Rock n RollerCoaster - Latest News

Rock 'n' RollerCoaster News

February 24 2003: Rock n Roller Exterior rehab (Thanks Justin T)

The exterior facade has just returned to normal after its rehab. Photos below show the guitar during its rehab.

September 11 2000: 1 Year of Rock n RollerCoaster!

To mark the 1 year anniversary of the coaster (July 29) - Disney took 80 Corvettes and made the signature guitar in the Studios parking lot!

March 30 2000: Britney Spears Concert at Rock n RollerCoaster

Photos taken during the Disney Channel Special October 1999

November 1 1999: Eisner rides Rock n Roller Coaster

Michael Eisner CEO of Disney finally made it over to WDW to ride Rock n Roller Coaster on October 26 1999. He rode 3 times, and commented "Wow!!!". Take that as he liked it!

October 1 1999: Rock n Roller Coaster at Disneyland Paris

It seems that the success of Rock n Roller has convinced WDI that RnR should be in Phase 1 at Disneyland Paris Studios. The new park is set to open in April 2002 and has Rock n Roller as its major attraction. Seems strange that they chose RnR over ToT since there is the fantastic Space Mountain just next door. From the description below it appears that the Paris version will be different to WDW.

"The Rock 'n' Roller" will plunge guests into the midst of action. This will be the most hair-rising experience in the entire park. Visitors hurled by a catapult will travel at high velocity to a recording studio, where they will take part in the taping of a video clip complete with rock music, lasers and light effects. We asked the famous rock group Aerosmith to compose the music for this new and extravagant adventure, a heady combination of rock 'n' roll and tailspins, dives and loop-the-loops."

August 28 1999: Hidden Mickey at Rock n Roller

Photos sent in by Rob, showing a Hidden Mickey in the preshow area (right), made out of the audio interconnects hanging on the wall. The photo on the left shows a new push bar installed on the entrance door to the G Force Records building.

August 5 1999: Opening Day Report by Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith)

8/5/99

Sorry. I just woke up. Actually I've been home for a couple of weeks now and I'm finally adapting to civilian (i.e. off the road) life. As a matter of fact, I'm starting to really like it.

We're taking a break now, but it's kind of a calm before the storm break because pretty soon we're going to go into serious album mode. We've decided we're sick of taking 2 years at a time to make records. Everybody knows what we went through on the last two and we're determined not to repeat ourselves this time.

I've got a lot of catching up to do on Europe, but first I want to talk about something more recent. We went down to Disney World last Thursday for the grand opening of the Rock' n' Roller Coaster.

I want to make something really clear here - this is not the Mouseketeers. Mickey doesn't show his face anywhere on it. It ain't Small Small World. It's more like completely blown apart, upside down, 60 miles-per-hour-plus in the dark world. We got down to Disney World the night before and checked into one of the hotels at the park. There were a lot of kids there on vacation and they started spotting us in the lobby with confused expressions on their faces. Some of them probably thought we were part of the cast like the people that dress up as Minnie and Goofy, and sign autographs as you're walking around. Speaking of Goofy, someone down there with us said they were feeling Goofy when they first woke up. Hubba hubba. They really said that! I heard it.

We went over to the park at about ten o'clock the next morning. The ride is at MGM right across the street from Tower of Terror. Great neighborhood. We stayed there all day riding the ride, which was a blast, and doing interviews and stuff. It was so organized it was better than the military. That really helped because it was 95 degrees all day long. They whipped us in and out of the air conditioning like a turkey on the day after Thanksgiving. The vibe was amazing. People at the park were psyched! They screamed at us the whole time!

