing their iconic hits during the experience.
The exterior of the attraction will also receive a significant update. The iconic guitar marquee, a prominent feature of the ride's facade, will be transformed with a psychedelic, Electric Mayhem-inspired design. This new look will reflect the vibrant and eclectic style of the Muppets band.
- Exterior Changes: Psychedelic Electric Mayhem-inspired guitar marquee.
- Piano Motif: One gold key on the piano base, a nod to Dr. Teeth's gold tooth.
- New Poster: A new ride poster will adorn the building's wall.
A specific detail in the new design includes a gold key on the piano motif at the base of the guitar. This is a subtle tribute to Dr. Teeth's distinctive gold tooth. New concept art for the ride also shows a fresh poster displayed on the building's wall, hinting at the upcoming visual style.
The transformation aims to bring a fresh, musical energy to the classic coaster experience. Fans eagerly await the official opening this summer, looking forward to a new adventure with The Muppets.
