Similar to some other band of misfits, the Electrical Mayhem have a trip of their very own within the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets at Hollywood Studios. After over a dozen rides to listen to each tune and see each Easter Egg and gag, right here’s my assessment of Walt Disney Global’s new-look thrill trip that covers the great, unhealthy & unpleasant of the enchantment. (Caution: this trip assessment comprises spoilers.)
Some other ‘caution’ is that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets is my #1 maximum expected openings of 2026. As a fan who liked and nonetheless mourns the closure of MuppetVision 3-D, I view this reimagining as an olive department, and one with giant footwear to fill relative to that iconic enchantment. I deal with that Walt Disney Global made an enormous mistake in ultimate MuppetVision 3-D, and as a result, the RnRC reimagining was once at all times going to be a ‘lemonade out of lemons’ mission.
Additionally related because it pertains to my biases is that I preferred however didn’t love Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster by the point it closed. It was once prior to now #34 on my Scores of All Points of interest at Walt Disney Global, which in fact isn’t part unhealthy! One spot at the back of Residing with the Land and one forward of House Mountain (that’s proper).
Up to I liked RnRC as a youngster and nonetheless experience Aerosmith’s tune, I used to be able for a metamorphosis. I’m no longer certain whether or not all of this makes me a more difficult critic or more straightforward target market, however do with that knowledge what you’ll. Most likely you’ll conclude that this dude has loopy evaluations that aren’t price studying!
After experiencing Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets for the 1st time, the comparability that instantly got here to thoughts is that the Electrical Mayhem is mainly the Guardians of the Galaxy, however as Muppet musicians versus Surprise tremendous heroes. (Minor difference.)
The Guardians of the Galaxy have so far won two Disney sights. One is Cosmic Rewind over at EPCOT, a innovative curler coaster with a blockbuster funds that was once years within the making. The opposite is Challenge Breakout out at Disney California Journey, which was once a relatively fast ‘low dough’ reimagining to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Because it seems, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets has so much in commonplace with each. Whilst no longer absolute best, the reimagined trip belongs in the similar dialog as the ones Guardians of the Galaxy sights, which will have to talk volumes about this reimagining given the visitor reception to the Surprise hero-helmed sights.
Let’s stroll during the just right, unhealthy & unpleasant of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets from begin to end…
What Did No longer Trade
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith in the beginning opened in 1999, and when you rode the curler coaster then and now, you’d have the similar trip enjoy. Smartly, it most certainly wouldn’t be rather as easy.
Suffice to mention, the curler coaster observe and format are unchanged. It nonetheless includes a 0 to 57 MPH release and the entirety that defines probably the most intense curler coaster at Walt Disney Global. Paintings was once finished throughout two long refurbishments in 2023 and 2024 to increase the lifetime of the coaster and trip machine. For those who’re hoping for a basically other trip enjoy, regulate your expectancies.
That is the place the Guardians of the Galaxy – Challenge Breakout comes into play, as that was once roughly the similar blueprint for its Tower of Terror takeover. Whilst the underlying Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster serves because the blueprint for the Muppets makeover and may just simply be left out when you’re simply there for the thrills, so much has been added to reinforce the enjoy and upload to the re-rideability.
RnRC Muppets Makeover Backstory
The brand new backstory is very similar to the outdated one. The Electrical Mayhem are headlining their largest Hollywood live performance ever! There’s only one little downside: the band is nowhere to be discovered.
Throughout the city on the under-new-management G-Drive Information, we’re handled to a VIP excursion. The colourful team’s new digs are because of Scooter’s uncle, genuine property multi-millionaire and proprietor of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse.
The Muppets have already made those hallowed halls their very own, in tactics giant and small…
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Courtyard
Out within the Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster courtyard, the Electrical Mayhem has put their very own spin on that ruby-red guitar, that includes a colourful, psychedelic design encouraged by way of the vintage Muppet automobile paint process.