That night we did the Grand Opening. Or the Official Opening. Or the Imperial Starfish Mega-Grand Opening. Whatever. That's what it was. First they had an artist named Denny Dent come out and paint giant pictures of the band while our music blasted out. He did the whole thing in 20 minutes. I wish we could make a record that fast. When he was done, we came out and did the big hello with the crowd. They gave Joe a giant pick so he could strum a huge chord on the colossal guitar that makes up the sign for the ride. Then the place went insane with pyro. Disney knows pyro. For about 30 seconds it was like Apocalypse Now. The final bang was a missile blowing the doors off the ride. Get it? We were at an "opening" - it was way better than cutting a ribbon. We went inside while they blasted Walk This Way with a huge group of fans following us. It's so great to just walk onto a ride. No lines for us on this one! Yeah!! We blasted around the track a bunch of times with the fans. The whole day was a gas. I still can't believe it.

I forgot to mention that Slash was there, as was Jesse Camp. That guy's tall, and his hair is even taller.

T. H.

August 6 1999: Update from Robert

The display window inside RnR at the marble doors is back. They added a lot of accent lighting and a camera in the corner that is behind the door (for FASTPASS observation). Also, they put a flat metal guitar on the outside door, and covered the access box by the front door with a G-Force logo, and painted "Welcome to G Force Records" on the wall.

Rock 'n' RollerCoaster is now the first ride at Disney MGM Studios to be using the new FASTPASS ticket system. Check out RnR details for info and photos.

August 2 1999: Name Change

The name has changed to "Rock 'n' RollerCoaster Starring Aerosmith". A new logo has also been produced with the new title.

July 29 1999: Opening Day!

As expected Aerosmith attended the opening day of Rock n RollerCoaster. After a hand print ceremony outside, the band took a ride on the coaster.

(Below Right) On Board photo of the band. Steven Tyler (left) and Joe Perry (right) aboard.

(Below Left) The whole band outside the ride during the opening ceremony.

Opening Day Official Press Release

Aerosmith Rocks, Rolls Into Disney-MGM Studios To Open New High-Speed Thrill Ride

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (July 29, 1999) -- For nearly 30 years, Aerosmith has been on top of the charts. Now, the legendary group is on top of the world -- Walt Disney World -- as the five members of the rock band rolled into the Disney-MGM Studios today to officially open Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Thousands of fans welcomed the band to the theme park for a Hollywood-style motorcade and handprint ceremony. The group then boarded the indoor roller coaster which bears their famous name and took the ceremonial first ride -- a twisting, turning trip through the Hollywood Hills.

Later Thursday, Aerosmith was scheduled to appear at a private gala at the theme park to celebrate the attraction's opening.

The five members of Aerosmith teamed with Walt Disney Imagineering to create the thrill ride that features a high-speed launch of 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, three inversions, rock-concert lighting and a specially recorded Aerosmith soundtrack thundering from 120 onboard speakers in each coaster train -- all firsts for a Walt Disney World attraction.

"This thrilling new attraction is a perfect fit for Disney-MGM Studios and its celebration of show business -- film, television, theater, animation and now music," said Walt Disney World president Al Weiss. "And Aerosmith, with its multi-generational, international appeal and ever-youthful approach to rock 'n' roll music, is a fantastic match for this new thrill ride."

"When you've toured the world as much as we have, it's a real thrill to find a new audience," said lead singer Steven Tyler. "Coming up with a soundtrack for this Disney ride really brought the kid out in all of us and has given us the opportunity to play audio gymnastics with our music."

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, located near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on Sunset Boulevard, represents yet another breakthrough in Disney theme park rides.

"Once again, Imagineers are at the forefront with this technologically progressive attraction that fuels awesome thrills with the power and allure of rock 'n' roll music," said Ken Wong, president of Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative design and development division of The Walt Disney Company.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith surprises guests with unexpected twists, turns and high-speed revolutions along its darkened tracks. The attraction begins with a tour of the fictional G-Force Records, where guests encounter the band finishing up a studio recording session. After being invited by the band members to see them in concert, guests climb aboard a 24-passenger "super-stretch limo" and swiftly accelerate into the Hollywood night.

