Big things are happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but this time the spotlight isn’t just on the Muppets themselves — it’s on the clock. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is set to close early in 2026 for a massive reimagining, and Disney has confirmed that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will open by summer of that same year.
That’s roughly eight months to pull off a major retheme of one of the most popular thrill rides at Walt Disney World — and fans aren’t exactly convinced it’s enough time.
A Timeline That Raises Eyebrows
While exact dates haven’t been revealed, the math is pretty simple. If the coaster closes in January and reopens in late August or early September, that gives Disney a turnaround of just eight months.
That may sound like a lot, but when compared to other major rethemes, it’s tight. Test Track took around 13 months to complete its overhaul. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure needed more than a year to reimagine Splash Mountain. Even those projects kept their ride systems intact — just as this one will — but they still required significant time to rebuild scenes, program new effects, and polish the guest experience.
Fans Fear an “Overlay,” Not a Full Retheme
The biggest concern among Muppets fans is that the project might not get the full treatment the characters deserve. With such a short timeline, many are predicting a lighter “overlay” rather than a complete transformation.
The track layout will stay the same, which is normal for rethemes like this. But changing out every set piece, adding new audio, lighting, projections, and animatronics — including a new pre-show — is a massive undertaking. Animatronic production alone often takes months.
Some fans have pointed to Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! as proof that it can be done fast. That attraction replaced Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure in just four months. But that project was the exception, not the rule, and it hasn’t been replicated on this scale at Walt Disney World in years.
Why This Ride Matters More Than Most
This isn’t just about replacing a roller coaster. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has been a park icon since 1999 and one of the few thrill rides capable of soaking up massive crowds. When it reopens with a new theme, fans expect it to be spectacular.
This ride is also stepping into a larger narrative: Muppet*Vision 3D has already closed, and that entire area is being reimagined as Monstropolis. Many longtime fans see this coaster as the Muppets’ best chance to have a major presence in the park again. A rushed retheme would sting even more if it feels like the Muppets didn’t get the investment they deserve.
A Risky Bet for 2026
Fans are hoping for the best but bracing for the possibility of something less impressive than promised. Eight months is a bold timeline — and while Disney has pulled off quick turnarounds before, this project carries far more weight.
It’s not just a ride. It’s the Muppets’ future in Hollywood Studios. And right now, fans are worried Disney might be moving too fast to make it truly great.
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