A classic Walt Disney World roller coaster is closed right now, but will soon reopen as a reimagined experience with new characters. Disney just announced a lot of fresh details about what to expect from this update to an old favorite. They also shared info on 2027 Disney World vacations.
We know many guests planning their Disney World vacations are curious about how this longtime ride will change, and how its opening timeline may affect the rest of the park. We get into all of it below. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including new Hallmark Disney ornaments and the permanent closure of a Disney dining location.
READ MORE – These 10 Disney Rides Are Far Better Than The Ones They Replaced
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Replacing Aerosmith with Muppets
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closed on March 2, 2026, in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Disney is currently transforming the attraction into Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. Within the coaster’s new story, riders take off in a superstretch limo engineered by Muppet Labs en route to an Electric Mayhem concert. The physical ride, including the track, is expected to stay the same. The differences in the new version pertain to theming, swapping out Aerosmith for Muppets.
Before now, Disney had only promised “summer 2026” as the coaster’s reopening timeframe. The clarity of an opening date helps guests plan their Hollywood Studios visit accordingly.
Disney World Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Park Changes, Secrets Revealed
Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.
On April 16, 2026, Disney revealed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will open on May 26, 2026! Disney also announced the full set list of songs featured on the ride.
This is an extremely fast turnaround considering the ride’s transformation will have taken less than three months when it reopens. This is the quickest reimagining of its kind in recent memory.
READ MORE – 5 Best Easy-to-Book Disney World Restaurants That Actually Have Good Food
Like the Aerosmith version before it, the Muppets’ take on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will involve a random song selection for the ride’s soundtrack blasting in riders’ ears via an onboard audio system.
As guests ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, they’ll hear one of the following songs:
- “Song 2” by Blur, covered by The Electric Mayhem
- “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf, covered by The Electric Mayhem and Camilla the chicken
- “Love Rollercoaster” by Ohio Players, covered by The Electric Mayhem, Jennifer Hudson, and Questlove
- “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” by Def Leppard, performed by The Electric Mayhem and Def Leppard
- “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves, performed by The Electric Mayhem and Kelly Clarkson
In the queue for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, guests waiting in line may spot some cameos from the following celebrities:
- Awkwafina
- Travis Barker
- Wayne Brady
- Yvette Nicole Brown
- Darren Criss
- Neil Patrick Harris
- John Stamos
- Danny Trejo
- Weird Al Yankovic
After the ride, having made it to the sold-out concert just in time, guests will get to see The Electric Mayhem performing “Can You Picture That?” from The Muppet Movie. Disney shared the photo above from the filming of this new scene.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets with Lightning Lane and Early Theme Park Entry
Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions eligible for Lightning Lane Multi Pass are sorted into two groups by Disney.
During its Aerosmith era, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster belonged to a group of Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections that only allowed one reservation within the same tier. Other attractions in this group are Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Slinky Dog Dash.
We expect Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to retain its status as belonging to this same Lightning Lane group. This means guests can only possess a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for one attraction within this group at a time.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster also previously operated during Early Theme Park Entry, which we anticipate to be true when the attraction opens its new Muppets version. Early Theme Park Entry admits guests staying at Disney World hotels into the park 30 minutes before everyone else.
Changes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In addition to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the future can look forward to several other reimagined and new attractions.
On May 22, 2026, the Mandalorian and Grogu permanently join Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run for an updated ride experience.
On May 26, a stage show called Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will debut in the park’s soundstage that’s long been home to preschool-focused productions.
In late summer 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation will take guests behind the scenes to see how classic Disney stories come to life. The attraction will include a drawing class hosted by an Olaf Audio-Animatronics figure, pictured above.
Much later, Monstropolis will open as a new land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a roller coaster based on the climactic doors chase in Monsters, Inc. Disney hasn’t revealed an opening date for Monstropolis, but we predict an opening timeframe here.
To make room for these new experiences, Disney closed 10 attractions at Hollywood Studios, including Muppet*Vision 3D.
Don’t Miss the Latest Disney News
Don’t miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips.