Guests aboard each "Limotrain" will encounter nearly 5 Gs as they transition from launch to loop at the ride's first inversion. (By comparison, astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle experience 3 Gs at liftoff.)

The enclosed experience will remain dark while featuring individually lit Southern California landmarks -- 365 days a year, rain or shine.

July 27 1999: Update

The official press days are July 28 and 29 - Aerosmith are in attendance both days.

Other changes made during the last week include lighting of the new signs in the ride building, along with stars and clouds on the walls.

Annual Pass Previews!

Get up a little early on August 13, 14 and 16 and youТll get to ride our newest attraction before our day guests arrive. Heck, weТll even treat you to coffee and Danish as long as the supply holds out! ThatТs right, because youТre a Premium Annual or Annual Passholder, you get into the Disney-MGM Studios from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. to ride our newest scream machine, Rock СnТ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Once you strap yourself into your "stretch limo," youТll "rock on" from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds! While you rocket through loops, twists and turns, youТll hear the blastinТ beat of Aerosmith tunes. Just think, when youТre not screaminТ, you can sing along.

July 20 1999: Small changes to Rock n Roller

There have been a few additions to the signs inside the actual ride area, although they are not currently lit. Also some signs and more props have been placed in the tunnel at the end of the ride.

July 19 1999: Update from Robert

They have modified some show elements. Specifically, the display at the marble door area is now empty. It was totally dark in the display and all the items had been removed. In the preshow line area (where the posters and albums are displayed) they have added little spot lights to light up the posters. But, most importantly they added several new signs and graphics inside the ride. It was difficult to see the details of them because they don't have them lit up yet.

July 18 1999: News in from Robert

Rock n Roller has been down for the last two days. No news as to what has been done during that period. It also appears that one of the Hidden Mickey's in the load area has been removed. On the telephone pole to the left of the launch area, on the back side of the pole, there was a red reflector that had two black ears above it.

July 16 1999: Britney Spears at Rock n Roller

BURBANK, California -- July 15, 1999 -- Queen of Teen, Jive recording artist Britney Spears and teen idol Joey McIntyre team up for their first television special, "Britney Spears and Joey McIntyre In Concert," on Disney Channel.

The special will tape at Walt Disney World in front of the new Disney/MGM Studios attraction Rock 'N Roller Coaster in August and world premiere Oct. 16, 7 p.m. ET/PT.

"Britney Spears and Joey McIntyre In Concert" will catch these singing sensations performing in a specially taped concert event and feature exclusive interviews and a behind-the-scenes tour of Walt Disney World with these teen heartthrobs.

Spears will perform songs from her 5X platinum debut album, "...Baby One More Time," and McIntyre will perform songs from his solo debut album "Stay the Same."

Spears returns to her Disney Channel roots, where her singing career began as a Mouseketeer on Disney Channel's "Mickey Mouse Club," which she taped at the Disney MGM Studios. In addition, she guest stars as herself in a special Halloween episode of Disney Channel's original series, "The Famous Jett Jackson," titled "Ghost Dance."

Spears is currently on a sold-out 51-city North American tour that concludes Sept. 14 in York, Pa.

McIntyre's recently released debut album features all-new material written and performed by him. McIntyre rose to fame in the 1980's as the youngest member of New Kids on the Block, with whom he performed until 1994. Since then, McIntyre has been honing his talents, working on singing, his performing and, most of all, his writing.

Disney Channel has built a reputation on showcasing today's rising artists with its "In Concert" specials featuring "LeAnn Rimes In Concert," "Ray J In Concert With Brandy," "Johny Lang In Concert," "'N Sync In Concert," "Cleopatra In Concert," "Holidays In Concert" featuring Shawn Colvin, 'N Sync and Tatyana Ali and "B-Witched and Five In Concert."

Most recently, Disney Channel teamed up with the Backstreet Boys for "Backstreet Boys In Concert," which world premiered July 10.

