Walt Disney World has released new details for early previews of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Before the ride officially opens on May 26, 2026, Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders will have limited opportunities to experience it first.
For Disney World fans, this update is important because the preview process is not the same for both groups. The dates, entry methods, and eligibility rules are different, so guests will want to plan ahead before heading to Hollywood Studios.
Annual Passholder Preview Dates and Entry Process
starting date
May 21, 2026
through
May 23, 2026
Annual Passholders will be able to preview the reimagined attraction from May 21 through May 23, 2026. Disney will use a virtual queue system for these preview days, which means Passholders must join through the My Disney Experience app rather than wait in a standard standby line.
Disney has outlined three daily virtual queue distribution times:
- 7:00 a.m. for Passholders with a Disney’s Hollywood Studios reservation
- 11:00 a.m. for Passholders with a reservation for any theme park, as long as they enter that park before visiting Hollywood Studios
- 3:00 p.m. for all current Passholders, with no theme park reservation required
This setup gives Passholders a few different ways to access the preview, but timing will matter. Guests who want the earliest chance to ride should make sure their park plans line up with the 7:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. distribution windows.
Extra Perk for Passholders
In addition to early access, Annual Passholders will also receive a PhotoPass digital download of their on-ride photo during the preview period. That small bonus adds another incentive for Passholders who plan to attend one of the early ride dates.
While the photo offer may not change travel plans on its own, it does fit Disney’s pattern of adding limited-time extras to preview events. For Passholders who collect ride photos or enjoy event-specific perks, it is a useful detail.
Disney Vacation Club Member Preview Details
Disney Vacation Club members will have their own preview day on May 24, 2026. Unlike the Passholder event, this preview is tied to an active Disney resort reservation.
Eligible DVC members must also qualify for Membership Extras. In most cases, that means owning at least 150 points purchased directly from Disney, unless the member qualifies under older rules. As with other DVC perks, eligibility standards matter, so members should verify their status before assuming they can participate.
Disney has indicated that details for the DVC preview will be sent directly to eligible members by email as the preview date gets closer.
Why This Preview Matters
This preview period does more than give select guests early access. It also helps Disney manage interest ahead of the ride’s official debut and gives dedicated fans a chance to experience a notable update at Hollywood Studios before larger crowds arrive.
The Muppets retheme is one of the more talked-about ride changes at Walt Disney World this year, so these preview dates are likely to draw strong interest from repeat visitors, Passholders, and DVC members.
Conclusion
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will preview May 21 to 23 for Annual Passholders and May 24 for eligible Disney Vacation Club members. If you qualify for either event, it is worth reviewing the entry rules now so you can plan your Hollywood Studios visit with fewer surprises.
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.
