Disney has officially announced that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will close on March 2nd, 2026, with its final day of operation set for March 1st. After more than 25 years of high-speed launches, backstage studio chaos, and that unmistakable rock soundtrack, the Aerosmith era is wrapping up to make way for the coaster’s next chapter: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
The current version of the ride opened in 1999 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and quickly became one of Disney’s most popular thrill attractions. Its zero-to-57 launch, indoor inversions, and blacklight Los Angeles “freeway” set it apart from anything else at Walt Disney World at the time. For many, it has also been a rare piece of 90s-era Hollywood Studios that remained largely unchanged. March 1st, 2026 will be the final chance to experience the original storyline and soundtrack before the attraction closes for its full re-theme.
Backstage work has already begun, as Disney suddenly [and sadly] permanently ended the Aerosmith preshow earlier this month, with the recording studio space now walled off.
What’s Coming Next
When the coaster reopens in summer 2026, it will be Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. The new version centers on Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem racing through Hollywood to reach their biggest concert yet. Disney has confirmed the attraction will feature Muppet Audio-Animatronics, including a new figure of Scooter inside the preshow, with hints of more Electric Mayhem band members or other Muppets appearing throughout the attraction.
The exterior is also getting a refresh. The massive red guitar will shift to a psychedelic Electric Mayhem-inspired design, complete with a golden piano key feature as a nod to Dr. Teeth.
In short, here is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s timeline:
- Last day to ride the Aerosmith version: March 1st, 2026
- Attraction closure begins: March 2nd, 2026
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens: Summer 2026
For longtime fans, this marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of something new, loud, colorful… and extremely Muppet-y.
