Rumors have swirled for years that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith shall be reimagined to function a brand new band or IP at Walt Disney International. This covers why the journey may exchange with a laugh armchair Imagineering about in all probability characters, motion pictures, and bands that might paintings instead. (Up to date August 4, 2024.)
For every of the closing two years, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster (RnRC) has long gone down for a multi-month refurbishment that modified not anything of substance concerning the enchantment. From the outset, Walt Disney International was once publicly crystal transparent that the rockin’ nature of the curler coaster was once no longer converting. That it was once a regimen refurbishment with vital repairs to beef up reliability and function.
On the time, we speculated that the prolonged downtime was once necessarily vital infrastructure paintings–changing parts of the monitor, upgrading the release gadget, or in a different way refreshing parts of the coaster to increase its existence. Principally, that the refurbishments would function a basis, and make allowance for a shorter next closure to reimagine the thematic parts of the enchantment.
Despite the fact that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster has now reopened and not anything has modified, we nonetheless are of the realization that the journey shall be reimagined and Aerosmith shall be got rid of in the following few years. Almost definitely ahead of 2026. There are a number of causes for this.
First, as a result of Aerosmith is retiring from traveling, efficient right away. The band introduced the inside track on its professional website online, explaining that they made the “heartbreaking and tough, however vital, choice – as a band of brothers – to retire from the traveling degree” because of lead singer Steven Tyler’s vocal harm.
“Peace Out: The Farewell Excursion” was once already set to be the general excursion for Aerosmith. After just a few stops, the agenda needed to be postponed because of Tyler’s vocal twine harm, with the band in need of to look forward to a complete restoration to move out on a excessive word. So irrespective of this information of the retirement, it was once coming a technique or some other within the subsequent yr or so.
2nd, Steven Tyler has been named in a lawsuit in California and some other lawsuit in New York. The allegations within the court cases are distinct however identical in nature, accusing him of sexual attack, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional misery.
We don’t search to evaluate the benefit of the allegations towards Steven Tyler. Frankly, the end result doesn’t a lot subject. Irrespective of what occurs in courts of regulation, it’s relatively simple that showcasing a rock band from the Seventies is a legal responsibility for Walt Disney International. Now not simply Aerosmith…just about any rock band of that technology! Many did unsavory issues, and there are likely closets filled with skeletons.
Between greater social scrutiny and Disney’s family-friendly symbol, it’s merely an pointless and imprudent possibility. We’ve in the past reported that Disney has contingency plans in position that might permit the corporate to take away all references to Aerosmith in a single day. That can be a slight exaggeration–given how lengthy it took to construct TRON Lightcycle Run, I’m guessing the changeover would take no less than every week. However the level stands.
To my wisdom, that is not anything new–Disney has had such contingency plans for years. (It’s imaginable that is an city legend, however I’ve heard the similar about different sights, together with one at Common Studios Florida that now all at once makes much more sense in gentle of reporting.)
Converting the journey is a straightforward choice for Disney. Whilst you mix the allegations and weigh that towards the present advertising and marketing energy of Aerosmith, the most obvious conclusion is that it’s time to retheme the journey. And I say this as any person who loves Aerosmith’s tune.
Reimagining Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster isn’t just the protected transfer, however it could be cash nicely spent. It items a chance for Imagineering to simply inject new existence in an enchantment that’s inherently widespread as a thrill journey, and would give the corporate one thing to marketplace in 2025 or 2026.
The following giant addition at the horizon is Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, which lately started the allow procedure and almost certainly gained’t get started severe building paintings till overdue 2024 or early 2025. Which means that Indiana Jones Journey, Encanto, and no matter else is deliberate gained’t open till 2026 on the earliest.
That leaves completely not anything for 2025, which is the yr that Common’s Epic Universe–a brand spanking new theme park–will debut. Until Walt Disney International is solely going to ‘surrender’ and let Common have 2025, they wish to get started shifting on one thing quickly as an “solution” to Epic Universe. About the one risk at this level is leisure and reimaginings–and few sights have as a lot untapped advertising and marketing doable as Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. A redone RnRC may well be executed in 6-8 months and can be a colossal draw with mainstream audiences.
In gentle of that, what are doable probabilities for a rethemed Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster?
Muppets Mayhem (Chance: Low) – Let’s get started with the choice that’s the dream of many Disney fanatics, us incorporated. All through the promotional push for Muppets Mayhem on Disney+, the collection co-creator, Jeff Yorkes, posted on Twitter in keeping with a piece of writing discussing rumors of a Muppets takeover of the joys journey, Yorkes mentioned: “Now not gonna lie–this was once completely a part of our authentic pitch and is some other piece of this dream. Palms-crossed that it occurs.”
