An era of rock and roll at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is coming to a close. Walt Disney World has announced that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will permanently close in the spring of 2026. This closure will pave the way for a complete transformation of the attraction into a new experience featuring The Muppets. This article provides details on the closing timeline, the upcoming re-imagining, and what guests can expect during this transition.
The Final Curtain for Aerosmith
Since its debut, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has been a cornerstone attraction on Sunset Boulevard, offering a high-speed limousine ride through a neon-lit Los Angeles, all set to the iconic music of Aerosmith. The experience begins with a pre-show where guests meet the band before racing to their concert.
Disney has confirmed that the current version of the ride will close permanently in the spring of 2026 to allow for the complete overhaul. This follows the recent closure of the Aerosmith pre-show, which was the first step in the transformation process. Guests will have until the spring of 2026 to experience the attraction in its original form before it undergoes its Muppet reimagining.
A New Headliner: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
The attraction is being re-themed to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, which is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026. The new storyline will immerse guests in the chaotic and hilarious world of The Muppets as they rush to make it to their biggest Hollywood concert ever.
The journey will begin at G-Force Records, which has recently come under the new management of The Muppets. Guests will get a VIP tour of the recording studio, where they will find Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem jamming instead of heading to their show. With the help of Scooter and Muppet Labs, guests will board a high-speed limousine for a “twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip” across Hollywood to get the band to the concert on time.
The ride will feature iconic rock hits performed by The Electric Mayhem, and the familiar Tinseltown scenery will be updated with a distinct Muppet twist. The iconic giant guitar at the attraction’s entrance will also get a new look, with a psychedelic design inspired by a classic Muppet car and a golden piano key nodding to Dr. Teeth.
What to Expect During the Transition
With the Aerosmith pre-show already closed, guests currently bypass that room and move more directly to the loading area. The attraction will continue to operate with the Aerosmith theme and soundtrack until its full closure in spring 2026.
Once the ride closes, Imagineers will undertake the complete transformation, which includes updating the pre-show, ride vehicle audio, and show scenes along the coaster track. The new version, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, is expected to be a highlight of the summer 2026 season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Conclusion
The announcement of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s closure in spring 2026 marks a significant transition for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While fans of the original ride have a limited time to take one last “super stretch” limo ride with Aerosmith, the upcoming Muppets re-theme promises a fresh, fun, and music-filled experience. This transformation ensures that the high-speed thrills will continue on Sunset Boulevard, just with a new and hilariously chaotic cast of characters.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