The piano motif on the base includes a golden key as a nod to a definite far-out band chief. And the L.I.M.O. (Long Speedy Movement Object) above the courtyard archway has its personal psychedelic paint process.
The archway and demonstrate construction had been repainted darkish grey. I don’t truly have a robust opinion in this. It took me like two days to get used to it, and now I believe the psychedelic paint pops a bit of extra towards the darker backdrop, however that’s no longer a hill I’d die on.
Within the Hallowed Halls of G-Drive Information
As prior to, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster has numerous outside overflow queue this is relatively unremarkable. Only a sea of switchbacks which can be in large part devoid of color, and will get ugly on crowded days.
Inside of you’ll be greeted by way of considerable air-conditioning, and if that doesn’t make you wish to have to prevent useless to your tracks, no doubt the brand new social media-inspired feeds within the foyer will. Don’t fear, it’s higher than it sounds.
Walt Disney Global is touting 45 mins of latest Muppets photos, and that’s simply what made it within the enchantment–much more was once left at the chopping room flooring. About half-hour of which can be right here on this first room. This photos replaces common ole band posters, and is an evident improve.
It happens by way of a number of temporary movies that includes the Muppets and superstar cameos, together with Awkwafina, Danny Trejo, Darren Criss, Travis Barker, Yvette Nicole Brown, Wayne Brady, “Bizarre Al” Yankovic, and others.
One spotlight for me was once Illeana Douglas reprising her function as the executive, which is one in every of a number of nods to Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith. A couple of enthusiasts have requested about this, so we’re glad to percentage that there are many surprises on that entrance, past simply what was once recycled from one model of the enchantment to the opposite. (There’s additionally numerous that.) Don’t fear, Ken Marino enthusiasts, he has a can’t leave out cameo later within the queue.
My best criticism about this loop is that the room the place it performs is small. Even with this coming prior to the merge level, you’ll best spend a couple of mins in right here. That’s a just right downside to have, and is best than the opposite of listening to the similar temporary snippet over and over since the line is slower than the loop is lengthy.
After that comes some other room with a show case that includes Muppets memorabilia. Following that’s the standby and Lightning Lane merge, after which the pre-show preserving house, which comprises Muppets live performance artwork, album covers, and a treasure trove of archival treats to your perusal.
Within the Studio Pre-Display
The pre-show takes visitors within the recording studio, the place you’ll to find The Electrical Mayhem cranking out the acquainted tunes of “Can You Image That?” as they rehearse for his or her giant live performance.
This pre-show occupies the similar area as the present Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith. It even makes use of the similar taste, with the Electrical Mayhem Band at the different facet of the recording studio “glass” by way of a big display.
The massive trade is that the pre-show is highlighted by way of 3 Audio Animatronics, that includes the first-ever determine of Scooter, who’s joined by way of two audio engineer penguins.
Scooter’s fluid motion and vary of movement are the unequivocal spotlight, just like Rocket Raccoon in Challenge Breakout…however higher! He looks as if a real, in-real-life Muppet, proper all the way down to the puppeteering rods in his hands.
The penguin Audio Animatronics upload a layer to the scene to make the studio really feel much less ‘flat.’ Additionally they upload Muppet absurdity to the combination, as those little guys exhibit their skilled vary in going from acting in an orchestra throughout MuppetVision 3-D to being audio engineers in Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster.
Additionally showing on separate displays flanking the principle one are Kermit and others. The nature showing at the video above Scooter is randomized, including a component of repeatability. Unsurprisingly, my favourite is Sam Eagle, who delivers a line that actually made me snigger out loud (to ruin this for you could possibly be distinctly unpatriotic). I will be able to begin quoting it out-of-context at house ASAP.
Additionally all the way through this room are quite a few Easter Eggs and references to the Muppets, MuppetVision, PizzeRizzo, or even Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith. It rewards astute eyes, however sadly, you’ve best were given a couple of minute and a part in right here!