This wasn’t the one time there’s been notable dialogue this yr concerning the Muppets taking up Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. In accordance with some other tweet suggesting a reimagining, former Imagineer Kevin Energetic mentioned, “if most effective any person had pitched that a couple of years with a complete preshow script and remedy…”
Sadly, The Muppets Mayhem was once canceled after just one season at the Disney+ streaming carrier. It turns into the newest in a protracted line of Muppets tasks on streaming, ABC, or YouTube that didn’t carry out in addition to the corporate had was hoping. This by myself makes the possibility of a Muppets takeover of RnRC, particularly one with a Muppets Mayhem connection, much less most probably.
Glance, I like the Muppets. This web page has a transparent pro-Muppets bias and won’t tolerate slander to their excellent names. However a couple of issues can also be true suddenly. First, that the Muppets are superior however nonetheless come what may don’t resonate with mainstream audiences. 2nd, that the Muppets have fanatics in Burbank and Glendale and feature been given probability after probability because of that. In any case, that Walt Disney International isn’t going to inexperienced gentle a journey reimagining in keeping with a cancelled collection. They simply aren’t. That’s the reverse of a marketable overlay.
Up to it pains me to mention it, I believe we will be able to safely rule out a Muppets takeover of…just about the rest, however particularly one of the most park’s hottest sights. The most efficient we will be able to hope for is extra leisure choices, like Vacations in Hollywood at Disney Jollywood Nights.
Rethemed to Queen (Chance: Close to 0) – There have additionally been “rumors” that Imagineering plans to retheme Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster at Walt Disney International to the band Queen. The supply of this rumor is actor Ken Marino, who performs the sound technician within the present pre-show for Rock’ n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
Alternatively, Marino conceded that this isn’t a reputable rumor after being inundated with questions from diehard Disney fanatics. He tweeted: “I do not know what they’re converting it to. Some one mentioned that to me sooner or later so then I mentioned it. It was once extra of rumor than anything I guess. Perhaps it’s gonna be the brand new Billie Vacation journey. Might be excellent.”
Queen has observed a resurgence in recognition due to Bohemian Rhapsody, the band’s again catalog is excellent, and there are a couple of songs that might lend themselves to a curler coaster. If the purpose is to switch Aerosmith with some other undying band that gained’t really feel dated in a decade, Queen could be the most productive imaginable select. However why would that be the purpose? Aerosmith may be arguably undying, and Queen appeals to nearly the very same demographic. It doesn’t draw any new visitors.
Accordingly, I’m skeptical of Disney going that course. Centering the journey round almost about any band additionally items a possible long-term legal responsibility–it’s other from merely that includes random rock ‘n’ roll tune, which gives extra of a disconnect. I additionally query simply how a lot cultural relevance any of the ones bands have with younger folks. Queen could be taking part in a resurgence, however is that sufficient to justify a reimagining?
If a distinct band wouldn’t draw in a broader target market or have stepped forward drawing energy, and wouldn’t provide synergistic alternatives for Disney, what’s the purpose? It’d merely be spending cash and making a transformation for exchange’s sake. If it gained’t be a marketable addition that incentivizes folks to e book journeys to Walt Disney International, it almost certainly isn’t going to occur. Because of this, I’d rule out the opportunity of Queen or virtually any musician, previous or provide.
Rethemed to Taylor Swift (Chance: Average) – Word the ruling out of “virtually any” musician. There are perhaps 3 exceptions to that: Beyoncé, Hannah Montana (fictional), or Taylor Swift. (Sorry fanatics of Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Types, Ed Sheeran, or whoever the heck “Chappell Roan” is, however the ones are the one ones who qualify–I don’t make the principles.)
No RnRC retheme has as a lot doable from a advertising and marketing viewpoint as Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster: Taylor’s Model. The curmudgeons available in the market are going to right away scoff at this, as hating the preferred factor has develop into a character for some. I’m no Swiftie (she wouldn’t crack my non-public most sensible 50 musicians), however I acknowledge that Taylor Swift is a juggernaut. And in addition, no longer the entirety must be aimed squarely at me.)
Love or hate her, there’s no denying Taylor Swift’s recognition–she transcends pop stardom. Disney already introduced “Taylor Swift: The Eras Excursion (Taylor’s Model)” to its Disney+ streaming carrier, so there’s already a longtime dating. There also are rumors she’ll have a long term function the MCU. (Possibly Disney may kill two birds with one stone, making this a Wonder and Taylor Swift curler coaster?!)