In "The Famous Jett Jackson" episode titled "Ghost Dance," Spears travels to her popular actor friend Jett Jackson's home in North Carolina to participate in a Halloween dance that Jett is coordinating for his school. Jett has promised his schoolmates that Britney would perform at the dance, but all seems lost when he can't get in touch with her. At the last minute, however, Britney arrives and performs a song from her hit album. This episode will also air in October on the Disney Channel.

Disney Channel, combining original series, movies and specials with timeless classics, is the first general entertainment television network designed for kids and families. Disney Channel is a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.

July 13 1999: Opening Dates

Well - seem like the July 29 is the press day, with official grand opening rumored to be August 1st. It is still unclear whether Aerosmith will be attending.

We have had reports that some radio stations are offering competitions to ride with Aerosmith on the ride, July 29?????

July 12 1999: Grand opening Date?

There are suggestions that the grand opening date will be July 29 1999. Nothing officially confirmed yet.

It also seems that RnR will be equipped with Disney's new FASTPASS entry system, designed to reduce wait times by assigning guests with a set time to ride each attraction.

July 12 1999: News Updates from the past 2 weeks

July 9 1999: RnR has been running every day since June 26.   Earlier it was running from 6pm to 11pm, but more recently has been running from 10am to 11pm.

Reports from the crew indicate excellent reliability, with only the odd minor breakdown.

Line times have been variable, depending on the day and time.   Mornings tend to have a line of 10 minutes. From 8pm onwards the line extends to a max of 45 minutes.

June 26 1999: Today is the day! Rock n Roller is in soft opening today at 6pm.

The overnight work on the gate area removed the large RnR poster, and left just 3 bushes on movable bases infront of the gate. A CM was also posted at the gate.

At 6pm the bushes were moved clear, and the ride opened! The ride is amazing!

June 25 1999: Close to Opening

Work is being done today on the front gate and on the limo above the gate. Even with pouring rain at 11pm, crews are working to remove the gate barrier.   Looks good for tomorrow!

June 17 1999: Sound track update

Here are the 5 cars and the sound track that plays in each.

1. 9 Lives
2. Sweet Emotion
3. Back in the Saddle/Dude Looks Like a Lady
4. Love in an Elevator/Walk This Way
5. Multi track, ends with Love in an Elevator

June 16 1999: Final day of CM previews

Today is the last day of the Cast Member previews. The last few days have ran well, with only the odd minor breakdown due to stuck sensors etc.

Still no word on public soft opening.

June 13 1999: More reaction to Rock n Roller

The cast member previews are still on-going, with reaction being very positive so far! People are calling RnR the BEST WDW ride yet! (Which takes some doing considering Tower of Terror being right there next door!)

Further reports confirm that there is different audio tracks on each train. The current tracks include

Love on an Elevator
Sweet Emotion
9 Lives

Another new item of news confirms that the launch is visible from the latter part of the line area. This means you can see the 0-57mph in 2.8sec launch before you experience it! Good news!

It is also strongly rumored that a Rock n Roller Audio CD will be available, featuring all of the audio used in the attraction.

June 12 1999: Audio now available!

Follow this link to the audio page!

Early indications are that each of the 5 limos has a different Aerosmith soundtrack to accompany the ride, including Sweet Emotion and 9 Lives.

June 12 1999: Contractor Appreciation Event Last Night

Last night WDI and WDW held a private party for all the contractors that worked on Rock n Roller. The party of course included sampling the attraction first hand!

This is an early description of part of the ride experience.

You go in a recording studio first and see the equipment used for recording the audio tracks. Next you go into this room that has "studio a" and "studio b". You hear music in those rooms (the speakers are screwed into the door). Then you go in "studio c" where Aerosmith is. Then we go through the alley and get on the ride (after a short wait). The radio is tuned into a classic rock station and then the guy from Aerosmith starts yelling "Lets get this show on the road" and it starts. The on-board picture is taken right at the beginning. You go through a tunnel and into the cobra roll. You see the Hollywood sign and a few others. When you go through the corkscrew you see a danger sign that has "corkscrew" on it and as you go through the corkscrew you see trees on the side as if you were going strait (hard to explain).

