Disney has put an end to rumors about one of its most thrilling attractions.
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While Walt Disney World may be home to some of the world’s most iconic and beloved attractions, few rides compare to the intensity of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. This iconic thrill ride is fast, loud, and features a soundtrack entirely made up of classic Aerosmith tunes.
The ride consistently ranks as one of Walt Disney World’s most popular and crowded attractions, offering thousands of guests every day the chance to “rock out” with Aerosmith.
Disney closed this legendary coaster at the start of the year, informing guests that the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster would be undergoing an extensive refurbishment that would last until the end of the summer.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was originally intended to reopen to guests on July 27 but opened several weeks early on July 1, 2024, and with the ride’s reopening, Disney has effectively put an end to rumors of a potential retheme. Many assumed the attraction had closed due to its connection with Aerosmith, though these rumors have now been put to rest.
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Last year, rumors of a total retheme of Disney’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster began swirling online due to allegations made against Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. Tyler was accused of sexually assaulting Jeanne Bellino, who claimed she was 17 years old at the time of the incident. In 2022, Julia Holcomb sued Tyler for sexual assault and battery, also claiming she was a minor at the time of the incident.
In early 2024, a judge dismissed the suit from Bellino, though Tyler’s reputation had been damaged permanently. Because of these accusations, many assumed Disney would part ways with Aerosmith, even though the rock band is featured on one of the company’s most popular theme park attractions.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which was then called Disney MGM Studios, in the summer of 1999. Far more thrilling than most other rides at Walt Disney World, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster seeks to provide intense thrills to guests brave enough to hop on board the “super stretch” limo as they make their way to an Aerosmith concert.
While it takes place mostly in the dark, the coaster features Aerosmith branding, theming, and music around every turn, meaning a total overhaul would take quite a lot of work on Disney’s part.
Rumors continued to swirl about a potential retheme of the ride, with some hoping that The Muppets would take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Others hoped to see Powerline, the fictional pop sensation in A Goofy Movie (1995), take over the coaster.
Disney never confirmed nor denied its interest in a Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster retheme, but did hint at the rumored Powerline retheme earlier this year.
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With Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster finally returning this July, Disney has seemingly put all these rumors to rest. Despite Steven Tyler’s controversial nature and, as a result, the entire Aerosmith brand, Disney seems content with the current version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster for now.
As stated earlier, this coaster is one of the most popular rides at the Florida resort, standing neck and neck with other heavy hitters like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
It’s unclear what Disney’s ultimate plan is for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, with the company having a history of parting ways with celebrities and public figures facing criminal accusations.
What do you think Disney should do with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?