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster: Taylor’s Model is the only enchantment overlay that might convey a completely new target market to Walt Disney International. Simply take a look at what came about with the NFL, as Swifties watched “discovered soccer” and watched complete video games only for glimpses of the famous person. This reimagining by myself is usually a authentic solution to Epic Universe when it comes to drawing energy, which is sorta miserable, but it surely’s additionally correct.
Random Rock ‘n’ Roll (Chance: Low) – An alternative choice we’ve heard floated can be to have a redone front to Pantages Theater, Amoeba Data, or Roxie Theatre. This transfer can be unbelievable, making for a becoming counterpart to Grauman’s Chinese language Theater (Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway) and higher mix with the remainder of Sundown Street.
Within, have characters from one in all Disney’s franchises within the queue and pre-show, however includes a random journey soundtrack of tangible rock tune from quite a lot of bands. The soundtrack may well be customizable, having Aerosmith, Queen, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and a number of different present and previous bands.
This is a part of Cosmic Rewind’s recipes for good fortune, would provide the specified disconnect between band and tune, whilst additionally giving the coaster limitless re-rideability. I view this as a very good thought thematically and a realistic resolution that makes RnRC extra undying, however the advertising and marketing worth moves me as low. Cosmic Rewind’s hook isn’t vintage rock–it’s the Guardians of the Galaxy. This would want one thing identical to ensure that Disney to greenlight spending a ton of cash on it.
Zootopia Categorical (Chance: Low) – I’m throwing this one onto the checklist with a low chance of taking place no longer as it’s being rumored–on the contrary, I haven’t heard the rest–however as a result of Zootopia is not at the desk for an Animal Kingdom enlargement. The franchise is getting a Tree of Existence display, however that doesn’t appear to be a lot given its strategic significance to Disney.
Zootopia has two issues that make it a decently excellent candidate for a curler coaster: the Zootopia Categorical teach within the film and “Take a look at The whole lot” via Shakira. This is turning into one in all Disney’s new go-to songs that results in just about the entirety, and those two components mixed make for a non-zero probability that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster finally ends up getting a Zootopia retheme.
Within Out Emotional Curler Coaster (Chance: Low) – This makes the checklist for 2 easy causes: it’s an ideal identify and Within Out 2 made bookoo dollars on the field place of job, reversing a string of flops for Disney. As such, they’ve gotta be considering of the way to include the franchise into Walt Disney International.
Disneyland already has Within Out Emotional Whirlwind and, spoiler, it’s no longer superb. It’s a easy spinner, with the identify being essentially the most inventive a part of the enchantment. Differently, it’s a tale of squandered doable–one who doesn’t do justice to the franchise and then it’s named.
It’d be a identical tale with a RnRC retheme. If Within Out will get a coaster, what it in point of fact wishes is one thing extra like Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate–a tale coaster with display scenes. This by myself wouldn’t essentially forestall Disney from redoing the journey into Within Out, however there are different impediments to that (extra under).
Powerline Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster (Chance: Low to Average) – This might imply turning Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster right into a journey starring Max Goof “Powerline.” Wait a minute…I like that concept! Powerline has observed a resurgence lately, each on products and as a meet & greet persona on each coasts. This concept may not be as loopy because it sounds, particularly given the nature’s recognition with Millennial oldsters who may percentage this journey with their youngsters as they develop up.
I’m nonetheless skeptical. This nation doesn’t respect tradition, and each the Muppets and Powerline experience restricted recognition with small however passionate fanbases. It’s something to function them in low-budget, low-capacity leisure or meet & greets; it’s some other completely to heart a high-capacity thrill journey round them. Alternatively, I additionally concept TRON was once too area of interest for a big new curler coaster, so what do I do know?!
There’s additionally some other downside with redoing RnRC to characters from any of the above animated motion pictures: it’s essentially the most intense journey at Walt Disney International. It additionally has the easiest top requirement at 48 inches. I may see this giving Disney pause about tying the enchantment to family-friendly animated characters, which might sign it’s suitable for all audiences.
The Muppets almost certainly get away this worry, however Powerline doesn’t. Whilst a personality who’s basically identified via Millennials (and maximum folks are taller than 48″ via now), he’s nonetheless within the Goofy kinfolk. The peak prohibit may take a large number of characters and flicks from Disney and Pixar out of play. It will almost certainly do the similar to Within Out and Zootopia, which may be why we put a low chance for the ones.
Particularly, Incredicoaster at Disney California Journey is an intense curler coaster that still has a 48″ top requirement. Alternatively, DCA has other demographics, and Imagineering was once sponsored right into a nook with the Pixar Pier reimagining. The Incredibles is ready as “grownup” of a Pixar film as there may be. (Neatly, Wall-E–however that’s no longer precisely coaster subject material.) There’s no such attention with Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, which is remoted from the remainder of Sundown Street.
