Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opens on May 26th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! May 26th also kicks off Cool Kids’ Summer and several other new attraction openings. Disney graciously invited us to see a special preview of the new version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and we’re so excited to share an in-depth look with all of you!
Waiting in the outside queue, guests are welcomed with an all-new background music loop from a wide-range of pop and rock artists. Some favorites we heard included The Go-Go’s, Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Paramore, Pink, and Avril Lavigne. The upbeat soundtrack instantly makes the ride experience feel like a party.
Celebrity Cameos
When Disney first announced the list of familiar faces appearing in the attraction, we were left wondering how they would be incorporated. We now know most appearances are in the very first room of the queue where the G-Force artists’ posters use to be. These posters are now screens showing a live feed of famous friends waiting for The Electric Mayhem concert to begin. With the location, it’s likely guests will only see one or two of these clips. Which is too bad – these videos are super funny and the full loop is over 15 minutes long. Here’s a look at who all’s included –
Neil Patrick Harris and Sam Eagle with a performance of Hamlet.
“Weird Al” Yankovic and Fozzie Bear swapping jokes backstage.
Awkwafina getting hangry and sharing snacks with Howard Tubman.
John Stamos trying to talk Bobo the Bear into letting him in the VIP section.
Darren Cris reuniting with Miss Piggy in the VIP section.
Queue
The queue before the pre-show consists of the live coverage of the concert plus memorabilia and photos of The Muppets in all of their musical performances.
Polka dot dress and matching hat worn by Miss Piggy in the 1980’s.
Replica of Kermit’s banjo used in “Rainbow Connection”.
Floyd and Janice’s original guitars from The Muppet Show.
Portrait of J.P. Grosse – Scooter’s uncle and owner of G-Force Records.
Pre-Show
The pre-show is reminiscent of the former Aerosmith attraction, featuring The Electric Mayhem recording and ultimately running late for their Hollywood show. Scooter and penguin audio tech animatronics are visible the entire pre-show along with fun tributes to the Aerosmith attraction. Some of these Easter eggs include a black Les Paul hanging on the wall, Kermit suggesting backstage passes, and a coffee mug that says “Hey! Hey! Hey!”.
Also look out for the PizzeRizzo box and cheese pizza scattered around the studio.
Loading Area
Just outside the pre-show room is a wall of employees of the month which are all Scooter… with one exception. Ken Marino is pictured as receiving the “Outstanding Lifetime Achievemnent” award. For those who don’t know, Ken is an actor from famous shows like Veronica Mars and was featured in the original Aerosmith pre-show as “Chris” who grabs Steven Tyler’s black Les Paul.
Once inside the loading area, the space feels like the familiar parking garage from before with the addition of Muppet props and incredible Easter eggs for fans.
Many of these props include original items from Muppet*Vision 3D like The Great Gonzo banner from the pre-show and the cannon used by the penguins inside the show.
Lock ‘n’ Roll was the name of the previous parking structure and this sticker has another callback – “Wait a minute! Wait a minute!”… I love that idea.
Since the L.I.M.O you ride on is an invention of the Muppet Labs Automotive Division, there are vehicles on display and signs of their creative process designing the L.I.M.O. Guests can spot two familiar vehicles – the tiny Interpol car from Muppets Most Wanted and the Muppet Mobile Labs from EPCOT.
The attraction has the same countdown from 5 to launch but now featuring Animal both in the audio and the screen above.
Attraction Exit
For Muppet fans hoping to see Statler and Waldorf, you’re in luck! Well, sort of. This grumpy duo is back from Muppet*Vision 3D but only visible from the ride vehicle as you zoom by to the exit. Once off the attraction, the view of the animatronics is blocked by the tent curtain. After exiting you head to the same area as before to view ride photos and see clips of The Electric Mayhem concert on the projected screen above. Hang around here if you can to see even more celebrity cameos in the concert footage.
Rock Around The Shop
Rock Around The Shop is back with new theming and a slew of new Muppet merchandise. You can see a better look of what’s coming here. These items won’t be for sale until the official opening on May 26th.
The signed Aerosmith photo at the attraction exit may be gone but signs of it remain. We’re “Cryin” that Aerosmith is gone but “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from the new Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster.
Watch our video of the full pre-show and POV below. Plus, follow along for more Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Starring the Muppets updates as we get closer to the official opening on May 26th!
