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

[mattpeto]

This particular project was revealed in a very messy way with false rumors released for some reason. I do get the impression that the uproar over MV3D led to the delayed announcement to allow Muppets to move to RnRC, create a new MI show, and push the new coaster further back (thus the more recent height test). The concept is better now than the original Muppet Courtyard proposal.

Now the question is: why the Mermaid delay?

Maybe Mermaid and Villains show open in the same season to offset Muppets/Grand Avenue lost of capacity.

 

[Castle Cake Apologist]

Very few kids of that age are ready for that level of intensity with a ride even if they’re tall enough.

Did you ask them? I was certainly riding and loving big coasters at 7-8 years old. Where is this notion coming from that Rock 'n Rollercoaster is intense? It really isn't at all. A lot of Guests aren't even aware that they went upside down.

 

[peng]

Not happy with this move, I have a ton of nostalgia of going there when I was little (for HS, it's MV3D, the Playhouse Disney Show and the Honey I shrunk the audience playground), to the point where it's gone, I will probably not renew my AP as there's going to be nothing to do at Disney. Knowing disney, they will throw up a proshot on Disney+ and call it a day, even though Magic Eye is begging for something new and it would be cheap to move most of the props and animatronics over, lightly redress the theater and call it a day. Not looking forward to the Monsters coaster either as save for Tiana, the legacy attraction replacements from disney have been mid or have severe flaws (Guardians' awful queue and preshows for example).

 

[wdwmagic]

I don’t understand why some of yall obsess over him. Our sources have been wrong before. Heck, Steve initially said it was going in Animation and changed once he heard otherwise. Plans change and obviously Tom’s source had info that changed.

My first article about location on August 13, 2 days after the August 11 announcement, said Muppet Courtyard.

"Animation Courtyard also appears to be earmarked for another upcoming and so far unannounced project.

While Animation Courtyard seemed to be the early front-runner, our latest information suggests that Disney has selected Muppet's Courtyard as the site for the new Monsters Inc. Land. Unless there are any last-minute changes, an official announcement from Disney is expected in the coming months."

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Will Monsters, Inc. Land Replace Muppets Courtyard or Animation Courtyard?

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Will Monsters, Inc. Land Replace Muppets Courtyard or Animation Courtyard?

www.wdwmagic.com

 

[Lilofan]

Did you ask them? I was certainly riding and loving big coasters at 7-8 years old. Where is this notion coming from that Rock 'n Rollercoaster is intense? It really isn't at all.

It is for some but nothing like the vomit comet called Mission Space. So many were vomiting including me that the ride capsules now have vomit bags.

 

[celluloid]

A sad side note. This makes the only animatronics in the entire park now are the Star Wars ones, the five or six on Runaway Railway and 2 for Toy Story?

What is going on?

 

[flynnibus]

Besides the fact that Disney has struggled to maintain the relevance of the Muppets... I am suprised people are so upset by this. Aerosmith has to go... and I don't find the Muppets all that conflicting.. and depending on the script they go with, could have all kinds of fun with the coaster element. The only concern I have is the ability to have opportunities for MORE muppets scenes in the ride beyond the launch point. Like a statler and waldorf finish, etc.

 

[celluloid]

Besides the fact that Disney has struggled to maintain the relevance of the Muppets... I am suprised people are so upset by this. Aerosmith has to go... and I don't find the Muppets all that conflicting.. and depending on the script they go with, could have all kinds of fun with the coaster element. The only concern I have is the ability to have opportunities for MORE muppets scenes in the ride beyond the launch point. Like a statler and waldorf finish, etc.

Well The Muppets are represented both on film for humor and physically in MV3D. In RnR I think it is going to be mostly audio banter with some footage short bits for preshow and maybe queue if we are lucky. I don't think there is going to be much in person puppet presence. The cast spread and time is greatly reduced as well.

 

[bmr1591]

My first article about location on August 13, 2 days after the August 11 announcement, said Muppet Courtyard.

"Animation Courtyard also appears to be earmarked for another upcoming and so far unannounced project.

While Animation Courtyard seemed to be the early front-runner, our latest information suggests that Disney has selected Muppet's Courtyard as the site for the new Monsters Inc. Land. Unless there are any last-minute changes, an official announcement from Disney is expected in the coming months."

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Will Monsters, Inc. Land Replace Muppets Courtyard or Animation Courtyard?

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Will Monsters, Inc. Land Replace Muppets Courtyard or Animation Courtyard?

www.wdwmagic.com

Correct, but when it was announced, you initially posted on here that you believed Muppets was safe, then you heard differently later on before you wrote the article.

The Muppets is critical to remain as one of the only things guests can do at DHS without some kind of Lighting Lane, Virtual Queue, or a long standby. it is high capacity and still gets very high GSR. It should, and deserves to stay.

Agreed. I dont see any scenario where this replaces Muppets and Star Tours.

I'm starting to get some worrying signs for MuppetVision.

Before I was referring to replacing Muppets AND Star Tours.

