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Disney recently announced that the iconic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be rethemed to feature the beloved Muppets, creating a Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster! This news has sent ripples through the theme park community, sparking a mix of excitement and nostalgia. While I’ll miss the classic rock soundtrack, I’m also incredibly excited to see how Disney brings the Muppets to life in a new and thrilling way on the soon-to-be “Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster”.
In addition to the re-theme of the coaster, Disney also revealed that MuppetVision 3D and Muppet Courtyard will be removed to make way for the upcoming land and ride based on Monsters, Inc.. While the Muppets are getting their first official ride, I have mixed feelings about losing some of these classic attractions. Let’s dive deeper into what this means for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Aerosmith Out, Muppets In
On the one hand, it’s great that the Muppets aren’t disappearing altogether. I’ve known for a while that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s Aerosmith theme was on borrowed time. Let’s face it—while Aerosmith’s legacy is secure, they’re not exactly a name that’s drawing crowds to the parks anymore. So, I’m not surprised by the change. In fact, I’m cautiously optimistic about the Muppets taking over. They have a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into the ride while nodding to some iconic moments from the franchise.
“To make way for the monsters, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! But there’s more to the story: The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!”
– Disney Parks Blog
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, which opened in 1999, remains the only ride at Walt Disney World with inversions, and that intense launch is a blast. But let’s be real—it’s due for an update. I’m hoping the re-theme brings new ride vehicles with over-the-shoulder vest restraints, which would make the ride smoother. The sound system could also use some love; the audio hasn’t been as crisp lately. Still, the track layout is solid, and the Muppet theme has loads of potential.
Monsters, Inc. Invades Hollywood Studios: A Big Change for the Muppets
That said, I’m really bummed about losing Muppet Courtyard. It’s such a fun, unique area, and it feels special having a dedicated Muppet-themed space in the park. As it stands, it sounds like we’re trading an entire themed land for just one Muppet ride.
“We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster. Plus, as the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, there’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard!”
– Disney Parks Blog
Personally, I’d have loved to see the new Sunset Boulevard villains show replaced with something Muppet-related—maybe a fresh take on MuppetVision 3D or even an entirely new Muppet-themed show. Now, Sunset Boulevard will have Tower of Terror, Muppets Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, a villains show, and Fantasmic, which already features a lot of villains. It’s starting to feel a little thematically crowded.
It’s also bittersweet knowing that MuppetVision 3D was one of the last projects Jim Henson worked on before he passed. Losing something so tied to his legacy is tough, even if change is inevitable. Sometimes, it feels like a piece of history slipping away, and that’s hard to swallow.
As for the Monsters, Inc. land, I’m excited, especially for the roller coaster based on the iconic door scene. But I can’t help wondering if this expansion needed to come at the expense of the Muppets. I’m curious to see what the final layout looks like and how the Muppets Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will evolve with its new theme.
Planning a Disney Trip? Don’t Miss the Muppets Before They Move On!
Change is never easy, especially when it involves saying goodbye to something as iconic as MuppetVision 3D or the Aerosmith version of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. But with every ending comes a new beginning, and I’m genuinely excited to see how Disney reimagines these beloved spaces. Whether you’re thrilled about this Muppet Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or you’re feeling nostalgic about losing Muppet Courtyard, one thing’s for sure: there’s a lot to unpack here regarding Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
“As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.”
– Disney Parks Blog
If you’re planning a trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios before the big changes, be sure to reach out to me. I’d love to help you plan the perfect itinerary, especially if you want to experience the Muppets in their current home before they take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. I’d love to help you plan a stress-free, unforgettable adventure. Reach out to me, and let’s make some magic happen!
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