Disney World turns Aerosmith roller coaster into a Muppet theme

Twenty-five years after it opened, Disney World’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Coaster featuring Aerosmith is losing ground to the Muppets. The Hollywood Studios attraction in Orlando, Florida, will soon be reimagined as a Muppet-themed coaster.

The upcoming change is a result of the domino effect created by the creation of the new Monsters, Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios. Longtime attraction Muppet*Vision 3D will close to make way for a new part of the park. To maintain the presence of the Muppets in Hollywood Studios, Kermit the Frog and company will take over Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster.

Exact dates have not been announced, but the theme park is telling visitors they can still enjoy Muppet*Vision 3D and Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith.

In recent years, there have been rumors that the Aerosmith brand could be removed due to sexual assault allegations against singer Steven Tyler. The lawsuit was dismissed, but Aerosmith stopped touring earlier this year due to an injury to Tyler’s voice. Perhaps with the band currently inactive, Disney World has decided it’s time to move on from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame appearance.

A statement from the official Disney Parks blog reads in part:

“To make room for the monsters, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and their other friends will moving straight ahead to Sunset Boulevard! But that’s not all: The Muppets are taking over the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!

We know many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy would be perfect for this coaster. Plus, as Disney’s first attraction to feature Muppets, this attraction is sure to have laughs, screams, and new tunes for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure, as well as plenty of Muppet-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard!

In the meantime, we still have plenty of time to hop on a super-long stretch limousine to the Forum to enjoy the Aerosmith rock ‘n’ roller coaster and watch Muppet*Vision 3D again before the final curtain.”

Concept art for the Muppets and Monsters, Inc. roller coasters. Earth” can be seen below.