Big shifts are unfolding at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and this time, the buzz isn’t about a flashy new opening. It’s about a major attraction closing down—and what that means for the rest of the park. With Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith gearing up for its final run before a massive retheme, Disney has officially locked in a timeline that’s raising some eyebrows.
The Ride That Anchored the Park
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has long been one of the top thrill rides at Hollywood Studios, reliably pulling in thousands of guests each day. But that won’t last much longer. Early 2026 will mark the start of an extensive closure as the ride transforms into a new Muppets-themed experience. That construction will stretch through the bulk of the year, leaving the park without one of its biggest crowd absorbers for months on end.
A Park Already Under Construction
The coaster isn’t the only thing disappearing from the lineup. Major sections of the park are already down, including Muppet*Vision 3D and its surrounding courtyard, which are being converted into Monstropolis. Animation Courtyard is also closed off for its own future project. With these areas gone, the rest of the park is already feeling tighter. Add one of the park’s largest thrill rides going offline, and it’s easy to see why fans are uneasy.
Disney’s Quiet Acknowledgment
Disney hasn’t issued a formal statement saying, “Yes, crowds are about to get worse,” but the timeline itself says plenty. Closing a top-tier coaster while other lands are behind walls suggests the company is aware that this will test the park’s limits. Long Lightning Lane return times, stretched standby queues, and packed walkways are likely to be the norm through most of 2026.
Fan Anxiety Builds
Guests have already started sounding off online. Many have described the situation as a “logistical nightmare,” worried that the park will feel like it’s half shut down for an entire year. For a place that’s already known for long lines at Tower of Terror and Rise of the Resistance, losing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a serious hit to the park’s capacity.
A Crowded Road Ahead
If everything stays on schedule, the reimagined Muppets coaster will open next summer, offering some relief. But until then, Disney is facing a situation where it may have to lean heavily on entertainment and nighttime spectaculars to keep things manageable. Whether that will be enough remains to be seen.
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