Disney’s upcoming Muppets retheme of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios includes a direct callback to a well-known joke from the former MuppetVision 3D attraction.
Disney recently shared a preview of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, which is scheduled to open on May 26, 2026. The footage featured Statler and Waldorf returning in new scenes created for the attraction. During the preview, the pair repeat a variation of their longtime “bolted to the seats” gag from MuppetVision 3D, bringing a familiar joke into Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster for longtime park guests.
What’s all the commotion about 👀 Statler and Waldorf have a new home at Hollywood Studios 🎢 pic.twitter.com/MOBYp7ziYi
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 16, 2026
READ: Disney’s “Random” Pedro Pascal Disneyland Surprise Quickly Exposed as Influencer Marketing Stunt
In the preview, Statler comments, “You know, this concert reminds me of a roller coaster. … It’s all downhill.”
After some commentary from onlooking Cast Members, Waldorf then asks if he has time to go to the bathroom, to which Statler replies, “We can’t you old fool. We’re bolted to the seats.”
The line references one of the recurring exchanges from MuppetVision 3D, the former theater attraction that operated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for more than 30 years. In the original show, Statler and Waldorf joked that they remained in place because they had been bolted to their seats. Disney appears to have reused the MuppetVision joke, fitting for the high-speed coaster.
When the Ride Reopens
Disney has confirmed that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will officially open on May 26, 2026. The attraction will retain the existing roller coaster track and launch system while replacing the Aerosmith storyline with a new plot centered on Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band.
According to Disney, guests will travel through Hollywood in a “L.I.M.O.” vehicle while racing to a concert performance. The company has also previewed updated queue elements, celebrity cameos, and new music created for the attraction. Disney confirmed that the retheme will include the first Audio-Animatronics figure of Scooter.
Concept art for the Muppet Rockin’ Roller Coaster Exterior – Disney Parks
READ: Financial Analyst That ‘Bob Iger Famously Hated’ Finally Gets Called on By New Disney CEO
The onboard soundtrack will feature several songs performed by the Electric Mayhem alongside guest artists. Disney has confirmed tracks including “Song 2,” “Born to Be Wild,” “Love Rollercoaster,” “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop),” and “Walking on Sunshine.”
Brief Timeline of the Project
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster originally opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1999. The attraction featured Aerosmith as guests traveled through Los Angeles in “super-stretch” limousines racing to a concert, before closing March 1, 2026.
In 2025, Disney announced plans for a Monsters, Inc.-themed land that would replace the Muppets Courtyard section of the park. That project included the permanent closure of MuppetVision 3D, a beloved show among fans and one Jim Henson’s last major projects. Disney later revealed that the Muppets characters would move to Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.
Concept art for the Muppet Rockin’ Roller Coaster Pre-Show – Disney Parks
Disney also announced preview opportunities for Cast Members, Annual Passholders, and Disney Vacation Club members ahead of the official reopening. Annual Passholder previews are scheduled for May 21 through May 23, 2026.
Conclusion
The return of Statler and Waldorf drew attention after Disney released the footage from the attraction. Many viewers recognized the reused MuppetVision joke in Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster immediately after the preview debuted. The callback serves as one of several references to the former attraction included in the new coaster experience.
The updated attraction marks the Muppets’ first major ride presence at Disney’s Hollywood Studios since the closure of MuppetVision 3D. Disney has positioned the retheme as a continuation of the franchise’s role in the park rather than a complete replacement.
What do you think of the way the MuppetVision joke was inserted into the new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? Are you excited for the rethemed opening? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
