Disney Files Permit for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Ahead of Muppets Retheme

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Rock 'n' Roller Coaster overview

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Posted: Wednesday February 26, 2025 1:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has filed a Notice of Commencement (NOC) for a full repaint of the massive red guitar at the entrance to Rock' n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The last repaint of the structure took place in October 2021.

The iconic red guitar after its 2021 refurbishment

The permit suggests that Disney intends to maintain the iconic exterior of the attraction even as the ride undergoes its upcoming transformation into a Muppets-themed experience. If major structural changes to the facade were planned, it is unlikely Disney would proceed with a full repaint.

The exterior refurbishment as seen in 2021

The towering guitar has been a signature feature of Rock' n' Roller Coaster since its opening in 1999, welcoming guests to the high-speed indoor roller coaster. The ride, currently themed to Aerosmith, is set to undergo a major reimagining, bringing Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and other Muppets into the experience.

Muppets will be taking over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

While Disney has not yet announced a closure date for the ride, this latest development suggests that at least some elements of the existing exterior will remain in place.

Stay tuned for further updates as Disney moves forward with the transformation of this classic Hollywood Studios attraction.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster overview

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2600loop7 hours ago

my little kids can't wait to ride this in six years when they're big enough and they don't care about the muppets anymore

Agent H11 hours ago

I wish but @lentesta already confirmed that wasn’t happening.

Disgruntled Walt11 hours ago

I'm praying that they are moved to the building next door and the show reopens in 2026.

Jayspency12 hours ago

I'm praying that the statler and wardoff animatronics from MV3D are placed in a window in the alleyway and heckle guests before the launch

Brer Panther14 hours ago

I'd be pleasantly surprised if we got any animatronics.

Agent H1 day ago

AidenRodriguez7311 day ago

There will be a new accessible show in its place though. Plus I don't think the Muppets are going to lose popularity just because of the closure of MV3D. What they are saying is that Muppets as a brand, might get a few new eyes on it that would not have before. Plus if we do get a psuedo-Muppet courtyard down the line like some are rumoring (not saying Muppetvision but perhaps another show or even just fun theming + maybe a Meet + Greet) they can definitely broaden their reach.

andre851 day ago

Watched a video of Iron Man and it looked like total nonsense. As for animatronics, other placements where they could work: at the countdown launch, and less likely, the tunnel at the end (not even sure there's room there)

mergatroid1 day ago

Be interesting to see whether they add any animatronics in the pre-ride area or not? Disney could argue that no animatronics are needed because there are none currently in R 'n' R so why not just use screens like we currently have in the recording studio. During the actual ride the vehicle goes too fast to waste money on anything other than projections or glowing 'scenery' like we currently have. So realistically the only possible use of animatronics would be in the pre-show area where we currently have a film to watch. Visiting Disneyland Paris the year before last I went on the old R 'n' R there which they'd changed to an Iron Man attraction using the same track etc. They had an Iron Man animatronic in the line before the ride which was reasonably impressive but the altered attraction to me personally felt like a downgrade. It may well be just me that felt that way which is fine, it just felt it had lost something without the pumping music and storyline that you're off to see a show that just kind of worked.