In recent months and years, rumors have swirled around the possibility that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster could be rethemed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Controversies surrounding frontman Steven Tyler have fed speculation from fans to even actors in the original ride. But despite these whispers, it seems Aerosmith fans won’t miss a thing.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Rocks On
Reportedly, cast members of the attraction were told that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will reopen just as it closed, with the rockin’ jams of Aerosmith still serenading riders as they loop, twist, and dash through Los Angeles on their way to the band’s concert.
As allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged against frontman Steven Tyler, rumors have grown of the ride being rethemed to a less problematic musical group, with most people generally floating Queen as the potential replacement. A few weeks ago, one of the original cast members from the coaster’s preshow is claimed a retheme is on its way to the iconic British rock band, before backing off those claims a few days later. Now-prolific stand-up comedian Ken Marino got his start doing small bit roles as many actors in Los Angeles do, including as the sound mixer for Aerosmith in the recording studio preshow of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
This of course ended up with Marino stating he was merely repeating hearsay as fact, as Disney has not made any announcements about the attraction changing during its current multi-month refurbishment. Celebrities have made misplaced “announcements” about theme park ride updates which then don’t pan out, although Queen has been floated multiple times by fans as the most likely replacement for Aerosmith were the boys to be evicted from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Tyler is, of course, featured with the rest of Aerosmith as part of the Walt Disney World attraction Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which opened in 1999. The ride was also a 2002 opening day attraction in Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris but was recently replaced by Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, which utilizes the same track.
Despite occasional rumors, Disney has not removed Aerosmith from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which would involve a near complete retheming of the ride. In 2016, Disney did digitally alter a hand gesture by Tyler that could be considered obscene.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed in February 2023 for a months-long refurbishment. It is scheduled to reopen in the summer. Disney did not announce details about the refurbishment, but it would likely only include general maintenance, not any changes to the actual experience. However, this could change following the lawsuit against Tyler. Were Disney to remove Tyler and Aerosmith from the ride, it could potentially extend the refurbishment.
Are you happy to see Aerosmith sticking around at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments below!
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Glad it’s going to be sticking around 👍🏻
DAMNIT, I wanted this ride to change, who the heck even likes Aerosmith anymore?, I don’t care if it’s popular, the band has overstayed their welcome
Aerosmith and my opinion is a better band than Queen. I just hope if they ever switch to Queen that they don’t have Adam Lambert as the singer and they have Freddie Mercury. Both singers are strange in their own ways and have weird lifestyles but Adam Lambert is just over the top ridiculous.
I personally would love to see a change in groups…Queen would be awesome!! Aerosmith has gotten stale. Come on Disney…time for a refresh!
YEAH !!!!!!
Happy it’s staying…but I wish they would turn the volume of the music up in the queue, like it was when it opened.