DHS Disney Confirms Muppets Take Over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios

[FiestaFunKid]

Much as I don't want this, and don't like the edge of a genuine rock band softened by The Muppets...
I do get it
There really is no other single band that this could be themed to that have the song and band recognition, have the edge that suits the ride, and will be around long enough.
Unless the ride was themed in a classic band sense - locked in time as a tribute.

The total edge loss is really the downgrade for me. This is an Eisner era ride when there was an initiative to appeal to older teens and up. Like them or not, Aerosmith brought a bit of a sense of danger, Tyler is as big of a real rock star America has ever produced, worts and all. Their music, driven by living the actual rock n roll lifstyle, his screaming launch, fit the theme of a intense coaster, lended itself to selling rock styled merch, etc

Hearing Muppetified rock music and a story line potentially Tianaified, is really going to smooth out that edge.

I can see how the comprimise of keeping the Muppets in a park somewhere, and ending the licencing fees, brought Disney to this choice. While I personally don't think older kids care any more about the Muppets than Aerosmith, and the Muppet vibe creates a mismatch with the ride system, the ride will still be ok and the Muppets have more connection to Hollywood than other proposed choices.

 

[Biff215]

It doesn't matter what you theme this attractions. It's still a coaster attractions, it's going to pull the typical rollercoaster demo whether it's Minnie's Morning Makeup Routine Coaster or Linkin Park/Billie Eilish/Eminem.

Whomever you put in there is going to impact the pull of the attraction marginally.

I’d have to disagree strongly there. RnRC is a fairly basic coaster, especially now in 2025. The theming and music is what sets it apart. Sure there are those who will ride regardless, but its long term future does depend some on the choice of music.

With that said, I still believe Muppet versions of popular songs will work nicely.

 

[Bocabear]

I think it will be hugely popular not matter wht the theme is....The Band would not even marginally affect the popularity... RNRC is a great very fun ride in a park with currently no other coasters.... Minnie's Morning Makeup and Skincare Coaster would be just as big a hit....
Though a Roger Rabbit Toontown Coaster would have been a better fit for Sunset Boulevard....
Muppets will be great too!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I hope it can have sort of the opposite effect where people that are looking for the most thrills at Disney and drawn to the one coaster with inversions may be exposed more to the Muppets than they have been

So picturing teens, young adults who ride the ride for what it is from a trills department now find some humor in the Muppets and are more open to watching movies/shows

 

[lazyboy97o]

I can see how the comprimise of keeping the Muppets in a park somewhere, and ending the licencing fees, brought Disney to this choice.

Doing a cover doesn’t avoid paying licensing fees for music.

 

[FiestaFunKid]

Doing a cover doesn’t avoid paying licensing fees for music.

True - but it's very likely they'll be able to use music that costs less. Licensing fees vary greatly, so I'm sure Disney will be smart (cheap) here.....and older well known classic music like Aerosmith is typically more expensive b/c the ownership is spread across labels, publishing companies, and the writers/band

 

[Gusey]

It doesn't matter what you theme this attractions. It's still a coaster attractions, it's going to pull the typical rollercoaster demo whether it's Minnie's Morning Makeup Routine Coaster or Linkin Park/Billie Eilish/Eminem.

It should probably be noted that this is an off-the-shelf-coaster that is replicated at two other parks around the world (Flight Force at DLP and Platform 13 at Walibi Hollans), and is 1 of 2 WDW's non-custom built coaster (Barnstormer being the other one) so the overall theming does matter to some coaster heads to make it different enough to visit, especially those in Europe who can easily access the other 2 clones

 

[Disstevefan1]

I am OK with the RnR reskin to Muppets so far. In my opinion the Muppets are timeless compared to Aerosmith. WDW needs attractions and even though this is just a coaster, I really like the story and theme.

Just my opinion, Disney needs to take off the shelf coasters and do what they do best, theme the cr@p out of them so we wont be waiting years and years for anything to get done.

 

[EagleScout610]

I agree they could have cut the "We need to find the Electric Mayhem for the show!" element as it does feel, as stated above, "Tianafied". That also makes me think we'll randomly hear Kermit or Piggy yell "GUYS I CAN'T FIND THEM!" at random points through ought the ride like we got on Incredicoaster.

