For nearly a quarter-century, the roar of a super-stretch limo and the unmistakable pulse of Aerosmith riffs have echoed through the back half of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has become a staple of the park’s thrill lineup—an attraction that blends 90s-era Imagineering with the high-octane promise of catapulting guests zero-to-60 in a matter of seconds.
But change is a constant force at Walt Disney World. As the resort continues to redefine what “Hollywood” means within the context of a modern theme park, one of the Studios’ most recognizable attractions is preparing for its curtain call. And now, after years of speculation and scattered refurbishments, Disney has released official timing for both the closure of the existing ride and the debut of its highly anticipated successor.
This announcement doesn’t just close a chapter for longtime fans—it opens an entirely new one filled with Muppet-style mischief, music, and unpredictability. And with Disney simultaneously announcing a major revamp to the park’s animation offerings, Hollywood Studios is shaping up for one of its most transformative periods in recent memory.
Below, we break down everything confirmed for the attraction’s final operating season, what to expect from the incoming Muppets coaster, and the new character experiences heading to the park in 2026.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to Close Permanently in Spring 2026
Disney has officially confirmed that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will close for good in Spring 2026, ending its run as “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.” This closure—long rumored following the permanent shutdown of the original pre-show—will make way for a comprehensive retheming of the entire attraction.
While the overall ride system will remain in place, virtually everything else around the experience is being reimagined, from the storyline to the visuals to the onboard audio experience.
Guests still have time for one last limo launch
Disney is encouraging fans to enjoy the attraction while they still can, noting that riders can continue to experience the Aerosmith version through Spring 2026. After that, construction will begin in earnest.
Summer 2026: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Makes Its Debut
When the reimagining is complete, the coaster will reopen as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, bringing an entirely new level of comedic chaos and musical energy to Sunset Boulevard.
The new storyline revolves around The Electric Mayhem, the iconic Muppet band known for their psychedelic style and unrestrained creativity. Dr. Teeth, Animal, Floyd Pepper, Zoot, Janice, and Lips are gearing up for the biggest concert of their careers—one that everyone in Hollywood is attempting to attend. There’s only one problem, and it’s a very Muppet problem:
The band has disappeared.
A Tour of G-Force Records… under Muppet Management
In this new version of the attraction, guests arrive at G-Force Records, which is no longer the sleek rock-and-roll haven fans remember. The facility has been purchased and “redecorated” by The Muppets themselves, thanks to a business deal facilitated by Scooter’s uncle, J.P. Grosse—now revealed to be the namesake of G-Force.
Inside the studio, guests receive a VIP tour that quickly becomes sidetracked by:
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The Electric Mayhem jamming nonstop when they should be heading to their concert
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Scooter frantically trying to herd the band toward their fans
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A full staff of penguin audio engineers, each trying—and failing—to maintain order
In classic Muppet fashion, the situation escalates into a frantic race across Hollywood.
The Ride Experience: Same Thrills, Brand-New Mayhem
While the track layout remains unchanged, everything around the coaster will feel new. Disney Imagineers are giving the ride a complete thematic overhaul, including:
Updated exterior guitar
The massive red guitar at the entrance—one of the park’s most recognizable icons—will stay put but receive a bold, psychedelic redesign inspired by vintage Muppet car paint and the band’s vibrant aesthetic. A piano motif at the base will now feature a golden key as a whimsical detail connecting to the Electric Mayhem’s style.
A limo ride through Muppet-style Hollywood
Once the coaster launches, the familiar high-speed twists and inversions will carry riders through a refreshed interior filled with:
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Hollywood landmarks given humorous Muppet interpretations
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Gags created by Muppet Labs, whose inventions inevitably misfire
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A new soundtrack featuring rock-driven Electric Mayhem tracks
The resulting experience is designed to preserve the adrenaline of the original while injecting it with fresh humor and the uniquely chaotic spirit of The Muppets.
Beyond the Coaster: Six New Character Meet & Greets Arriving in Late Summer 2026
In addition to the coaster news, Disney has revealed a broader reimagining of the area formerly known as Animation Courtyard. The space will be transformed into the Walt Disney Studios Lot, anchored by a new walkthrough experience called The Magic of Disney Animation.
This updated area draws inspiration from the award-winning short Once Upon a Studio, inviting guests into a living, breathing animation environment where characters emerge from their artwork.
Six distinct meet and greet locations will be themed to key departments within Walt Disney Animation Studios:
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Story – Meet Mulan in front of an oversized storyboard
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Layout – Rapunzel appears in a layered multiplane-camera setting
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Hand-Drawn Animation
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Computer Animation
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Lighting
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Effects
The area will also include “Drawn to Wonderland,” an interactive play space shaped by Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland, bringing a mid-century storybook palette to life.
A New Creative Direction for Hollywood Studios
Between a reimagined thrill ride and a sweeping animation-themed expansion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is poised for a substantial evolution in 2026. The farewell to Aerosmith will mark the end of a beloved attraction era, but the arrival of The Muppets and a deeper dive into animation heritage signals an ambitious future.
Fans of the classic coaster have only a limited window left to experience it before the spotlight shifts to the Electric Mayhem—and the next stage of Hollywood Studios’ transformation begins.