This pre-show is a large development over its predecessor, and no longer only for the addition of 3 Audio Animatronics (despite the fact that that unquestionably doesn’t harm). It’s jam-packed with element, humorous and fodder for quotes. This was once obviously a exertions of affection, however it’s additionally evident that this pre-show had a wholesome funds.
The Alley Loading Zone
As soon as whisked out of the pre-show, visitors head out into the alley the place the rockin’ L.I.M.O. (pronounced lime-o) awaits. This loading zone is in large part the similar as prior to, proper all the way down to the parking storage being operated by way of Lock ‘n’ Roll Parking Programs. I used to be for my part relieved that this fictional corporate survived; it’s a height Nineties Imagineering pun, and is now canon within the Muppets universe.
We’ve already lined numerous what’s out right here in our Information to Easter Eggs in Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets. Suffice to mention, that is the densest house of the enchantment for props, harking back to the Muppets pre-show.
Critics may contend that that is throwaway fan carrier without a tale justification for current. They’re improper, and feature obviously by no means immersed themselves in parking garages in Los Angeles, the inner most depths of which nearly at all times include random assortments of junk.
Regardless, the Muppets are recognized for his or her eclectic nature, and there was once by no means the rest greater than the flimsiest of pretenses for all this junk within the MuppetVision pre-show. Infrequently it’s great to only experience junk for junk’s sake, and no person does junk higher than the Muppets.
The Experience: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Street Shuttle
After boarding the L.I.M.O., we get ready for release at the Hollywood 101. The fundamental billboard above the tunnel, nonetheless counts down, however has won a brilliant and colourful improve. It additionally adjustments in line with the tune that’s about to be performed at the trip. I do know this since the intro to “Strolling on Sunshine” is ceaselessly burned into my mind.
The release house appears nice, from twists on what was once prior to now right here to new main points. There’s much more to look than prior to, and regardless of how lengthy you linger within the loading house, you gained’t see all of it.
This makes for a bit of of a juxtaposition to the trip itself. It’s at all times been the case that the trip via portion of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster was once sparse. It was once mainly Lifeless House (Mountain): Pretend Hollywood Fwy Version. That continues to be true.
The nice is that the surroundings and landmarks of Tinseltown now characteristic a Muppet twist. It’s nonetheless the cut-out taste, however with Muppet gags added to the prevailing landmarks–proper all the way down to the palm bushes. The adjustments are amusing. My favourite is a deep reduce: Sweetums handing out maps a los angeles Drew Carey in Tremendous Megastar Limo (IYKYK).
That is just right sufficient as soon as the trip hits its stride, however my largest critique of the entire enchantment is that it’s too useless within the ~15 seconds after release. There aren’t any visuals on this area and many of the songs get started slowly. The trip truly would’ve benefited from even a few added cutouts (and most likely paint within the release tunnel) to bridge the space.
I didn’t be expecting this to modify, however was once nonetheless shocked by way of how ’empty’ the early portion of the curler coaster feels, my belief of which is most probably because of the tune beginning slower than the Aerosmith songs.
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster On-Experience Playlist
Whilst using Rock ’n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets, the tune takes heart level. The Electrical Mayhem teamed up with a few of rock’s largest names for the playlist. Any such 5 songs performs randomly on each and every trip:
- Track 2 – The Electrical Mayhem
- Born To Be Wild – The Electrical Mayhem feet. Camilla the Rooster
- Love Rollercoaster – The Electrical Mayhem feet. Jennifer Hudson & Questlove
- Rock! Rock! (Until You Drop) – The Electrical Mayhem feet. Def Leppard
- Strolling on Sunshine – The Electrical Mayhem feet. Kelly Clarkson
Not like Cosmic Rewind, the place the transparent consensus is that “September” is the most productive tune, my polling of alternative visitors published no such transparent favourite right here. If there may be one, it’s most certainly “Track 2.” However there surely isn’t an evident perfect or worst tune on Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets.
