Disney World has rebranded the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios, replacing the Aerosmith theme with the Muppets [1].
The change marks a significant shift for the Orlando resort as it moves away from a long-running rock partnership to leverage its own intellectual property. By integrating the Muppets, Disney aims to create a fresh, family-friendly experience for guests at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida [2].
The original Aerosmith-themed attraction closed permanently in March 2024 [3]. Following that closure, Disney began the transition to a new theme centered on the Muppets band, Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem [1].
Details regarding the ride's audio experience have emerged, including a cover of Blur’s “Song 2” performed by the Muppets band [4]. The attraction is also expected to feature music from other artists, such as Def Leppard [4].
According to reports, the new Muppets-themed version of the coaster is scheduled to open in summer 2026 [5]. While some sources previously noted the opening date had not been announced, the summer 2026 window remains the primary target for the debut [5].
The rebranding represents a strategic pivot for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, swapping a licensed celebrity partnership for a character-driven franchise that appeals to a broader demographic of children, and adults [2].
“The original Aerosmith-themed attraction closed permanently in March 2024.”
This transition reflects a broader trend within Disney theme parks to prioritize internal intellectual property over third-party licensing agreements. By replacing a specific rock band with the Muppets, Disney reduces its reliance on external celebrity brands while maximizing the utility of its own character library to ensure the attraction remains timeless and family-centric.