Had some new info just now that is raising concern for Muppets.

So you initially believed Muppets was safe, but got info later that changed things before you posted the article. Again, that’s fine. I’m well aware that plans change and don’t hold anyone to what they say about Disney changing because it happens all the time. That’s the only point I was making with my initial post. It wasn’t to criticize you, it was to say that Tom’s info wasn’t necessarily wrong when he got it, but plans changed. It happens. No need for members to dog on him.

 

[LSLS]

Besides the fact that Disney has struggled to maintain the relevance of the Muppets... I am suprised people are so upset by this. Aerosmith has to go... and I don't find the Muppets all that conflicting.. and depending on the script they go with, could have all kinds of fun with the coaster element. The only concern I have is the ability to have opportunities for MORE muppets scenes in the ride beyond the launch point. Like a statler and waldorf finish, etc.

I will say, I really like Aerosmith, and the theming always felt cool to me as a kid. I'll have some nostalgia for it, but I agree with you. I get it needing to go, and I think muppets is potentially a perfect fit to keep the rock and roll atmosphere while changing the band. I mean, it could be a really cool callback to include an Aerosmith song as well. BUT, like with most other things I'm kind of excited for, Disney needs to show me they are going to d o it well, cause I just don't have a ton of faith in them doing that.

 

[CaptJackSparrow]

I really doubt it is going to be exclusively Muppets. It will most like be Muppets featuring Imagine Dragons or Fall out Boy, or some such thing. The Muppets team with celebs all the time, and I am pretty sure this will be another.

 

[The Leader of the Club]

Not happy with this move, I have a ton of nostalgia of going there when I was little (for HS, it's MV3D, the Playhouse Disney Show and the Honey I shrunk the audience playground), to the point where it's gone, I will probably not renew my AP as there's going to be nothing to do at Disney.

I really don’t get the notion that there’s “going to be nothing to do at Disney” now. At this park alone there are live shows, roller coasters, trackless dark rides, simulators, restaurants, and shops. The handful of rides that they’re closing doesn’t make the rest of the resort obsolete. Sure, I miss some of the old stuff too, but I’m not going to pretend that the Riverboat or Dinoland ever moved the needle for me.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Like Journey of Water right or Dreams that Soar.

Keep moving the goalpost.

Dreams that Soar is long gone.

Not even Disney would deny that LL profit guides their plans. That’s why they created LL. You don’t have to pretend.

 

[JohnD]

Correct, but when it was announced, you initially posted on here that you believed Muppets was safe, then you heard differently later on before you wrote the article.

...

So you initially believed Muppets was safe, but got info later that changed things before you posted the article. Again, that’s fine. I’m well aware that plans change and don’t hold anyone to what they say about Disney changing because it happens all the time. That’s the only point I was making with my initial post. It wasn’t to criticize you, it was to say that Tom’s info wasn’t necessarily wrong when he got it, but plans changed. It happens. No need for members to dog on him.

You seem to be having selective memory. @wdwmagic also posted

In a short statement about the future of MuppetVision 3D, Disney said, "As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future."

and in regard to the Jim Henson company statement,

While the closure of MuppetVision 3D in its current form at Disney's Hollywood Studios is blow for fans, The Jim Henson Company's statement hints at a promising future. The phrase "we look forward to MuppetVision 3D's next act" suggests that this beloved attraction is not gone forever, but rather poised for an evolution—perhaps in a new format, location, or even as part of a digital experience.

So let's wait for the final announcement on what's next for MV3D before pronouncing its doom, if at all.

 

[mattpeto]

Dreams that Soar is long gone.

Not even Disney would deny that LL profit guides their plans. That’s why they created LL. You don’t have to pretend.

No doubt LL revenue is built into their decision making.

You think the AK carousel will also have a LL too?

 

[Casper Gutman]

No doubt LL revenue is built into their decision making.

You think the AK carousel will also have a LL too?

Dumbo, Magic Carpets, Mad Tea Party… they all have LLs. Why wouldn’t the new carousel, especially in a park that desperately needs more attractions in the program to justify the price of the pass?

 

[Blobbles]

What I like about this is that it is still the “Rock N Rollercoaster”, keeping the iconic name while expanding on the concept. Wish that route was taken more often

 

[NelsonRD]

Aside from the characters on Sesame Street, the Muppets have never been targeted at children. The Muppet Show was certainly made for adult audiences.

Whether muppets appeal to children or not, I still stand by my statement that this is makes the ride appear and feel immature.

 

[Lilofan]

Whether muppets appeal to children or not, I still stand by my statement that this is makes the ride appear and feel immature.

Muppets is family friendly. Aerosmith way of life was sex drugs and rock n roll for many years. It is amazing the band members did not overdose and pass away during the time in the band.

 

[NelsonRD]

Muppets is family friendly. Aerosmith way of life was sex drugs and rock n roll for many years. It is amazing the band members did not overdose and pass away during the time in the band.

Muppets may be family friendly, but the coaster is not.