Walk down Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios and two thrill rides stand at the end of the street: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster. For years, the coaster belonged to Aerosmith, and generations of fans launched into the dark with “Love in an Elevator” or “Sweet Emotion” blasting in their ears.
This year, the band changed. On May 26, 2026, the attraction reopened as Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, with Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem taking the spotlight. The track stayed the same, but much of the experience around it got the Muppets treatment, including a brand-new Scooter Audio-Animatronics figure.
In true Muppets fashion, the surprises keep coming. And the latest one shows up right as your ride comes to an end.
Goodbye, Gate. Hello, Trash Can.
The exitway at Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets has a new look. According to a post on X from RockNstardust (@CoasterK24), the old gate is gone, and an open trash can has taken its place.
“New exitway on Rock n Roller Coaster. The gate has been removed and replaced by an opened trash can like Guardians,” the post read, alongside a photo of the change.
New exitway on Rock n Roller Coaster. The gate has been removed and replaced by an opened trash can like Guardians https://t.co/gevAFO05Vg
— RockNstardust🎸✨ (@CoasterK24) November 12, 2026
It's a quirky touch that feels right at home with The Muppets, a group that has never been afraid of a little mess. Still, there's plenty we don't know. We haven't seen Disney comment on the new exit, so it's unclear whether it's here for good or connected to the seasonal changes happening at the attraction right now.
A Very Muppet Holiday Playlist
Speaking of seasonal changes, the coaster is currently running as Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Obligatory Holiday Overlay. It began on November 4 and runs through January 6, 2027. It's the attraction's first holiday makeover, arriving just months after the Muppets version opened.
The biggest difference is what you'll hear on the ride. The regular set list is paused, and The Electric Mayhem is playing four holiday-inspired tracks instead, some with special guests. Disney has announced:
- “Holiday Road” with Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear
- “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” with Jennifer Hudson
- “Silver Bells” with Cyndi Lauper
With multiple songs in rotation, you might hear something different each time you ride, which is a pretty good reason to get back in line.
Holiday Chaos Before the Launch
The overlay doesn't wait for the coaster to start. Outside, holiday music now plays around the courtyard and the guitar marquee, setting the mood before guests head into G-Force Records.
Inside, the story picks up with The Electric Mayhem rehearsing for a holiday spectacular. Dr. Teeth, Animal, Floyd, Janice, Zoot, and Lips are all on hand, and other familiar Muppets drop in to help get the band ready. Naturally, things don't go according to plan.
Scooter, as usual, is the one trying to keep everyone on track. His Audio-Animatronics figure was the first ever made of the character, and Imagineers used motion capture of the real Scooter Muppet to help program its movements and expressions. This season, he's got backup from a team of penguin audio engineers as he tries to convince the band to wrap up rehearsal and get to the concert.
A Few Things We're Still Wondering
- Is the trash can exit permanent? It could be a lasting piece of theming, or it could disappear when the holiday season wraps up. Disney hasn't said.
- What's the fourth holiday song? Disney has said there are four holiday tracks, but we've only seen three of them named in the announcements we've reviewed. Ride it a few times and you might find out for yourself.
- Will the overlay come back? This is the first year for the Obligatory Holiday Overlay. Whether it returns in future holiday seasons hasn't been announced.
If you're visiting before January 6, it's worth stopping by to see the changes in person. The regular Muppets version will return once the overlay ends.
Your Turn on the Mic
From a holiday soundtrack to a trash can where the gate used to be, Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is proving that its new headliners don't do anything halfway. We'll be watching to see if the new exit sticks around after the holidays.
Now we want to hear from you. Have you ridden the holiday version yet, and which song did you get? Did you notice the new exit, and are you a fan? Drop your thoughts in the comments. And if you've caught the mystery fourth song, please let us know what it is!
