Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will be included in its official guest benefit programs when the attraction opens in summer 2026. The ride is a reimagined version of the longtime Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It will be part of Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours for eligible resort guests.
Under these programs, guests staying at Disney Resort hotels can enter a theme park ahead of the general public each morning and, on select nights, remain in the park after regular closing hours when Extended Evening Hours are offered. Early Theme Park Entry is available to all Disney Resort hotel guests, while Extended Evening Hours are limited to guests at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts and select partner hotels.
A poster for the Muppet overlay of Rockin’ Rollercoaster – Disney Parks Blog
Disney has also confirmed that the ride will be included in the Lightning Lane system as a Tier 1 attraction when it opens, meaning visitors will be able to purchase access to a shorter line through the Lightning Lane Multi‑Pass feature. Lightning Lane is Disney’s paid queue bypass system designed to reduce wait times at select attractions.
Transition From Aerosmith to The Muppets
The original Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith operated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from July 29, 1999, until its final day of operation on March 2, 2026. During its run, the indoor roller coaster featured a high‑speed launch and an on‑board audio system branded with music from Aerosmith.
In the months leading up to its closure, Disney permanently removed the classic preshow that featured the band and boarded up the preshow area to begin preparations for the retheme.
Concept art for the Muppet Rockin’ Roller Coaster Exterior – Disney Parks
The red guitar exterior and other outdoor signage were stripped of the Aerosmith name shortly after closure as the ride entered a construction phase.
Currently, a sign in front of the ride references a Muppets song, stating, “We’re Moving Right Along. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is currently closed as we load in the band!” Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear sang “Movin’ Right Along” in The Muppet Movie.
Details of the Muppet Retheme
In the new version, the ride retains its track and launch system but replaces the original theme with characters from The Muppets, focusing on the fictional rock band The Electric Mayhem and other familiar faces, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the penguins. Guests will enter G-Force Records — with Scooter now in charge — before taking a “limousine” to make it to the concert.
Disney has described updated theming including a redesigned red guitar and courtyard, animatronic figures of Muppet characters, and a new soundtrack performed by The Electric Mayhem on the ride.
Context Within Wider Park Updates
The retheme of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is part of a series of updates across Walt Disney World in 2026, including new show and ride experiences in other parks and the opening of themed lands.
The Muppet coutyard and MuppetVision theater closed down – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradley’s Fun
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets comes in as a Monsters Inc. themed area replaces Muppets Courtyard, including the beloved Muppet*Vision 3D.
Are you excited to see Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s new design? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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