June 12 1999: Disney PR beginning to push RnR! Here is the latest press release.

Aerosmith to Rock, Guests to Roll At New Disney-MGM Studios Thrill Ride
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The five members of America's premier rock band, Aerosmith, who have sold more than 80 million records and influenced generations of musicians, have teamed with Walt Disney Imagineering to create a high-speed thrill ride that will rock and roll Walt Disney World Resort guests -- literally.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, blasts off this summer at Disney-MGM Studios as part of the largest property-wide expansion in Walt Disney World history. The indoor roller coaster features a high-speed launch of 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, three inversions, rock-concert lighting and a specially created Aerosmith soundtrack blasting from 120 onboard speakers in each coaster train -- all firsts for a Walt Disney World attraction.

Formed in the early 1970s in Boston, Aerosmith (Steven Tyler, vocals; Joe Perry, guitars; Brad Whitford, guitars; Tom Hamilton, bass; and Joey Kramer, drums) is more popular today than ever before. In fact, the global appeal of this internationally renowned band continues to grow, thanks to the recent release of its chart-topping, multi-platinum studio and live albums ("Nine Lives" and "A Little South of Sanity"), a #1 single from the motion picture "Armageddon" ("I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"), a Grammy Award and a stunning live performance at the 1999 Academy Awards.
"When you've toured the world as much as we have, it's a real thrill to find a new audience," said lead singer Steven Tyler. "Coming up with a soundtrack for this Disney ride really brought the kid out in all of us and has given us the opportunity to play audio gymnastics with our music."
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, located near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on Sunset Boulevard, represents yet another breakthrough in Disney theme park rides.

Guests aboard each "limo" encounter nearly 5 Gs as they transition from launch to loop at the ride's first inversion. By comparison, astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle experience 3 Gs at liftoff.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster will surprise guests with unexpected twists, turns and high-speed revolutions along its darkened tracks. The attraction begins with a tour of the fictional G-Force Records, where guests encounter Aerosmith finishing up a studio recording session. After being invited by the band members to see them in concert, guests climb aboard a 24-passenger "stretch limo" and swiftly accelerate into the Hollywood night. The enclosed experience features brilliantly lit Southern California landmarks highlighted by a trip through the famous Hollywood sign -- 365 days a year, rain or shine.

June 11 1999: Aerosmith Test Drive RnR!

TV news reports today showed Aerosmith having a ride on Rock n Roller.

Cast previews begin 12 June, CMs are restricted to one ride, and are not allowed to bring friends as they have been previously on CM previews. Tickets for the preview have to be obtained from Company D, the CM store at the Studios.

Still no new news on public previews.

June 2 1999: CM Soft Opening Confirmed

OK, we had no soft open today as rumoured, but we now have official confirmation that cast previews will be held on 12-16 June 1999. Lets hope that public soft opening follows!

June 12, 9-11:30am    11:30am-2pm      6-8:30pm     8:30 -11pm
June 13, 9-11:30am    11:30am-2pm     6-8:30pm      8:30 -11pm
June 14, 7-9:30am       9:30am - Noon    5-7:30pm     7:30-10pm
June 15, 7-9:30am       9:30am - Noon    5-7:30pm     7:30-10pm
June 16, 8-10:30am    10:30am -1pm    6-8:30pm      8:30 -11pm

May 29 1999: Rumours have surfaced of a June 2 CM preview, and public soft opening June 23. This info came from a Magic Kingdom ride engineer, and is the first indication of any specific opening dates.

Whilst this goes against the Disney Magazine schedule of August/October, it does fit with what we have heard from sources working on the ride right now, so keep your fingers crossed!

Latest progress news

Opening crew training has begun.

May 18 1999: Opening date confusion.

