Walt Disney World has announced the Muppets are taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, replacing Aerosmith. Despite Kermit and co. being a fan-favorite franchise, the response has been rather mixed to this news. One of the surprising sticking points is whether the Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the Electric Mayhem Band belong in the Hollywood Studios thrill ride to begin with.
Before we attempt to answer that titular question, let’s quickly bring you up to speed on the big shake-up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced during the 2024 D23 Expo that a brand-new land themed around Monsters, Inc. will come to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc.
Walt Disney World fans quickly realized that Monstropolis would almost certainly need to replace an existing area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Further reinforcing this notion is that Disney released two pieces of concept art for Monstropolis, showing seemingly conflicting locations for the land. We previously discussed the potential candidates in What Will Walt Disney World Sacrifice for Monstropolis?
Unfortunately, we now know that the loser in the Monstropolis sweepstakes is Muppet Courtyard. Walt Disney World has announced that they’ll be opening ‘new doors’ for Muppets and Monsters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This means MuppetVision 3D closing to make way for the Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster and Monstropolis.
However, it also means the Muppets taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and replacing Aerosmith. This ride recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary, and Aerosmith took to social media to celebrate the occasion.
When the ride opened way back in 1999 at what was then known as the Disney-MGM Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was unprecedented. Disney had never done a roller coaster with a high-speed launch and multiple complete inversions, unexpected twists, turns, and high speed revolutions in the dark. It felt like the first time that Disney was aiming for Universal’s audience.
The opening act was quickly followed up with California Screamin’ at DCA (more on this in a bit) and a second (albeit very different) Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith in the Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris. Although subjective, I’d say that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is still the most intense thrill ride at Walt Disney World.
In any case, between its 25-year history, enduring popularity, and unprecedented nature, it should be wholly unsurprising that a certain segment of Walt Disney World fans are upset about the retirement of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Or, at least, of the last two words of the attraction name. We Walt Disney World fans tend to be a nostalgic bunch, so heartbreak over a ride reimagining comes with the territory.
I still have to admit to being slightly surprised by the fan reaction. When I first heard this rumor had a strong possibility of happening, my reaction was that losing MuppetVision 3D was the gut punch, but it was at least a silver lining that the Muppets would live on at Walt Disney World via Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. A suboptimal outcome, to be sure, but better than nothing.
My expectation was that this would be the reaction of most fans. And to be sure, I think that’s more or less the case. There are many Walt Disney World fans mourning MuppetVision, but far more than expected are also lamenting the loss of Aerosmith in Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Part of this, it would seem, is that I came to terms with losing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith roughly 6 years ago. Back in November 2018, the New York Times did a piece about how much Disney was spending on expansion that included a tidbit about Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster being rethemed. Disney quickly denied it and NYT corrected the piece, but from my perspective, the writing has been on the wall ever since.
In any case, let’s address some of the fan concerns about the Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster based on reader comments to the announcement…
The Muppets Are For Kids…
The critique here is that the Muppets are colorful puppets and therefore aimed at children, most of whom are too small for intense attractions. As a result, the target audience won’t even be able to ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with the Muppets, since it has a 48″ minimum height requirement.
This is actually something we’ve addressed in various posts about potential ride reimaginings of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster over the years. I pointed out this concern, but also that the Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure is an intense roller coaster that also has a 48″ height requirement.
The Incredibles is about as “adult” of a Pixar movie as there is (save for Wall-E–but that’s not exactly coaster material) and Disney California Adventure definitely has different demographics, but still. It was on this basis that I ruled out almost all Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studio tie-ins to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (specifically Inside Out and Zootopia).
The only exceptions to that were the Muppets (not animated, but similar idea) and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Max Goof as “Powerline.” My basis for this was that neither the Muppets nor Powerline are actually children’s franchises. They’re primarily popular with Millennials and older!
Personally, I greatly appreciate all of you parents who are introducing your kids to culture and have raised Muppets fans. You’re truly doing the Lord’s work. We plan on raising Megatron right and doing likewise. But I’m probably not wrong in saying that none of your kids’ friends are Muppets fans…right?
The height of the Muppets popularity was sometime 30 to 40 years ago. I’m no math expert, but I think that makes most of its fans old enough to meet that minimum height requirement. Muppets enthusiasts are (mostly) elder Millennials to Baby Boomers, not younger generations.
Heck, even those who were kids when the last two Muppets movies were released in theaters to mixed success are now old enough for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster–those films came out over a decade ago!
One of the big criticisms of Disney’s handling of the Muppets is that they’ve mismanaged them, failing to make them popular with younger audiences. While I’m critical of a lot that Disney has done–and I do think that the Muppets under Disney haven’t done great at nailing their trademark wit and humor–mismanaging the Muppets is not one of those things. The Muppets were fading long before Disney acquired them.
If anything, Disney has given the Muppets chance after chance. This is why I’ve written repeatedly that there must be someone high-up within the company who is a big Muppets fan. It’s because Disney keeps trying, despite repeated failures. (To be sure, some of those failures are self-induced. Disney has had kernels of good ideas with the Muppets that they didn’t give enough time to germinate.)
