Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is officially getting a Muppets makeover, and Disney has taken its first visible step toward making this transformation a reality. The latest development? Scrim has been installed in the queue area, blocking views of the Sunset Showcase Theater and signaling that work is now underway.
For years, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has been one of Disney’s most thrilling rides, offering guests a high-speed launch through the streets of Los Angeles while blasting classic rock hits. However, as Disney continues its push to integrate more of its own intellectual properties into the parks, the writing was on the wall for the ride’s days as an Aerosmith-themed attraction.
With MuppetVision 3D permanently closing, Disney has now confirmed that The Muppets will officially take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The transformation is expected to bring an entirely new storyline, aesthetic, and experience to Hollywood Studios, and with scrim now up, the process has officially begun.
The First Physical Change—Scrim Goes Up
Scrim appearing around a Disney attraction is a telltale sign that change is on the horizon. While it might seem like a minor development, Disney uses scrim to hide construction work from guests while it prepares for major updates.
This latest scrim installation specifically blocks off the view of the Sunset Showcase Theater, a neighboring structure that previously housed Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. While the presence of scrim alone doesn’t give away exactly what’s happening behind the scenes, it’s clear that Disney is starting the early stages of the ride’s retheme.
In addition to the scrim, a recently filed permit to repaint the attraction’s iconic red guitar suggests that at least some elements of the existing structure will remain. However, with The Muppets taking over, fans should expect a complete overhaul of the ride’s story and theming.
A Major Shift for Hollywood Studios
This transformation represents a huge change for Hollywood Studios, which has been steadily moving away from its original identity as a park centered around movie-making magic.
For decades, The Muppets have had a presence in the park with MuppetVision 3D, a beloved but aging 3D show that debuted in 1991. Now, with the show shutting down permanently, Disney is shifting the focus of The Muppets from a small theater attraction to one of the park’s headlining thrill rides.
This decision marks one of the biggest expansions for The Muppets in years. While the franchise has maintained a loyal following, it has often been overlooked in favor of Disney’s more recent acquisitions like Star Wars and Marvel. By giving The Muppets their own roller coaster, Disney is betting big on their staying power and ensuring that they remain a key part of Hollywood Studios for years to come.
What Will the Muppets Coaster Be Like?
Disney has yet to release full details about what the Muppets version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will entail, but fans are already speculating about what kind of wacky adventure Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the rest of the gang will take guests on.
One popular theory is that the new ride will center around Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, the Muppets’ resident rock band. Instead of a limo racing through the streets of Los Angeles, the new ride could feature a chaotic concert road trip, complete with mishaps, unexpected detours, and plenty of classic Muppets humor.
Given The Muppets’ love for breaking the fourth wall and creating hilarious mayhem, the ride could also incorporate plenty of visual gags and comedic moments. Fans have speculated about everything from an out-of-control soundcheck to a last-minute rush to make it to the venue on time, all set to a lively soundtrack featuring The Muppets’ signature musical style.
How Will the Ride Change?
While the core track layout of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is expected to remain the same, almost everything else about the ride will likely change.
- The Pre-Show: The pre-show room that currently features Aerosmith could be completely redesigned to introduce guests to The Muppets’ chaotic world. Instead of a recording studio tour, the new pre-show could set up the ride’s zany storyline.
- The Queue: The queue area may see a transformation with new props, Muppet-themed signage, and interactive elements to immerse guests in the experience before they even board the ride.
- The Ride Vehicles: The ride vehicles could be redesigned to resemble the Electric Mayhem’s tour bus or another wacky Muppet-style vehicle. While the ride’s structure won’t change, the new theming could make it feel like an entirely different experience.
- The Music: One of the biggest questions is what kind of soundtrack the new ride will have. Aerosmith’s classic rock tracks will be replaced with something new, and fans are curious whether Disney will use The Muppets’existing songs, create original music, or incorporate a mix of both.
What This Means for Disney Fans
For fans of the original Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, this change will likely be met with mixed emotions. The ride has been a favorite for thrill-seekers for years, and its Aerosmith theming was unique compared to Disney’s more traditional family-friendly attractions. However, with The Muppets stepping in, the ride is about to become something completely different.
Some guests are excited about the change, seeing it as a chance to breathe new life into an aging attraction. Others are mourning the loss of one of Disney’s few remaining high-speed thrill rides that wasn’t tied to a family-friendly IP.
Regardless of where you stand on the change, one thing is clear—if you want to experience Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in its original form, now is the time to ride it. With construction starting and the transition to The Muppets now confirmed, it won’t be long before the original experience is gone forever.
