Why Disney World Is Permanently Removing the Aerosmith Preshow from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Changes Ahead for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Disney World is quietly updating Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith as it prepares to transform the ride into a Muppets-themed attraction next year. On December 2, Entertainment Weekly reported that the ride’s pre-show entertainment has been permanently removed at Hollywood Studios. The video, which previously played in a room before guests entered the coaster, was boarded up and covered overnight.

The pre-recorded show took visitors behind the scenes of an Aerosmith recording session. It featured lead singer Steven Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford, and drummer Joey Kramer performing in a control room. The video also included cameos by a young Ken Marino, who played a sound engineer, and Illeana Douglas, appearing as Aerosmith’s manager.

Preparing for the Muppets

This removal is part of the preparations for a Muppets-themed transformation, set to open in Summer 2026. Guests will be welcomed into a new recording studio featuring members of the Electric Mayhem band, penguins working as audio engineers, and Scooter rushing to get the band on stage in front of fans.

“With the help from our friends at Muppet Labs and a very fast limousine, we’ll take a twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time,” the Disney Parks Blog post said. “Throughout the journey, you’ll hear the Electric Mayhem playing some of the most iconic, rockin’ hits in your ears to keep the music and adrenaline pumping.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matty Nyman (@mattysfabavenue)

A Ride Full of Music

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith first opened in 1999 with a giant red guitar on the ride building. According to the park’s website, the band invited guests into their “gleaming limousine” before racing across town to catch a concert. The ride vehicle features a 125-speaker, 14-subwoofer, 32,000-watt audio system that plays Aerosmith hits like “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Back in the Saddle,” and “Love in a Roller Coaster,” a twist on “Love in an Elevator.”

While no official closing date has been announced, park officials said guests will be able to ride the attraction through the end of the year.

Updates to the Exterior

Visitors won’t have to say goodbye to the large red guitar outside the building, but it will get a makeover. Disney stated the instrument will receive a “vibrant and psychedelic new design.”

Park officials first mentioned the arrival of the Muppets on Hollywood Studios’ Sunset Boulevard in June, with more details shared in August. While the exact opening date has yet to be confirmed, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets is planned to open in summer 2026.