In any case, this brings us to the next critique…
The Muppets Aren’t Popular…
This is sadly accurate (see above). It’s impossible for me to argue on the one hand that the Muppets aren’t popular with kids under 48 inches and then argue that they are popular on the other hand. The Muppets do not have contemporary popularity on their side. They are not relevant. I’ll be the first to admit this.
What the Muppets have is cultural recognition and significance. As a franchise or brand, they are well-established and have longevity. Characters like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are memorable and iconic. They are similar to Mickey Mouse in this regard, and important parts of pop culture history.
What I would argue in addition to this is that even as the Muppets do not enjoy mainstream popularity, they are increasingly influential among key constituencies. Disney Adults love the Muppets. This is an powerful demographic that is only going to grow in the coming years as they enter their peak earning years.
As a retired Childless Disney Millennial, I can assure you that my (former) people will spend big on all things Muppets. I recently bought a couple of overpriced Muppet Christmas Carol shirts, which sold out in minutes to hours depending on the size and style. You better believe that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will move merchandise.
As a current Child-Having Disney Millennial (not sure that’s a thing…but it is now), I can also assure you that I will be fully indoctrinating our daughter into the ways of the Muppets. I’m sure I’m not the only one. The influence Millennial parents and purchasing power of Childless Millennials is something we’ve brought up countless times in the past, usually to justify a revival of Disney Afternoon stuff.
At a time when long-dormant franchises are being revived and rebooted to shocking success, there is something to be said for Disney’s approach in keeping the Muppets in the spotlight. The “bones” of the franchise are still strong, and these characters are one hit away from being big again–and that includes the back catalogue.
I don’t pretend to know what the kids these days find funny (mostly stuff that’s stupid, I assume), but the Muppets’ humor is timeless. They could be popular again. Maybe the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ride reimagining will play a role in that. Who knows.
Even if it doesn’t, honestly, who cares?
TRON is not popular. Twilight Zone is not popular. You could argue that many of the older animated movies upon which many of Disney’s dark rides are based aren’t all that popular anymore. It certainly could’ve been said about Splash Mountain, and maybe even Avatar (despite both movies in James Cameron’s franchise–and presumably all subsequent ones–doing gangbusters at the box office).
Something we’ve also said countless times is that a compelling attraction or land can overcome its source material. In fact, we were defenders of Pandora early-on when the land was announced and so many others called it “irrelevant.” Relevancy doesn’t matter when you have quality!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is popular because of the thrill ride at its core. I promise you that it will not be less popular with the Muppets as its hosts. That would be true even if they replaced the rock music with the “Meow Mix” jingle on loop. Wait a minute…I love that idea.
I would also be very careful before going down the “X isn’t sufficiently popular” road. Those of you trying to use that line to protest a Muppets overlay of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster might be inadvertently making Disney’s point for them with regard to replacing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
Not to mention Hall of Presidents, American Adventure, Spaceship Earth, Carousel of Progress, and any number of other attractions that fans might want to see saved now or in the future. In my view, popularity should not be the only metric used when determining an attraction’s value or placement at Walt Disney World.
In actuality, I think most Walt Disney World fans would agree with this sentiment. If so, I would simply ask that you not embrace it only when it suits your personal preferences. This line of reasoning is either a shield or a sword, not both.
Aerosmith is Irreplaceable…
I hate to break it to you, fellow elder Millennials and older, but Aerosmith also is not popular with the youth. And I say this as an Aerosmith fan! A few of you suggested that Aerosmith should keep the gig because they’re America’s all-time greatest rock ‘n’ roll band.
This is a highly dubious claim in a world where the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Beatles exist. (I’d personally add a few others to that list above Aerosmith, but my preferences are irrelevant–those are the four bands that own high perches in history.)
Regardless, the commonality among all bands on a ‘greatest of all time’ list is going to be their age. This is why we previously shot down “rumors” about Queen replacing Aerosmith–because it was a lateral move at best. It would require Disney paying for the expense of a reimagining, plus licensing fees all while promoting someone else’s catalogue while not moving the needle on bookings.
Although not necessarily outcome-determinative, there are two additional factors at play with the decision to replace Aerosmith. First, the band just retired from touring, effective immediately. “Peace Out: The Farewell Tour” was already set to be the final tour for Aerosmith, but the retirement came more abruptly due to lead singer Steven Tyler’s vocal injury.
Second, Steven Tyler has been named in two separate lawsuits in the last two years, accusing him of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. We do not seek to assess the merit of the allegations against Steven Tyler. Frankly, the outcome doesn’t much matter.
Regardless of what happens in courts of law, it’s fairly undeniable that showcasing a rock band from the 1970s is a liability for Walt Disney World. Not just Aerosmith…pretty much any rock band of that era! Many did unsavory things, and there are probably closets full of skeletons. Between increased social scrutiny and Disney’s family-friendly image, it’s an unnecessary and imprudent risk.
