Disney Files Permit for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Ahead of Muppets Retheme

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Wednesday February 26, 2025 1:30pm ET · "Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets"
Disney Files Permit for  Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Ahead of Muppets Retheme

Disney has filed a Notice of Commencement (NOC) for a full repaint of the massive red guitar at the entrance to Rock' n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The last repaint of the structure took place in October 2021.

The permit suggests that Disney intends to maintain the iconic exterior of the attraction even as the ride undergoes its upcoming transformation into a Muppets-themed experience. If major structural changes to the facade were planned, it is unlikely Disney would proceed with a full repaint.

The towering guitar has been a signature feature of Rock' n' Roller Coaster since its opening in 1999, welcoming guests to the high-speed indoor roller coaster. The ride, currently themed to Aerosmith, is set to undergo a major reimagining, bringing Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and other Muppets into the experience.

While Disney has not yet announced a closure date for the ride, this latest development suggests that at least some elements of the existing exterior will remain in place.

Stay tuned for further updates as Disney moves forward with the transformation of this classic Hollywood Studios attraction.

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↩ replying to ToTBellHop
Will you still be a vip when the muppet’s take over?
↩ replying to Agent H
This screams cheap reskin. Change out the posters, redo the studio scene, add some whimsical elements. Keep the bones the same
It’s not easy being green
↩ replying to SoFloMagic
What does that have to do with what I said ?
↩ replying to SoFloMagic
And im ok with this...the ride is a good one and not much needs to change other than ax out steven and friends.
↩ replying to SoFloMagic
To be fair, a 90-second high-speed coaster-in-a-box shouldn't blow out the theming budget even if it sometimes has at WDW.
I am hoping it is more than a cheap reskin, this is the exchange for losing Muppet Vision 3D.
↩ replying to Agent H
That they probably won't change too much about the story/setting of the coaster other than swapping Steven Tyler for Dr. Teeth.

Maybe Scooter will replace Chris?
↩ replying to ToTBellHop
I was replying to this.
Yeah its basically just something to satisfy the muppet fans who will be sad to see their favorite show go so why not replace an aging rock group with a muppet band that is as well known as most cover bands. They don't have to blow the budget on a big new ride. Just retheme it, do a couple repairs, and the ride is good to go. At the most it should be ready in a matter of weeks instead of years unlike monsters inc which will not be ready for rather long time.
:cool: It's not easy to be green too! :cool:
↩ replying to wdwmagic
I’m confused, are they wasting money to paint the guitar right now and then close down the whole ride within the next year or so to do the Muppets retheme?
I'm looking forward to the change. The Aerosmith story line was good, but not really Disney, IMO. The story line fit with Disney/MGM as a "working" studio, and something Hollywood related. I think a Muppets theme will fit just fine, and more Disney-ish.
This re theme is fine as it will still be a fun coaster and it keeps a Muppet reference in the parks.

Its too bad Disney is destroying Muppets 3D to save some office space over by the empty, unused, launch bay.

Its only Henson's legacy that's being destroyed. The only legacy Iger cares about is his own.