Attraction Review: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
From the ashes, they have risen…and they are made of felt.
Yes, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has returned after a brief absence.
Where once stood Steven Tyler, now we have Scooter for some reason.
His task is simple: he must bring order from the chaos of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.
Here’s an attraction review of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Let’s just say that a good time will be had by all.
About Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Everyone’s favorite roller coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is…Slinky Dog Dash.
For the longest time, that wasn’t true, but then Toy Story Land arrived. At that moment, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith instantly felt dated.
I mean, the band’s first hit singles debuted in the 1970s, 20 years before Toy Story even existed.
Also, Steven Tyler was starting to look creepier than Uncle Deadly. Yeah, that’s not good.
Frankly, Aerosmith never quite fit the vibe of Walt Disney World.
Photo: Disney
Since the thrill ride was so exciting, nobody really cared, though. From the beginning, Disney sold Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as unique.
Photo: Disney
Nobody expected such a jarringly violent attraction at a Disney theme park.
The fact that an Aerosmith soundtrack blared through the speakers made it all the more shocking.
Photo: Disney
Imagineers used people’s expectations against us in creating a liquid-metal hot ride.
Better yet, Aerosmith’s music largely stood the test of time, no small feat.
So, Disney bet on the right band, and the decision paid dividends for decades. Once Slinky Dog Dash arrived, tourists focused more on the negatives.
Photo: Disney
From the beginning, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was a VERY short ride.
One second, you’re counting down until the ride starts.
Then, less than 90 seconds later, you’ve already come to a complete stop.
This realization is every bit as jolting as the ride’s intense start.
In case you’ve forgotten, guests reach 57 miles per hour in less than three seconds.
Once upon a time, that was an amazing feat. Now, your average electric car can do it. Long story short, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster had gotten long in the tooth.
An Eye for an Eye
Photo: Reddit
As Aerosmith grew dustier than the lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, something else was happening.
Disney chose to reclaim the space at Muppet*Vision 3D for Monstropolis.
Photo: Disney
In a year or two, we’ll get a new doors-themed roller coaster to add to the park’s current thrill rides.
In the interim, Disney fans understandably revolted over the loss. Muppet*Vision 3D was one of the most significant attractions at Disney World.
When park planners killed it, they knew they needed a plan B.
Photo: Disney
So, one hand washed the other when Disney killed two birds with one stone.
The company realized it could replace Aerosmith with The Muppets.
This move seemed a bit desperate at the time, yet here we are. Fans are raving about the new version, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
In 2026, the characters are experiencing a bit of a renaissance anyway.
Disney recently released a Sabrina Carpenter-intensive episode of The Muppets on Disney+.
Photo: Disney
Fans quickly remembered just how charming and adorable these characters are.
Thus, the timing of a new Muppets-based ride felt like kismet, even if it was the product of cold calculation.
About the New Ride
I should warn you that most of the changes to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are cosmetic.
The new version of the ride lasts the same amount of time as the Aerosmith one.
Photo: Disney
When you’re riding, you will notice a few sights and sounds, including an Easter egg.
The death of Muppets Courtyard also meant the end of PizzeRizzo. Alert guests will notice a billboard for the defunct restaurant during the ride.
Photo: Disney
Little touches like this pop up throughout the roller coaster, not that you can always tell. Since the ride maintains its previous velocity, life comes at you fast.
You may not notice all the things happening right in front of you during the journey.
Photo: Disney
That’s okay, though! You’ll be rocking out to an entirely new soundtrack. Disney licensed new music, including legendary bands like Def Leppard and Blur.
Okay, Blur isn’t exactly legendary, but the band’s “Song 2” sure is. Kelly Clarkson also performs a cover of “Walking on Sunshine” for this ride.
Photo: Disney
In that way, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster mirrors Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
Disney created an entirely new soundtrack to match the updated attraction.
Photo: Disney
That’s the biggest difference here other than the pre-ride scene.
Previously, a couple of actors you may have known begged Aerosmith to leave for the show.
Now, Scooter and a few Muppets you may know beg Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem to leave for the show.
Somehow, the whole thing is MUCH more entertaining when it’s The Muppets, though.
Disney even added a subtle bit of doomscrolling at one point. You can read what fans have to say about The Muppets while you’re watching the show.
Attraction Review: RnR Starring The Muppets
Photo: Disney
A few years ago, my wife put her foot down and said she would never ride RnR again.
She found the ride far too rough, pointing out that it often gave her a headache.
Photo: Disney
As I stressed early, RnR has remained almost entirely the same other than the branding.
So, I’m amused to report that she loooooved the new version of the ride. In fact, she unashamedly said that she’ll ride it every time she visits the park.
Don’t let the inconsistency/hypocrisy confuse you. She’s right.
There’s something about The Muppets that fits better with this ride experience.
The pre-ride show will put a smile on your face and leave you grinning.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets
You may never pronounce “limo” the same way again due to Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.
Yes, he plays a key role here, as does poor Beaker, who, as usual, suffers mightily. The whole thing is so silly and upbeat that it feels right at home at Disney World.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets
Even better, I got Def Leppard’s Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) during my ride.
This seems like a good time to mention that Def Leppard is my favorite music act ever.
Photo: Disney
So, Disney put its thumb on the scale for me personally, spiking my enjoyment.
Still, I suspect I would have bopped along to any of the other four songs. All of them strike me as perfect fits for the energy and fury of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Final Thoughts
To a larger point, Disney did right by The Muppets and their fans. This ride feels like a better use of the characters than the admittedly outdated Muppet*Vision 3D.
Yes, I know that it’s sacrilege to say, but come on! How many times have you seen that show?
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is new, fresh, and oh so fun.
You’re going to looooooooooove what Disney has done here!