I’ve heard all the songs at least one time, together with “Strolling on Sunshine” six occasions, “Born to Be Wild” and “Love Curler Coaster” 4 occasions each and every. I’ve heard the ones such a lot of occasions as a result of I didn’t get “Track 2” to finish my assortment till my most up-to-date trip. In different information, I now have CTE.
I loved my first time listening to each and every of those songs, and sit up for doing long term “analysis” to look which I desire over the process a mean discuss with that doesn’t contain a number of consecutive ride-throughs of listening to “Strolling on Sunshine.” Doing the trip best a few times in an afternoon is consultant of ways the typical visitor will enjoy Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets.
What I will be able to say now’s that the tune doesn’t paintings as properly on Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets because it does on Cosmic Rewind. This shouldn’t come as an enormous wonder since that was once a brand new construct, and the Omnicoaster trip platform is tailored to ‘dance’ with tune.
I used to be nonetheless anticipating one thing moderately extra since Challenge Breakout does truly properly transferring with the tune, however there’s additionally the vital difference there that the trip profile was once reprogrammed for the tune. That couldn’t occur with Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster.
The tune on RnRC continues to be an asset, and amusing characteristic. It simply isn’t at the stage of Cosmic Rewind or Challenge Breakout, however that’s a prime bar that no different rides meet. It will’ve been great if the on-board audio machine was once upgraded, and even simply made louder. (Uncommon for the rest at Disney to be too quiet.)
At the plus facet, those songs are extra amusing than the Aerosmith soundtrack, and the randomized component plus the chance of bonus tracks provides to the re-rideability. Simply don’t move in anticipating Cosmic Rewind from the trip. The after the reality tune doesn’t paintings as properly with the cadence of the trip. It doesn’t “dance.”
Statler & Waldorf Audio Animatronics
In a dream come true state of affairs for me, the Statler and Waldorf Audio Animatronics from MuppetVision 3-D seem on-board the enchantment!
The curmudgeonly dynamic duo seem to be in an Airstream trailer, with bins of tomatoes in entrance of them. They’ve a number of strains of discussion, however except there’s a backup within the tunnel, you’ll best pay attention one or two jokes consistent with ride-through. Despite the fact that you best catch them for a fleeting second, they appear and sound nice (the audio handoff from tunnel to figures is well-done).
No longer best do Statler and Waldorf supply a lovely send-off to visitors, however they reprise a few of their perfect strains from MuppetVision. It’s the easiest 3-second finale to Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets. I want it had been longer.
The only unavoidable drawback is the staging of Statler and Waldorf.
Except you’re within the entrance left seat, you’ll be able to’t truly see them from the tunnel as you method sell off. And you’ll be able to’t truly see them from the sell off platform both, as a result of the way in which they’re angled.
This being a retrofit, there’s restricted area for Statler and Waldorf, and in need of to look extra of them is a great downside to have that encourages repeat rides. However the reasonable visitor isn’t going to trip time and again, so a minimum of lowering the space between jokes within the tunnel so extra audio will also be heard throughout backups can be a pleasing development.
Electrical Mayhem Put up-Display
After (spoiler alert) arriving to the live performance on time, you’ll see the Electrical Mayhem carry out “Can You Image That?” within the post-show trip picture assessment house.
That is recorded live performance photos, and it additionally contains a few superstar cameos and Easter Eggs. It’s price gazing after you safe your PhotoPass pictures.
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets Verdict
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets gives one thing for everybody. It has quintessential Muppets humor that demonstrates once more that Imagineering “will get” their emblem of humor. Nevertheless it’s no longer only for Muppets enthusiasts.
It has Easter Eggs, visible gags, references and tributes galore. It has superstar cameos. It has quite a lot of humor. If you’re any individual who enjoys having amusing, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets is for you. If you don’t, properly most likely Walt Disney Global isn’t for you.
Above I defined why you shouldn’t move in anticipating the curler coaster to be Cosmic Rewind, as a result of that’s surroundings your self up for unhappiness. Bringing that complete circle, I’d in fact argue that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets is the “opposite” Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
While the side of Cosmic Rewind this is perpetually repeatable is the trip itself, the a part of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets that I need to do over and over is the entirety else. This generally is a walk-through enchantment the place I take the Camilla Go out to the post-show and I’d be glad.
