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Will Disney Retheme Hollywood Studios’ Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith?

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park at the Walt Disney World Resort recently announced that the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith would undergo an extended refurbishment next year, but will the iconic classic rock band still be part of the ride when it reopens?

Disney’s Hollywood Studios originally opened to complement the World Showcase at EPCOT Park by taking Guests through a similar circle tour of experiences but within the cinematic realm of Hollywood backlots and movie magic rather than international destinations. Since then, even Walt Disney Imagineering admits the Park’s goals and theming have adapted over time to include less behind-the-scenes action in favor of full immersion with lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.

hollywood studios entrance sunset

Credit: Disney

In fact, one of the best examples of this original goal is one of the most popular thrill rides at the Disney Park, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, which allows Guests to “race along the darkened freeways of Los Angeles” with the band to their concert after visiting their Hollywood music studio. As described by Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Hop into their gleaming limousine and speed off into the night as Aerosmith’s hard-rock harmonies fill the air. Buckle up before zooming through the city on this roller-coaster style attraction.

Rock This Way
Speed through iconic Hollywood landmarks. Maneuver past traffic jams and swoop into 3 thrilling inversions—2 rollover loops and one corkscrew—as the wind races across your face.

Will you make it to the year’s biggest concert in time?

What’s more, while they “live life in the fast lane,” passengers on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster hear renditions of Aerosmith songs such as “Walk This Way,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Sweet Emotion,” “Back in the Saddle,” and the semi-original “Love in a Roller Coaster” (written especially for the attraction) through a “125-speaker, 24-subwoofer, 32,000-watt audio system.”

Unfortunately, Guests hoping to ride with the band will have to wait until well into next year. Specifically, a statement on the Walt Disney World Resort website reads: “Beginning February 20, 2023, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be temporarily closed for refurbishment. This rocktastic attraction will resume its super-stretch limo rides in summer 2023.”

hollywood studios

Credit: Disney

However, many wonder if the refurbishments include not just ride improvements for its recent technical difficulties, but a complete overhaul of the ride concept. As Disney’s Hollywood Studios adapts to a changing climate and weathers the decades, it is constantly evolving in terms of Guest experience and IP offerings, prompting many to wonder if Disney will switch out the classic rock band for a musical artist more culturally relevant to younger generations.

Who would you like to race along the LA streets with, if not Aerosmith? DisneyTips will update this story as more information becomes available.

About Spencer Beck

Spencer is a lifelong lover of theme parks, princesses, and Disney history that recently relocated to Northern California. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA, where she was the founder and first president of the campus Disney Club. A former Cast Member still mourning the loss of the Disney Store, she now haunts the halls of the Walt Disney Family Museum, and shares her opinions with anyone who will listen @pinknpurble everywhere.