REVIEW: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. The highly anticipated Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is making its debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closed last year in order to make way for the re-theming and now the wait is over! People are getting to ride the new coaster during previews, but on Wednesday I got to take a spin on the coaster myself as part of the Summer Fun Fest media event. First I’ll give you the specifics, then my honest opinion. Let’s go!
Disney Parks recently put out some spoilers, but I didn’t peek as I anticipated seeing everything for myself. As we previously reported, the large guitar outside of the building is all decked out in swirling colors and you can now hear various songs sung by The Electric Mayhem as you enter the courtyard. Other famous songs as well! As you walk through the initial queue area, you’ll see videos plus fun muppets photos on the wall!
In the location where you previously got some backstage passes, now we see Scooter, The Electric Mayhem and friends preparing for a concert. Ok spoiler alert, you still get backstage passes! The new pre-show is great with some definite nods to its predecessor. Kermit makes a cameo as well, and other fam. I thought this area was very well done.
On your way to the coaster load in, there are different Muppets props along the way. Most of this area is the same as before, just different decor. Animal counts down your launch… 5..4..3..2..1.. go! As we previously reported, the soundtrack for the coaster consists of 5 classic songs sung by the Electric Mayhem. The song I got was “Born to be Wild.” The ride itself is the same as the Aerosmith version, but Muppet nods as you go. It was fun to see a PizzeRizzo sign in there! It’s a wild ride ride of course. The ending is fantastic because my favorite haters, Statler and Waldorf make an appearance and some snarky comments before you leave your ride vehicle. At the end, before you enter the store, there’s Electric Mayhem concert footage featuring some celebrity cameos (Neil Patrick Harris, Darren Criss, Weird Al etc). There are SO many Easter Eggs throughout the experience, too many to count!
The retail store has been completely redone with some pretty cute Muppets merch! Much more than I realized. From shirts to accessories, plush and more. All will be available to purchase on May 26th!
Well, there you have it, the logistics of it all. Now it’s opinion time!
From the time you walk back towards the Muppets coaster, you’ll feel immersed in the theming. I love the new paint job on the guitar, the music is like listening to your favorite radio station, plus there’s a food booth themed for the Swedish Chef. They have a raspberry chocolate churro there that’s absolutely delicious! So far so good. The updated queue and preshow is also top notch and entertaining. If you were a big fan of the Aerosmith pre-show and knew it by heart, you’ll appreciate how Disney payed homage to it with the Muppets version. I know I did! It’s an update that was much needed. As much as people love Aerosmith, the Muppets are a bit more relevant with park goers. Although, I did hear a bit of people say they didn’t know a ton about the Muppets. Maybe this will bring the Muppets the attention that they deserve. Those of us who grew up with Kermit and crew totally get it, it’s like a throwback for us!
Let’s talk about the ride itself. It’s exactly the same. Yes, the new music and Muppets props inside are different, the coaster itself is not. Which we pretty much expected. It’s still a rough ride. A part of me hoped it would be smoother somehow, like they did over at Magic Kingdom with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It’s not. So, if you loved the previous coaster you’re in luck, they didn’t change a thing! If you’ve had a tough time before, well, you get the idea. I do have one complaint. Statler and Waldorf don’t get enough time to entertain us before we disembark. The coaster flies by them too fast, we need more of their banter and sarcasm if you ask me! They’re two of my favorites, so I might be a little biased.
The post show concert video is cute, I get that you may not stand there through the entire thing. Some just scan their bands for their ride photos and go. But if you decide to watch, you’ll see some celebrity cameos. One in particular, I was happy to see! You remember the manager for Aerosmith in the old show, yes? It’s Illeana Douglas! Well, we get to see her again, which I loved. Some, I didn’t realize who they were right away, like John Stamos, who was a bit blocked by a muppet concert goer! Stick around to watch if you can, and see who you can spot! The store is great, much better than I anticipated. Disney Consumer Products knocked it out of the park on this one! I saw so many things that I wanted to buy, I know I’ll be going back to shop once it’s available. So good!
EXTRA info-
The media party for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets was off the charts and featured a concert from the Electric Mayhem! There were some celebrities on hand as well, John Stamos, Darren Criss and Yvette Nicole Brown! Here’s a look!
From the immersive queue and hilarious pre-show to the updated soundtrack and endless Muppets references, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets delivers a fun new energy to this longtime Hollywood Studios favorite. While the coaster track itself remains the same, the updated theming brings fresh life to the attraction and gives Muppets fans plenty to smile about throughout the experience. Whether you grew up watching Kermit and the gang or are discovering The Muppets for the first time, this new version of the attraction looks ready to become another fan-favorite at Walt Disney World. Be sure to stay tuned to The Main Street Mouse for more Walt Disney World news, reviews, attraction updates, and coverage from Disney’s Summer Fun Fest.
You May Also Enjoy: Welcome to G-Force Records: Inside the New Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.
The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.