There has been an article published in the Disney Magazine, quoting RnR to soft open in August, official open in September. There is *no* official word on what is happening, but sources working on the ride still maintain that we should have soft opening early June. It may be that Disney are being extra careful on announcing opening dates following the Test Track delays.

Latest progress news

Work still being done on pre and post shows.
Kodak Imaging point still being worked on.
Audio going into all trains this week and next. (Remember the sound track went into Space Mountain Paris, 2 days before the ride opened!)
Show lighting almost 99% done.

May 10 1999: Latest spy shots are in!

These are 2 shots of the actual ride vehicles. You can just make out 2 of the actual speakers in the seat. Looks like they have done a great job with the car theming!

May 7 1999: Photos of RnR interior and test cars!

The interior shot shows the Rock n Roller work room. This is where cars are serviced and stored when not in use. This area is within one of the main adjoining buildings.

It is not clear whether the cars shown here were supplied by Vekoma as test cars whilst the themed cars were still being delivered, or whether these cars were modified with new bodywork after this photo was taken. Please note that these cars are not the final cars! We also know that there are cars that are used for sand bag testing each morning before the ride opens, it is possible that these are those test cars.

[Click each picture to zoom]

May 6 1999: Aerosmith bass player Tom Hamilton made this comment on RnR, taken from the Aerosmith.com website.

Well here's some news I can finally lay on ya. We are going to part of a Disney Rollercoaster. You heard me right. The Walt Disney Company came to us a few months ago and said they were building this mega ride that they were going to call the "Rockin' Roller Coaster, and would we be interested? We thought they were going to give us a free ride on opening day. Then they told us that they wanted to design the ride around our music and they wanted us personally involved with some of the other parts of it. Are you kidding?! In how many languages can you understand the word "yes" because we about to say it many, many times!!

So, we've been doing all this cool multimedia stuff that will be used on the actual ride. Wow, I just got a weird thought. There will be people on that ride losing their lunch and most of their bodily functions to our music. Not the kind of reaction we usually go for. Hey wait a minute! I wonder if we could do that when we play live? That's what happens when I think. These things pop up and I can't stop them.

By the way, when you get on this thing it goes from zero to sixty in 2.8 seconds. Not even a Porsche Turbo or a GTO with the tri-power is that fast. Then you're upside down a few times, enjoy a couple of 4G loops, hear some custom tailored Aero Music from a separate sound system for each seat and then you try to remember how to breathe. Don't worry, when you get to the end we'll be right there virtually waiting for you.

April 30 1999: Although the technical elements of the coaster are now complete, there still remains work to be done on the pre and post shows, as well as fine tuning of the show elements.

As with most new Disney attractions, Rock n Roller will feature an on-ride photo opportunity.

No further news on the opening date, but it is certainly not within the next few weeks.

April 28 1999: Good news, according to a source at WDW the coaster is now finished, as of Monday this week!

The safety inspectors have signed it off, so now it is in the hands of Disney bosses as to when it opens. Seems Imagineering have finished way ahead of schedule, as there are still no signs of CM training, although the test and adjust crew are in there, so they may form the opening crew.

Some of the confusion over the type of launch motors is that the Vekoma engineers refer to the launch system generically as LIM, but they are infact LSM. The windings are made by General Electric, with the armature and case being made in the UK, most likely by Force Engineering.

The pieces of track that were replaced during fine tuning were slid through the maintenance door. Each track piece that was repalced was about 6-10 ft long.

In the event of some major work being needed, the entire roof can be removed in 3 pieces!

April 27 1999: Theming news

Loading area is themed to a parking garage
The launch area is themed as a street that goes under an overpass
During the actual coaster segment there are large set pieces, including the Hollywood O's and other "head chopper" moments!

April 25 1999: News in from a Rock n Roller crew member

The coaster is LSM launched, but rather unusually it uses a pusher car, not a direct LSM force on the cars.

The trains are Vekoma Corkscrew type, but with heavily themed body work.