 

[Bocabear]

It should probably be noted that this is an off-the-shelf-coaster that is replicated at two other parks around the world (Flight Force at DLP and Platform 13 at Walibi Hollans), and is 1 of 2 WDW's non-custom built coaster (Barnstormer being the other one) so the overall theming does matter to some coaster heads to make it different enough to visit, especially those in Europe who can easily access the other 2 clones

As long as it will still be indoor, in mostly dark, and with sets, it will beat out the other two versions hands down.... Other than that, which band or musical act, and even which exact sets would not matter... it will still be a fun coaster in the dark with a storyline element... I think the DLP version was just colored lights and smoke...the other one is completely outdoors.... The indoor darkness does completely change the game....

 

[andre85]

I agree they could have cut the "We need to find the Electric Mayhem for the show!" element as it does feel, as stated above, "Tianafied". That also makes me think we'll randomly hear Kermit or Piggy yell "GUYS I CAN'T FIND THEM!" at random points through ought the ride like we got on Incredicoaster.

God I hate what they did to California Screamin. Incredicoaster has terrible story, cheap effects/props, random nonsense being yelled at you...it's a ride that didn't need a theme beyond "boardwalk roller coaster"

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I agree they could have cut the "We need to find the Electric Mayhem for the show!" element as it does feel, as stated above, "Tianafied". That also makes me think we'll randomly hear Kermit or Piggy yell "GUYS I CAN'T FIND THEM!" at random points through ought the ride like we got on Incredicoaster.

Seems to me just a spin on the existing storyline of the band was there and had to get over to the show in time/running late ... just built it out a bit more to lean into the Mayhem not being the most punctual/adhere to a schedule kinda group

 

[flynnibus]

It should probably be noted that this is an off-the-shelf-coaster that is replicated at two other parks around the world (Flight Force at DLP and Platform 13 at Walibi Hollans), and is 1 of 2 WDW's non-custom built coaster (Barnstormer being the other one) so the overall theming does matter to some coaster heads to make it different enough to visit, especially those in Europe who can easily access the other 2 clones

No one ever painted the coaster as a mecca for ACE enthusiasts He said 'typical coaster demo' aka the visitor population who are physically capable and thrill seekers just looking to be entertained.

 

[phillip9698]

Ok. I guess we can just enjoy our old RnRc coaster with some new paint, decor, and a few muppets things rather than a new all fully muppet themed dark ride.

Let’s not forget, there were once plans for something like this https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/The_Great_Muppet_Movie_Ride

Grrenlighting a new dark ride based on the Muppet IP would be seen as corporate malfeasance. The IP is in the dumps and it's really only keeping a spot in the parks due to a sense of duty to it's history more so than anything else.

This was one of the better compromises to be had.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Grrenlighting a new dark ride based on the Muppet IP would be seen as corporate malfeasance. The IP is in the dumps and it's really only keeping a spot in the parks due to a sense of duty to it's history more so than anything else.

This was one of the better compromises to be had.

Creating a new attraction is corporate malfeasance, that's a GOOD ONE!!!

I am working on a list of corporate malfeasance Iger has done as we speak.....

 

[phillip9698]

Creating a new attraction is corporate malfeasance, that's a GOOD ONE!!!

I am working on a list of corporate malfeasance Iger has done as we speak.....

Creating a new attraction on a dying IP like The Muppets when there are many more in the bank that are actually popular is!

Disney would be foolish to create a dark ride with The Muppets when they have Inside Out, Coco, Lion King, Aladdin, Zootopia, Stitch, Moana, Tangled, etc......sitting right there.

 

[FutureCEO]

The hope () is that when the Villains show runs its course, they could put MuppetVision there in its place. Then we would have a new Muppets Courtyard/Plaza/Alley. I know. I'm not holding my breath.

with a Muppet Great Movie Ride

 

[Disstevefan1]

Creating an attraction on a dying IP like The Muppets when there are many more in the bank that are actually popular is!

Disney would be foolish to create a dark ride with The Muppets when they have Inside Out, Coco, Lion King, Aladdin, Zootopia, Stitch, Moana, Tangled, etc......sitting right there.

Lets be clear, Iger murd*red The Muppets because he did not like Henson for some reason.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Won't the furry tracks be a safety hazard?

 

[Disstevefan1]

Won't the furry tracks be a safety hazard?

The way the new brakes heat up, yes there could be a fire hazard