Wonder Coaster (Chance: Average to Top) – Through strategy of removal, this leaves us with Wonder. Again in November 2018, the New York Occasions did a work about how a lot Disney was once spending on enlargement that incorporated a tidbit about Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster being rethemed. The corporate temporarily issued a denial–that there have been “no present plans” to retheme the journey “presently.”
My trust then and now was once that the tale as initially revealed was once correct, and Disney by chance let the cat out of the bag early. The corporate obviously participated within the piece and its writer is a seasoned Disney fan, no longer only a few random journalist who would’ve perplexed Paris and Florida. It nonetheless hasn’t came about since, however March 2020 derailed a large number of plans.
Wonder made essentially the most sense then, and it nonetheless makes essentially the most sense now for a Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster alternative. Walt Disney Studios Park has already executed precisely that with its incarnation of this enchantment, turning it into Avengers Compile: Flight Pressure. That reimagined curler coaster has acquired a combined reaction from fanatics, however that’s no longer in point of fact related–Walt Disney International couldn’t do an Avengers enchantment because of Common’s Wonder contract.
There are nonetheless a number of probabilities, together with Black Panther and various different fresh and upcoming movies from the Wonder Cinematic Universe. Heck, it may well be an mash-up of characters that Imagineering unearths an excuse to position in combination, along side an eclectic and randomized roster of songs from quite a lot of Wonder motion pictures. Possibly I’ll get my want for Led Zeppelin in spite of everything–few extra memorable struggle scenes than the only with “Immigrant Music.”
In my opinion, I believe Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster turning into a Wonder enchantment is most probably. As famous above, my wager is that it occurs between now and 2026, however I’d be downright stunned if it doesn’t happen within the subsequent decade. Iconic as Aerosmith could also be, it’s almost certainly truthful to mention that the band doesn’t have the similar cachet or identify reputation with more youthful visitors. They’ve had a excellent run, but it surely’s time for one thing new–and almost certainly no longer some other band.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has already confirmed hugely widespread, and there’s an urge for food for extra Wonder at Walt Disney International. Whilst it clearly wouldn’t be similar, a thrill journey following that template–with a mixture of tune and humor–can be in point of fact well-received, and may well be completed with a reimagining Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster.
In a distinct timeline (or multiverse?), I may see a Mandalorian and Child Yoda coaster additionally being within the working. However I believe the ones characters will ultimately discover a extra everlasting house (no longer simply meet & greets) in Superstar Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and there almost certainly isn’t an urge for food to do much more Superstar Wars in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So Wonder it’s.
In the long run, advocating for a Wonder alternative of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster almost certainly isn’t going to endear me to a large number of longtime fanatics who both dislike tremendous heroes or would favor to no longer see Wonder shoehorned into some other house the place it doesn’t make easiest thematic sense. I’d counter that extra Wonder at Walt Disney International is an inevitability sooner or later. Extra sights shall be constructed or repurposed; it’s an issue of when and the place, no longer if.
Spotting that inevitability, I might ‘sacrifice’ RnRC ahead of playing on a brand new location or some other reimagined journey. For something, this spot is relatively remoted from the remainder of the park and may well be reworked into virtually the rest with out disrupting broader thematic integrity. For some other, it’s Walt Disney International’s studios park, which is synonymous with IP dumping floor. I’d fairly see Wonder right here than in International Exhibit or Animal Kingdom. (I’m no longer announcing the ones are severe possible choices–I simply don’t wish to possibility it.)
There’s additionally the truth that budgets are finite. Doing a Wonder reimagining to Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster–fairly than a brand new journey or land–is essentially the most cost-efficient imaginable choice, and leaves extra money for enlargement plans in Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom…and a much-needed 2nd segment to the EPCOT overhaul that features a reimagined Adventure into Creativeness.
In a nutshell, that’s my “pitch” for a reimagining of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. Above all else, I’m hoping one thing in truth occurs. Walt Disney International goes to wish one thing marketable in the following few years, and reimaginings are in point of fact the one card they’ve to play since they haven’t damaged floor on anything. Wonder would maximize marketability, and provides Walt Disney International one thing “new” to put it on the market after Tiana’s Bayou Journey opens in 2024. It simply makes an excessive amount of sense…so it almost certainly gained’t occur!
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Your Ideas
What do you take into accounts a possible reimagining of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster? Hope that it’ll nonetheless be “Starring Aerosmith” ceaselessly or do you want to listen to different tune? Ideas on doable bands, manufacturers, or tremendous heroes to switch Aerosmith? What would get your vote, so that you could talk? Do you settle or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we will be able to can help you solution? 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 under within the feedback!
