Disney World's Iconic Rock 'n' Roller Coaster to Close Permanently Next Week
A beloved Disney World attraction is set to shut its doors forever after nearly three decades of thrilling guests, leaving fans across the globe heartbroken. The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney's Hollywood Studios will officially cease operations on March 2, with the final rides available this Sunday. This indoor launch coaster, which first opened in July 1999, has been a staple for visitors seeking an adrenaline rush set to the iconic tunes of the rock band Aerosmith.
A Journey Through Hollywood's Darkened Freeways
According to Disney's official description, the ride allows guests to 'race along the darkened freeways of Los Angeles in a super-stretch limo to the rockin' tunes of Aerosmith.' For over 27 years, this experience has captivated millions, blending high-speed twists and turns with a soundtrack that pumps energy into every moment. However, this chapter is closing to make way for a new theme, as Disney announced the coaster will be re-themed to feature The Muppets and is scheduled to reopen this summer.
The Muppets Take Over: A New Adventure Awaits
The upcoming attraction, as detailed in a recent press release, will center on The Electric Mayhem band headlining a major Hollywood concert. 'The Electric Mayhem are headlining their biggest Hollywood concert ever! Anyone who's anyone is in attendance to witness Animal, Dr. Teeth and the rest of this groove-tastic group rock the house down,' the release states. 'There's just one little problem: the band is nowhere to be found!' Guests will embark on a fast-paced limousine road trip across Hollywood, aided by Muppet Labs, to reach the concert in time, all while listening to iconic rock hits.
Fan Reactions: A Mix of Nostalgia and Disappointment
Since the switch was first announced in 2024, fans have been deeply divided. Some view the re-theme as a 'downgrade,' while others argue it was necessary for an update. As the final date approaches, emotional Disney enthusiasts have taken to social media platform X to share their memories and sorrow. One fan wrote, 'I have so many fond memories of [this ride], so I'm a bit sad I can't get those backstage passes one more time before closing.' Another expressed frustration, saying, 'Hold up… what do you mean Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is permanently closing in [a week]? I'm still mourning Dinosaur closing, and now you're hitting me with THIS!?'
Additional comments include:
- 'Sad to be saying goodbye to the Aerosmith version of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.'
- 'Hey Disney, after you've closed Dinosaur and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, don't do any more re-themes going forward. We need to retire that form of "adding" new attractions.'
- 'When the Aerosmith version of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster closes, it's gonna sting.'
In response, many visitors have been flocking to Hollywood Studios for one last ride on the classic attraction before its transformation, highlighting the deep emotional connection fans have with this piece of Disney history.
Broader Changes Across Disney Theme Parks
This closure is part of a larger wave of updates Disney has been implementing at its theme parks in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the Dinosaur ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom closed after nearly 30 years, with fans declaring the park will 'never be the same.' That attraction, which originally opened as Countdown to Extinction in 1998, is being replaced by a new Indiana Jones-themed ride, with its surrounding DinoLand USA area transforming into Tropical Americas, expected to open in fall 2027.
Other notable changes include:
- A new show called Zootopia: Better Zoogether! replacing It's Tough to be a Bug! at Animal Kingdom.
- The shutdown of the beloved Muppet*Vision 3D show at Hollywood Studios last June to make way for a new Monsters Inc.-themed land.
- Transformations at Magic Kingdom, where the River of America and Tom Sawyer Island are being redeveloped into a land inspired by the Cars franchise.
- Plans for a Villains-themed area behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, showcasing Disney's ongoing expansion efforts.
These shifts reflect Disney's strategy to refresh its offerings and attract new generations of visitors, though they continue to evoke mixed reactions from long-time fans who cherish the original experiences.
