For a quarter-century, the rhythmic roar of a high-speed launch and the electrifying riffs of Aerosmith have been the signature sound of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Since its grand opening on July 29, 1999, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has stood as the park’s ultimate tribute to showbiz thrills and pure, unadulterated rock!
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Living Life in the Fast Lane
The attraction’s genius lay in its concept: a frantic, last-minute race across the freeways of Los Angeles to catch a concert. Guests are invited into the Hollywood music studio of the legendary rock band, where Aerosmith, having just wrapped up a recording session, suddenly realize they are late for their show. Their manager’s solution? Invite the guests to hop into a “super-stretch limo”—a 24-passenger coaster vehicle—for a white-knuckle ride across town.
The experience was, and remains, a rush. Riders are catapulted from 0 to 57 mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds, making it the first Disney World attraction to feature such a high-speed launch. The journey features iconic Hollywood landmarks, traffic jams, and three thrilling inversions: two rollover loops and one corkscrew.
But the true star power came from the music. Each limousine was a mobile concert hall, decked out with a 125-speaker, 24-subwoofer, 32,000-watt audio system. This state-of-the-art system broadcast a different medley of Aerosmith hits, including “Walk This Way,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” and “Sweet Emotion.” In a testament to the band’s involvement, the classic “Love in an Elevator” was even re-written to become “Love in a Roller Coaster” just for the attraction.
The Muppets’ Next Gig: A New Era on Sunset Boulevard
The final curtain for Aerosmith is now in sight. Disney has confirmed that the original attraction will remain open through the end of 2025 before undergoing a complete retheming. Scheduled to reopen sometime in 2026, the new experience will feature The Electric Mayhem—the Muppets’ own chaotic rock band—in Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
The new storyline is familiar but infused with Muppet mayhem: The Electric Mayhem is headlining a massive concert, but they’ve gone missing! Guests on a VIP tour of G-Force Records (now under new Muppets management) are enlisted to help. With the aid of Muppet Labs and a very fast limousine, riders will take a twisting, screaming road trip through Hollywood, soundtracked by The Electric Mayhem playing iconic, rockin’ hits. Even the giant red guitar outside the building will receive a “vibrant and psychedelic new design” inspired by a classic Muppet car paint job.
Fan Reactions: The Shifting Sands of Showbiz
How do fans feel about the changes being made to this beloved ride? As with any major overhaul of a classic Disney experience, sentiment is mixed and passionate:
- Nostalgia and Loss: For many, the Aerosmith version is tied to significant personal memories—it was their first inversion coaster, their gateway to rock music, or simply a core memory of a family vacation. The departure of an attraction that has defined an era of Hollywood Studios for 25 years is undeniably emotional.
- A Thematic Upgrade: Conversely, many feel the Muppets are a more logical and fitting long-term IP for a family-focused entertainment company like Disney. The Electric Mayhem’s energy and timeless, multi-generational appeal—combined with their current relevance from the The Muppets Mayhem series—are seen as a perfect fit for a coaster celebrating show business..
- Relevance and Longevity: A frequent observation is that while Aerosmith is legendary, the band is less universally recognizable to younger generations today. Retheming the ride with an intellectual property that Disney owns outright (and that features rock music) is a sound business and creative move for the future.
- The Coaster Itself: Regardless of the band, the coaster’s thrilling layout and incredible sound system remain the core of the experience. Many fans simply look forward to the high-speed launch and inversions continuing, now with a fresh coat of paint and a new, zany soundtrack.
The farewell to Aerosmith’s G-Force Records will be a poignant moment, but the arrival of Dr. Teeth, Animal, and the rest of The Electric Mayhem promises a new chapter of high-octane hijinks, ensuring the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster remains a loud, fast, and unforgettable part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for years to come.
What do you think of this change?
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