Simply to be transparent, it’s no longer that I dislike the ride-through portion of this or dislike the pre-show of that. It’s about their respective strengths, and which holds up extra after repeat stories. Judging by way of everybody cramming in opposition to the doorways in Cosmic Rewind, a minimum of part of that is rarely a debatable take. It’ll be attention-grabbing to look the level to which most people consents with me about RnRC, however I believe it’s additionally higher paced and, like the new Muppet Display revival, Disney has finished a just right process of providing one thing for everybody right here.
For the reason that I rank Cosmic Rewind because the #5 enchantment in all of Walt Disney Global, this will have to be seen as prime reward for Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets. It gained’t rank upper because of the respective curler coasters, however the queue, pre-show and post-show are higher right here. I will be able to’t consider ever tiring of all that–it’ll be the coaster itself that limits my rides. Once more, all just about the opposite of Cosmic Rewind.
In the end, that is just about the most productive conceivable end result for Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets. Within the grand scheme of items, my proceedings are minor, and most commonly ‘baked in’ by way of distinctive feature of the pre-existing trip machine. No enchantment is absolute best, and that’s doubly true of ones that experience the limitations of a retrofit. But one way or the other Imagineering controlled to seize lightning in a bottle right here–and pull off that feat in beneath 3 months!
My largest complaint is an oblique one, which is this can’t fill the footwear of MuppetVision 3-D. However that’s one thing we knew from the outset. There was once no sum of money or interest which may be put into this mission to show a curler coaster into that iconic, every age enchantment. The codecs and parameters are totally other, as is visitor accessibility. MuppetVision 3-D was once a countrywide treasure. A undying and culturally vital enchantment that are supposed to’ve been an untouchable a part of Disney historical past like Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean.
All of the ones issues nonetheless exist for me, however on the identical time, I acknowledge that extra informal visitors will enjoy Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. New Muppets enthusiasts might be solid within the procedure, similar to I become concerned with vintage motion pictures after experiencing Nice Film Experience. There are unquestionably silver linings, however we don’t need to gloss over the ‘authentic sin’ of ultimate MuppetVision that were given this rolling within the first position. That’s the ‘unpleasant’ of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets–that we needed to lose MuppetVision to get it.
The trip reimagining itself became out higher than anticipated, aided greatly by way of the hardcore Muppets enthusiasts in Walt Disney Imagineering who “get” the characters’ distinctive emblem of humor. They fought for this mission within the first position and labored tirelessly to verify the reimagining is well-done, reusing parts from MuppetVision that will differently be discarded, and one way or the other made this one thing particular. Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster is obviously a love letter from Imagineering to Jim Henson and the Muppets, they usually did superlative paintings right here.
It gained’t topic within the grand scheme of items or to the typical visitor, however the turnaround time additionally bodes properly for long term initiatives of this nature getting greenlit by way of Walt Disney Global management. Talking of which, now that Imagineering has pulled off a opposite Cosmic Rewind with the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, it’s time to begin speaking severely a couple of long term Muppets Courtyard on this house. This will have to be the beginning of a bona fide Muppet renaissance!
Making plans a Walt Disney Global go back and forth? Know about lodges on our Walt Disney Global Resorts Critiques web page. For the place to devour, learn our Walt Disney Global Eating place Critiques. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to shop for, learn our Guidelines for Saving Cash on Walt Disney Global Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at suave pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney Global Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most productive position to begin is our Walt Disney Global Shuttle Making plans Information for the entirety you wish to have to grasp!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you ever skilled Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets? Ideas on how the reimagined trip compares to its predecessor, Cosmic Rewind or Challenge Breakout? Are you excited for Muppets makeover? Do you settle or disagree with our tests? Any questions we will be able to assist you to resolution? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas beneath within the feedback!
