Another classic Disney ride has seen its days numbered. Walt Disney World has confirmed an official closing date for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The attraction will permanently close on March 2, 2026, with March 1st serving as the final day of operation for guests. The closure marks the end of a ride that has operated at the park for more than 25 years.
Disney’s update gives a set date to an “early spring” closure as previously announced. The company has linked the closure to a planned retheming of the attraction rather than a full removal of the ride system.
Background and History of the Attraction
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in July 1999. The indoor steel roller coaster features a high-speed launch and inversions, setting it apart from many other rides at the park. The attraction’s storyline places riders in a recording studio where they’re invited to join the band Aerosmith for a concert across town.
BREAKING: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will have its final day of operation on March 1, 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The coaster will be permanently closed beginning March 2, and will reopen in summer 2026 as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. pic.twitter.com/OJDdwlE7gt
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) December 12, 2025
Since its opening, the ride has remained largely unchanged in structure. Updates over the years focused mainly on maintenance and minor technical adjustments. The Aerosmith theme, including music tracks and preshow elements, remained central to the experience until recently.
In late 2025, Disney began modifying portions of the attraction’s queue areas. The park has already removed the Aerosmith pre-show as it boards up the old theming. These changes signaled that the ride was entering a transition phase ahead of its scheduled closure.
Plans for a New Theme
Disney has confirmed that the ride will be reimagined as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. The company has stated that the new version is expected to open in summer 2026, although an exact date has not been announced.
Concept art for the Muppet Rockin’ Roller Coaster Pre-Show – Disney Parks
Disney has said the storyline will involve the Electric Mayhem band, which has long been associated with the franchise’s music-focused identity. The existing coaster track and ride system will remain, while visual and narrative elements will change.
For the Muppets backstory, guests waiting in queue receive a tour of the new G-Force Records, as run by Scooter. Despite the drastic music and character changes, the ride will still be themed as its newly featured band being transported to a concert across town, similar to how the ride functioned under the Aerosmith label.
Disney has emphasized that the redesign is intended to update the attraction’s theme while maintaining its core ride experience.
Impact on Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The closure comes as Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to evolve through phased updates and long-term planning. The park has undergone significant changes over the past decade, including the addition of new themed lands and the retirement of older attractions.
A poster for the Muppet overlay of Rockin’ Rollercoaster – Disney Parks Blog
Disney has encouraged guests planning visits in early 2026 to consider the March 1st final operating date when organizing itineraries. As with all attractions, availability will depend on maintenance schedules and operational needs.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be closing its run after more than two decades at the park, making way for the next iteration of the ride as Disney prepares its replacement theme.
Will you be riding the original Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster one last time before its closing date? Are you looking forward to the Muppets re-theme? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