Test and Adjust crew are currently working on the ride. (A sure sign that it is to open soon)

Cast Member previews should be late May.

Public soft opening should be early June.

April 8 1999: A private party at the park overheard the Rock n Roller soundtrack being tested late in the night. Apparently the sound system has a LOT of output power!

There was a brief Rock n Roller preview on the WDW Easter Parade TV special. Wire frame track shots were shown.

April 7 1999: Members of the Imagineering crew working the ride have ridden! Opinion - "It is cool!" :-)

It seems almost certain that Rock n Roller is using LSM and not LIM launch motors. Vekoma are also reporting very high reliability rates, unlike the problematic LSMs that have plagued the LSM launched Superman: The Escape at SFMM.

March 28 1999: The cars are currently doing circuits fitted with sand bags to simulate riders. Each car requires 100 circuits with sandbags, and 100 without. Further LIM tweaking is being performed for optimum launch performance.

At least 3 sections of track have been replaced with slightly modified geometry to provide a smoother ride.

March 26 1999: We can now clarify the current state of the test cars inside the building.

2 stripped down test cars (no body, sound system etc)
2 finished cars (1 fitted previously, 1 fitted to the track today)

The target speed of the launch is an amazing 70mph! Although it will be tested and certified up to 80mph. It is also confirmed as being LIM, not LSM as previously rumoured.

The Aerosmith soundtrack has been recorded and is now on site. The audio playback hardware and software is being installed this week and next.

The vehicle testing and sound track installation should be complete by mid April 1999.

March 19 1999: A VP for Imagineering said at the opening of Test Track that Rock n Roller will open in June 1999.

guitar.jpg (25855 bytes)

An aerial view of Rock n Roller, taken by GLB. Visit his home page for other aerial shots.

http://members.tripod.com/~GLBsPhotoZone

March 18 1999: Testing of the coaster has begun!

There are currently at least 3 cars inside the building, themed as red and blue Cadillacs.

The cars are stored and worked on in a "work room", which is accessed by a track section flipping over, and the cars are then diverted from the main track. A similar system is used at Disneyland Paris.

The cars have been in the building from at least March 6 1999, and have been in full cycle testing from at least March 17 1999.

March 14 1999: Unconfirmed rumours that there has been a delay with the delivery of the ride vehicles.

We also hear that so far, CMs have not been allocated and merchandise is not finalized BUT the commercials have been recorded with Aerosmith.

March 12 1999: Disney Resort Information Channel is showing computer generated previews of Rock n Roller. It shows a car blasting through one of the O's in Hollywood and passing under Freeway signs. It also gives details of the onboard sound system.

2 Tweeters per seat
2 Mid bass Drivers per seat
1 Subwoofer per seat

The Disney Studios Guide Map has been changed from stating "Coming Summer 99" to "Coming Late Summer 99".

March 11 1999: The huge red guitar is now in place on the exterior of the building (as in the picture below). Initial concerns that Rock n Roller may look out of place next to Tower of Terror seem to be unfounded. The building is not even visible from the Tower of Terror line, large trees all around conceal much of the building.

March 2 1999: Aerosmith gave an interview at the Grammy's where they said their latest project is a working with Disney on an upcoming attraction. Looks good for Aerosmith for the RnR sound track!

December 8 1998: News reports indicate that the trains for RnR are being produced in Weymouth UK, and the first one has been completed and sent to the paint shop today.

October 21 1998: Rock n Roller is now completely enclosed in a light colored building, much like the other backstage buildings at Disney Studios. It is very hard to tell there is even a coaster in there now! Construction continues on the front of the show building.

October 9 1998: The VP of Disney-MGM Studios said at the opening of the Fantasmic! previews that Rock-n-Roller Coaster will open in July 1999.

July 10 1998: Another adjoining building under construction (the LIM launch areas?)

July 2 1998: Surrounding show building under construction.

June 25 1998: Main Track Completed

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