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

Feb 26, 2025 in "Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith"

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Rock 'n' Roller Coaster overview

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Posted: Wednesday February 26, 2025 1:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

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 iconic red guitar after its 2021 refurbishment

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 exterior refurbishment as seen in 2021

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.

Muppets will be taking over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

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.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster overview

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Streetway Again18 days ago

Yeah. Agreed. It’s not that it’s a bad idea. But I feel like the SOLE (as we know of right now) muppet attraction at wdw replacement for MV3D being a retheme of RNRC that won’t really allow for jokes or the muppet personalities to breath just kinda sucks. And even beyond that, going from an attraction with the entire og muppet team to the modern muppets, as much as I think some of them get too much hate, also kinda sucks. I KNOW it might not be only RNRC in the long term, but I wish the muppets had a better hand for their future at WDW.

rle4lunch18 days ago

Ride length is going to heavily dictate how much detail is put into the 'storymaking' element. I think of the 'incredicoaster' overlay, and while it's slightly more entertaining than its past theming, it's still minimal. At least the soundtrack links up to the show scenes quite well.

Streetway Again18 days ago

Still haven’t heard much about this attraction from Disney. Hoping it isnt a cheapo overlay with barley any muppet theming. This was a cool concept, but im not gonna lie, i wish we were getting a purpose built muppets attraction to succeed muppetvision 3D, or at least a ride that would leave time for the muppets to be…well, the muppets. I know a second attraction in the villains theatre has been thrown around, but still

Jayspency21 days ago

I want whatever it is you're on.

2600loop21 days ago

my little kids can't wait to ride this in six years when they're big enough and they don't care about the muppets anymore

Agent H21 days ago

I wish but @lentesta already confirmed that wasn’t happening.

Disgruntled Walt21 days ago

I'm praying that they are moved to the building next door and the show reopens in 2026.

Jayspency21 days ago

I'm praying that the statler and wardoff animatronics from MV3D are placed in a window in the alleyway and heckle guests before the launch

Brer Panther21 days ago

I'd be pleasantly surprised if we got any animatronics.

Agent H22 days ago

AidenRodriguez73122 days ago

There will be a new accessible show in its place though. Plus I don't think the Muppets are going to lose popularity just because of the closure of MV3D. What they are saying is that Muppets as a brand, might get a few new eyes on it that would not have before. Plus if we do get a psuedo-Muppet courtyard down the line like some are rumoring (not saying Muppetvision but perhaps another show or even just fun theming + maybe a Meet + Greet) they can definitely broaden their reach.

andre8522 days ago

Watched a video of Iron Man and it looked like total nonsense. As for animatronics, other placements where they could work: at the countdown launch, and less likely, the tunnel at the end (not even sure there's room there)

mergatroid22 days ago

Be interesting to see whether they add any animatronics in the pre-ride area or not? Disney could argue that no animatronics are needed because there are none currently in R 'n' R so why not just use screens like we currently have in the recording studio. During the actual ride the vehicle goes too fast to waste money on anything other than projections or glowing 'scenery' like we currently have. So realistically the only possible use of animatronics would be in the pre-show area where we currently have a film to watch. Visiting Disneyland Paris the year before last I went on the old R 'n' R there which they'd changed to an Iron Man attraction using the same track etc. They had an Iron Man animatronic in the line before the ride which was reasonably impressive but the altered attraction to me personally felt like a downgrade. It may well be just me that felt that way which is fine, it just felt it had lost something without the pumping music and storyline that you're off to see a show that just kind of worked.