We’ve previously reported that Disney has contingency plans in place that would allow the company to remove all references to Aerosmith overnight (it’s a similar story with Jimmy Fallon over at Universal, from what we understand). That may be a slight exaggeration–given how long it took to construct CommuniCore Hall, I’m guessing the changeover would take at least a week.
As we’ve also pointed out previously, the only musician it would make sense to showcase in Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster would by Taylor Swift. Before you curmudgeons start grumbling about talent, overexposure, or who knows what else–this isn’t about your personal tastes (I personally prefer Aerosmith to Taylor Swift, but I also live on planet earth and know who is more popular). This is about the one musician who has marketability and drawing power that would actually justify the insane licensing fees.
That list is one entry long, and she’s it. So unless you’d prefer Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Taylor’s Version, it was always going to be Disney IP highlighted as part of a ride reimagining.
Imagineering Doesn’t Know What They’re Doing…
This one strikes me as fans not understanding how Disney makes decisions, assuming that Imagineering has the ultimate authority and chose to swap MuppetVision for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. To quote that one annoying commercial: “that’s not how it works…that’s not how any of this works!”
Think of Imagineering like the culinary team at a restaurant, Walt Disney World management as the guest, and you as a viewer watching on television. Like The Bear, but less stressful. For the restaurant in this example, let’s use Cítricos at the Grand Floridian.
It’s one of the best Disney restaurants anywhere, and the chef (Imagineering) has some truly ambitious and envelope-pushing dishes on the menu. Unfortunately, the guest (Walt Disney World management) keeps ordering the chicken nuggets from the kids menu.
The conclusion you could draw is that Citricos sucks now because it’s a prestigious restaurant that only serves is chicken nuggets. If you didn’t have insight into the full menu thanks to this being televised, that would be a reasonable conclusion. But if watching this on TV, you’d probably conclude that the guest is the problem. The meal can only be as good as what’s ordered.
So many of you are quick to point out that the international parks, Tokyo Disney Resort in particular, get all of the good stuff. Have you ever stopped to ask why? Despite Imagineering being the creative firm for all of them, why does Walt Disney World so often achieve the worst results? Think it through. It’s not as if Imagineering actively hates Walt Disney World and is making bad decisions exclusively for Florida. It’s the executives, not the creatives, who are the primary problem.
To be fair, sometimes the creative is bad or poorly executed. But most of the time, Imagineers are trying to make lemonade out of lemons, or to continue our tortured example, trying to make chicken nuggets that are actually ambitious and delicious.
It’s also again worth reiterating here that the Muppets are under the purview of Walt Disney Imagineering, and have been for the last few years. That’s likely how we got Muppets Haunted Mansion (and why it was so good) and also explains the promotional appearances of the Muppet characters.
Imagineers love the Muppets. They have zero interest in destroying MuppetVision. You had better believe that Imagineering pitched multiple plans on executives that would’ve saved MuppetVision, and pushed hard for leadership to order those. If you want to blame anyone for this outcome, direct your ire at Bob Iger, Josh D’Amaro, and Jeff Vahle.
While I don’t have perfect insight into how this went down, my strong suspicion is that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets was a hail mary by Imagineering to save the Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in some capacity in the hope that they could eventually build on it and turn this into a new Muppets miniland. It’s a small miracle that they even managed to accomplish this, to be perfectly honest. It’s also gotta be so despiriting for the Imagineers who did everything they could to save the Muppets be subject to backlash from fans who don’t understand how things work.
A Roller Coaster Isn’t Right for Muppets Humor…
Another one with which I mostly agree!
In a perfect world, the Muppets would have a meaty attraction. Say, a 17-minute show with a lengthy pre-show beforehand, waiting area loaded with gags, and theater including tons of effects. In other words, MuppetVision 3D. I would also gladly take a dark ride, perhaps the Great Muppets Movie Ride.
Again, see the above example about menu planning. Over the last few decades, I’d hazard a guess that there have been dozens upon dozens of such meaty attractions on Imagineering’s menu. We even know about a few of them! However, they’ve never been greenlit by the executives.
Ultimately, it’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets or nothing. Anything else that fans are debating is a false choice, at least from the perspective of Imagineering. Kind of like what happened recently with Country Bear Musical Jamboree, which is pretty far from my favorite attraction but better than the realistic alternative. (As an aside, the reason I’ve refrained from reviewing it is because I know the work Imagineering put into making that happen at all, and I have no desire to knock that. The passion and understanding of the bears shines through, regardless of the end product.)
My hope is that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will be well-executed. I don’t think there’s any chance it lives up to MuppetVision 3D for me based solely on my attraction preferences and the respective formats, but I think it could be good. If there’s one thing that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has shown us, it’s that roller coasters can be meaty attractions with a great sense of humor. If Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets ends up being a cross between MuppetVision 3D and Cosmic Rewind, it’ll be a huge win. At the very least, it’ll expose a huge number of new guests to the Muppets, and that alone makes it a distinctly patriotic attraction.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you think Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will “work” as an attraction? Are you upset about the Muppets replacing Aerosmith, Monsters replacing MuppetVision, or both? If MuppetVision were going away regardless, would you still be mad about the RnRC reimagining? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
