The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is preparing for its final, electrifying encore, marking the end of a 27-year run as one of Walt Disney World's most intense attractions. As of today, December 10, 2025, the high-speed, indoor coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios remains open, giving fans a limited window to experience the iconic pre-show with Steven Tyler and the blistering 0-to-57 mph launch before its permanent closure for a major overhaul in 2026.
This legendary roller coaster, which first opened in 1999, is not just facing a temporary refurbishment; it's undergoing a complete creative transformation. Disney has officially confirmed that the ride will be re-themed to star The Muppets, specifically their house band, Electric Mayhem, creating a brand-new, music-fueled adventure for a new generation of park-goers. This move follows a similar re-theme in Paris, signaling a major shift for the classic Vekoma coaster.
The Shocking Retirement: Aerosmith Out, Muppets In
The news of the re-theme has ignited passionate debate among Disney and Aerosmith fans alike, but the timeline is now set in stone. The current version of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will officially close its doors in Spring 2026 to begin its transformation. The new iteration, titled Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, is scheduled to open in Summer 2026.
The original storyline centered on riders being late for an Aerosmith concert and being rushed to the show in a "Super Stretch Limousine" (the coaster train) through the dark streets of Los Angeles. The new version will retain the coaster's high-speed track layout but will be completely reimagined with a Muppets-centric plot, new music, and updated ride technology to feature the beloved characters.
Entity Deep Dive: The Muppets' Electric Mayhem Band
- The New Stars: The re-theme will focus on The Muppets' legendary rock band, Electric Mayhem.
- Band Members: The group includes Dr. Teeth (keyboards and vocals), Animal (drums), Floyd Pepper (bass), Janice (lead guitar), Zoot (saxophone), and Lips (trumpet).
- Topical Authority: The Electric Mayhem recently starred in their own Disney+ series, "The Muppets Mayhem," making them a highly relevant and current choice for a modern Disney attraction.
- The New Narrative: While official details are scarce, the new queue and pre-show are expected to involve riders joining the band on a chaotic, high-speed journey to their next gig, replacing the original Steven Tyler pre-show.
The Technical Thrill: 5 G-Forces and the LSM Launch Legacy
Regardless of the theme—be it Aerosmith, The Muppets, or Marvel—the enduring legacy of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster lies in its raw, technical specifications. It is not just an indoor coaster; it is a high-speed launch machine and holds a unique distinction within the entire Walt Disney World Resort.
The ride uses Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) electromagnetic technology to achieve its blistering launch. This is the same technology used on some of the world's most modern and intense coasters, providing a smooth, powerful burst of acceleration rather than a traditional chain lift.
Key Ride Specifications (The Technical Entities)
- Acceleration: 0 to 57 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds.
- G-Force: Riders experience up to 5 Gs (five times the force of gravity) during the initial launch, which is more than an astronaut experiences during a shuttle launch.
- Inversions: The coaster features three inversions, including a Sea Serpent Roll and a Corkscrew.
- Unique WDW Feature: It is the only roller coaster in all of Walt Disney World Resort to invert riders.
- Track Length: The indoor track spans 3,403 feet.
- Duration: The entire high-speed journey lasts approximately 1 minute and 22 seconds.
The Global Picture: How the Paris Re-Theme Sets a Precedent
The transformation at Disney's Hollywood Studios is not a surprise to international park enthusiasts. The twin coaster at Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris, which shared an identical track layout and the Aerosmith theme, was the first to undergo a major re-theme.
The Paris version, originally known as "Rock 'n' Roller Coaster avec Aerosmith," closed in 2019 and was completely transformed to fit the park's new Marvel Avengers Campus land. It reopened on July 20, 2022, as Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
This European precedent confirms that the DHS track itself is not the issue, but rather the intellectual property (IP) and theme are being updated. The Paris version now features a new storyline where riders team up with Iron Man and Captain Marvel to save the world from Kree missiles, complete with new projection effects and a powerful, orchestral score. The success of this re-theme gives fans a clear idea of the quality and depth of storytelling that can be expected when The Muppets take over the Florida version in 2026.
The Soundtrack of a Generation: Aerosmith's On-Ride Legacy
For over two decades, the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster was defined by its incredible soundtrack, with each of the five "Super Stretch Limousine" coaster trains featuring a different, custom-mixed selection of Aerosmith hits. The band re-recorded parts of the songs, sometimes changing the lyrics to fit the ride's theme, such as changing "Love in an Elevator" to "Love in a Roller Coaster."
Aerosmith's Classic On-Ride Soundtracks
- "Love in a Roller Coaster" (a modified version of "Love in an Elevator")
- "Walk This Way" (often heard in the pre-show)
- "Back in the Saddle"
- "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)"
- "Nine Lives"
- "Young, Fine, and 21"
The ride's closure in spring 2026 marks the end of an era for rock and roll at Disney's Hollywood Studios. While the high-octane thrill of the 5 G-force launch will remain, the classic rock soundtrack, the iconic pre-show with Steven Tyler, and the dark, neon-lit streets of the original attraction will soon become a cherished memory. Fans have until the spring of 2026 to take a final ride with Aerosmith before The Muppets' Electric Mayhem band takes center stage for their chaotic, musical takeover.
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