Barely back from its big makeover, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is already showing up in Disney’s paperwork again — and fans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are asking what’s going on.
Disney has filed a fresh construction permit for the launch coaster, which has just reopened after a top-to-bottom overhaul that ditched its longtime Aerosmith identity in favor of a full Muppets takeover, complete with a new soundtrack blasting through the loops and corkscrews, a redesigned queue, and updated effects along the ride path.
Here’s how Disney itself describes the new storyline: “Step inside G-Force Records for a VIP tour of the Muppets’ music studio, where The Electric Mayhem is jamming out… and running very late for their own concert across town,” according to the Disney World website. “Scooter (their band manager), Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppets must hatch a plan to get everyone—including you—to the show!”
So why the new filing? The permit was submitted by Disney’s Sourcing & Procurement team and brings in Buena Vista Construction Company — Disney’s own in-house builder — to “provide labor, materials, and/or electrical for construction.” It was filed on August 26 and runs for a full year. Before anyone panics that another shutdown is coming, it’s worth noting this kind of paperwork often just covers cleanup work or lingering punch-list items after a reopening, not a second reimagining.
Meanwhile, just a short walk away, Hollywood Studios continues to evolve. The Monsters, Inc.-themed land taking shape nearby is on track for a partial debut in 2027, with new shops and eats themed to Monstropolis leading the way. The land’s headliner, a coaster built around the door-vault chase from the 2001 film, will follow once that section of construction finishes.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, who was Disney Experiences chairman at the time, got fans hyped for it back at D23 Expo 2024: “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” he said. “You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
So, what do you think — routine touch-ups, or is there more to this story? Sound off in the comments!
