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

[AidenRodriguez731]

It does, but wouldn't the solution there be to put new attractions in the expansion pads and empty spaces (like Stitch), which would actually be adding capacity, and THEN replace the "underutilized" spaces if they still need capacity?

Shutting dow Tom Sawyer Island and taking what will likely be at least two years to build something new in its place isn't exactly adding capacity - it's removing capacity that we won't get back until the Cars thing is completed.

Now I agree that it makes sense to go for Stitch first. BUT that’s not a high capacity building no matter what. Plus it’s my understanding that they would have to shut down Cosmic Rays temporarily in order to accomodate?

With this, they are getting 4 new attractions with atleast 2 I would suspect to be “high capacity” attractions as the D/E tickets to the respective lands

 

[jah4955]

That’s fair enough, don’t get me wrong, I think Disney needs more play areas and chances to “calm down”.
That’s not what I’ve argued. I simply think there’s a much better use of the 11-14 acres prevented for use by TSI and the rivers.

A few other highly themed play areas throughout the resort in my opinion would be very welcome, which appears to be what we’re getting.

I would like to see something a little more significant come to Epcot as we do have pretty much regular playgrounds

These are the conversations I truly enjoy. We give our points and "agree to disagree" at times. No lost love

 

[lazyboy97o]

Plus it’s my understanding that they would have to shut down Cosmic Rays temporarily in order to accomodate?

They would not. But even if they did, that’s only a problem because the park severely lacks dining capacity.

 

[HauntedPirate]

A 2 min off the shelf coaster vs a 7 min dark ride is hardly a 1:1 replacement.

But oddly, a 17 minute dark ride being replaced by a 2 min off the shelf coaster was considered a massive improvement elsewhere.

 

[HauntedPirate]

They would not. But even if they did, that’s only a problem because the park severely lacks dining capacity.

Over/under on the number of times someone's erroneously posted "but Cosmic Ray's would have to be shut down" in the last 5 years? 100? 150?

 

[HauntedPirate]

So... a roughly 3 month shut down for the conversion from Aerosmith (and I SMITE anyone who says they aren't relevant. The Beatles aren't relevant either, in that case.) to Muppets. Confidence is low on this being anything but a very basic reskin.

 

[Nickm2022]

So... a roughly 3 month shut down for the conversion from Aerosmith (and I SMITE anyone who says they aren't relevant. The Beatles aren't relevant either, in that case.) to Muppets. Confidence is low on this being anything but a very basic reskin.

personally strongly disagree. Beatles have four films coming out next year, a radio channel, and 2 members that still tour. What does Aerosmith have besides lawsuits

 

[HauntedPirate]

personally strongly disagree. Beatles have four films coming out next year, a radio channel, and 2 members that still tour. What does Aerosmith have besides lawsuits

Current #1 album in the UK
New single with YUNGBLUD at the top of the charts
Joe Perry touring this year with other members of the band
A(n alleged) 2026 slate of farewell tour dates with all original members (not buying that rumor)

 

[EagleScout610]

View attachment 895376

It's going to be open until Spring 2026? That doesn't bode well for further changes or additions (i.e. the loading area or changing out sets).

When they boarded up the preshow I was hopeful they were gonna get started with the conversion in January like everyone was theorizing. But now RNRC gets an incomplete send off for months instead of a few weeks

 

[bmr1591]

So... a roughly 3 month shut down for the conversion from Aerosmith (and I SMITE anyone who says they aren't relevant. The Beatles aren't relevant either, in that case.) to Muppets. Confidence is low on this being anything but a very basic reskin.

RnRC has had extended downtime the past few years. I totally understand WDI deciding that the longest transformation will be that pre-show area, so they shut it down early to begin working on it so that HS doesn't drop even more capacity for six to eight months. Realistically, the launch area and ride itself is just switching out props and reskinning areas. I'm not sure how anyone expected much more than that. The pre-show is the biggest change that will require the most amount of time. This seems like a good plan by WDI to benefit the guest experience at the park.

 

[HauntedPirate]

RnRC has had extended downtime the past few years. I totally understand WDI deciding that the longest transformation will be that pre-show area, so they shut it down early to begin working on it so that HS doesn't drop even more capacity for six to eight months. Realistically, the launch area and ride itself is just switching out props and reskinning areas. I'm not sure how anyone expected much more than that. The pre-show is the biggest change that will require the most amount of time. This seems like a good plan by WDI to benefit the guest experience at the park.

The downtime in recent years was for ride system work, with the brakes in particular requiring work twice.

 

[bmr1591]

The downtime in recent years was for ride system work, with the brakes in particular requiring work twice.

I'm aware, but it was still extended downtime. It also means that they shouldn't have to do that work during this retheme. I'm simply saying that it makes the most operational sense for them to close the pre-show and work on it while the rest of the ride is operational and providing capacity to the park instead of shutting the whole thing down for 6-8 months when it'll only take 3 to change out the sets surrounding the ride.

 

[Biff215]

Yeah I’m not sure what the expectations were for the launch area, unload, and the coaster itself. Those are all loosely Hollywood themed and not Aerosmith at all. Disney would be stupid to spend too much time and effort changing these areas when they don’t need it.

I applaud them getting an early start on the preshow while allowing the attraction itself to remain open a few extra months. Let’s save all the judgement for the final product.

 

[Chester&Hester Enthusiast]

What’s the over/under on someone claiming asbestos?

Having worked on Stitch, I wouldn't be at all surprised if there was asbestos somewhere in that ancient complex.

 

[surfsupdon]

My wish was that G-Force Records stayed under the same management (why do the Muppets need to manage?), but instead of AeroSmith in the studio is it Electric Mayhem recording. That is a nice new overlay, I am fearful with how they will cartoonify G-Force Records.

 

[HMF]

but what made them "underutilized" is a major reason why I liked many of those experiences best (especially TSI)

Every single inch of every single park is supposed to be 100% profitable at all times and if it doesn't generate revenue it shouldn't exist are the philosophies todays Disney seems to be pushing.

 

[HMF]

I guess I got "spoiled by that." As I just mentioned on another thread in a different context...I thought they'd just keep adding and adding....never "take away"

"Theres enough land here to contain all of the ideas we can imagine" -Walt Disney.

 

[HMF]

As many echoed elsewhere...I'm just hoping that what's coming far exceeds what's replaced.

I hope for that all the time and am almost always disappointed.

 

[GhostHost1000]

My wish was that G-Force Records stayed under the same management (why do the Muppets need to manage?), but instead of AeroSmith in the studio is it Electric Mayhem recording. That is a nice new overlay, I am fearful with how they will cartoonify G-Force Records.

The muppets don’t belong as the IP on a thrill coaster period. It’s a ridiculous choice and I like the muppets (Disney just never knows what to do with them, obviously)

 

[jah4955]

My wish was that G-Force Records stayed under the same management (why do the Muppets need to manage?), but instead of AeroSmith in the studio is it Electric Mayhem recording. That is a nice new overlay, I am fearful with how they will cartoonify G-Force Records.

The hope has been that the new owner (Scooter's uncle--JP Grosse?) narrative will thematically justify the return of Muppets Theater in what is currently Villians theater.