Disney has rapidly begun transforming Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster from its Aerosmith branding to a Muppets version, just days after the attraction closed on March 1, 2026. The upside-down car at the entrance is currently being updated, with the side facing the Tower of Terror already sanded down and painted with red flames outlined in orange. The opposite side remains untouched, indicating that work is being done section by section. This visible transformation signals the start of the Muppets era, even though the ride won't open until this summer.
The Map Change Happened Insanely Fast
Less than 24 hours after Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith officially closed on March 1, Disney released a brand new Hollywood Studios park map that completely removed the Aerosmith version from all guest-facing materials and replaced it with branding for the upcoming Muppets version. This is honestly shocking because historically Disney sometimes leaves closed attractions visible on maps for weeks or even months during transformation phases, acknowledging the recently retired experience while construction progresses behind the scenes.
That absolutely did not happen with Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The updated park map now introduces branding for the Muppets version with the back of the map featuring a logo marking the “future home of Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets,” completely erasing any indication that the rock band ever occupied that space. For guests picking up maps today at Hollywood Studios, there's literally no reference to Aerosmith anywhere, as if the park has already turned the page and wants everyone to forget that version ever existed.
What the New Disney Ride Will Actually Be
Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens this summer with a completely reimagined storyline where guests join the Electric Mayhem, Kermit, Miss Piggy, and more Muppets at G-Force Records, a recording studio that's been bought by Scooter's uncle who is real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse. Scooter is running the studio and guests will meet the manager in animatronic form in the new pre-show, which is a significant technological upgrade from the previous pre-show that just featured video footage of Aerosmith.
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, and Muppet Labs has souped up a limousine to get guests across Hollywood in time to reach the concert. The scenery and landmarks will feature a Muppet twist making everything more comedic and cartoon-like, and guests will hear the Electric Mayhem playing iconic hits during the ride, though Disney hasn't said if these will be Muppets-original songs or covers.
The Guitar Is Getting a Makeover Too
Concept art hasn't shown what the upside down car will ultimately look like when it's finished, but the ride's iconic guitar positioned near the entrance is getting a psychedelic Electric Mayhem-inspired makeover that reflects the band's colorful aesthetic from The Muppet Show. The piano motif at the base of the guitar will include one gold key as a nod to Dr. Teeth's gold tooth, which is the kind of subtle character reference that Muppets fans will absolutely love and appreciate.
The concept art also shows the new ride poster on the wall of the building, indicating that Disney is creating comprehensive visual branding for the Muppets version instead of just making minimal changes and swapping out logos while keeping everything else the same.
Why Disney Is Moving This Fast
Disney's swift removal of Aerosmith branding from the upside-down car to park maps highlights its strategy to manage guest expectations during attraction transformations. This approach builds anticipation for the upcoming Muppets attraction and keeps Hollywood Studios feeling dynamic.
Longtime visitors have mixed feelings; some are excited about the Muppets' presence, while others believe the rapid changes skip an important moment of reflection for a ride that has been a defining experience at the park. Regardless, Disney is focused on promoting the future Muppets version and is clearly committed to that direction.
