Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is now closed for a multi-month refurbishment. With this, rumors and hypothesis are swirling about whether or not it’ll star a brand new band upon reopening. This covers that, debunks what’s probably false, and engages in enjoyable armchair Imagineering about themes, characters, films, and bands that may work as a alternative.
From the outset, we wish to be crystal clear that nothing official by way of adjustments to the journey. To the opposite, Walt Disney World has publicly acknowledged that the “rocktastic attraction will resume its super-stretch limo rides in summer 2023.” Now, the rocktastic and limo references might simply be enjoyable wording, however they do counsel that the rockin’ nature of the curler coaster just isn’t altering.
Internally, Disney went a step additional than this. The firm knowledgeable Cast Members late final 12 months that journey goes down for normal upkeep, and there can be no adjustments to the visitor expertise because of the routine refurbishment. Given that, it looks as if an open and shut case–the journey will reopen considerably the identical because it closed, proper? Well, it’s doubtlessly a bit extra sophisticated than that…
More lately, Walt Disney World filed two building permits for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith’s prolonged closure. One is a simple allow for electrical work–nothing attention-grabbing about that one. However, the opposite is for normal building with a Adena Corporation, a daily collaborator with Disney that has curler coaster experience. Their involvement might imply various issues: changing parts of the monitor, upgrading the launch system, or in any other case refreshing parts of the coaster to increase its life.
There’s additionally the truth that Disney intentionally overrode the default expiration date for each of those permits, and adjusted them to September 2023. This might imply nothing in any respect–nevertheless it was a deliberate change that means Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster received’t be reopening through the coronary heart of summer season season.
Suffice to say, if the scope of the mission has grown since Walt Disney World’s unique inner assertion that this is able to be a routine refurbishment, it’s solely doable some guest-facing adjustments are additionally made. The longer the mission and the extra it prices the corporate, the extra stress/want there can be for this to be a full-scale reimagining that provides the journey new life and marketability. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is already a well-liked journey, nevertheless it might definitely have much more drawing energy.
There even have been actual world adjustments since then. Days after the “routine” refurbishment was introduced, Steven Tyler was formally named in a lawsuit that was first filed in December in opposition to unnamed defendants. The litigation was introduced in Los Angeles County Superior Court after new California laws prolonged the window for baby sexual abuse allegations. In it, the plaintiff alleges Tyler began abusing her within the Seventies when she was 16, accusing him of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional misery.
The objective of this submit is to not assess the benefit of the allegations in opposition to Steven Tyler, the probability he’ll settle or prevail at trial, or something of that kind. We’re going to sidestep that solely as a result of, frankly, the end result right here doesn’t a lot matter. This Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster refurbishment can be over earlier than there’s an final result in that case.
Regardless of the eventual final result of the case, it’s pretty plain that showcasing a rock band from the Seventies is a legal responsibility for Walt Disney World. Not simply Aerosmith…just about any rock band of that period. Not as a result of all of them did unsavory issues, however as a result of it’s inconceivable to vet at this level.
Between elevated social scrutiny and Disney’s family-friendly picture, it’s merely an pointless and imprudent threat. We’ve beforehand reported that Disney has contingency plans in place that may enable the corporate to take away all references to Aerosmith in a single day. That could also be a slight exaggeration–given how lengthy it took to construct TRON Lightcycle Run, I’m guessing the changeover would take no less than per week. But the purpose stands. And to my data, that is nothing new–Disney has had such contingency plans for years. (It’s doable that is an city legend, however I’ve heard the identical about different points of interest, together with one at Universal Studios Florida.)
From my perspective, altering the journey is a fairly simple resolution for Disney. When you mix the allegations with the chance of extra skeletons and weigh that in opposition to the present advertising and marketing energy of Aerosmith, the apparent conclusion, I feel, is that it’s time to retheme the journey. And I say this as somebody who loves Aerosmith’s music.
Reimagining Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster isn’t just the protected transfer, however it will be cash properly spent. It presents a possibility for Imagineering to simply inject new life in an attraction that’s inherently widespread as a thrill journey, and would give the corporate one thing to market in early 2024. In mild of that, what are potential prospects for a rethemed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?
You may’ve heard “rumors” earlier this week that Imagineering plans to retheme Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Walt Disney World 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’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. (And can also be within the wonderful Party Down, which you’ll be able to catch on Hulu!)
The actor appeared in a current episode of ‘Office Hours Live’ on YouTube and made a matter-of-fact however offhand remark that Aerosmith was going to get replaced by Queen on the curler coaster on the Disney’s Hollywood Studios journey. On its face, this appears credible. After all, Marino is within the preshow and actors from points of interest have been the supply of leaks up to now. (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Star Tours are notable examples.)
However, Marino conceded that this isn’t a reputable rumor after being inundated with questions from diehard Disney followers. He tweeted: “I have no idea what they are changing it to. Some one said that to me at some point so then I said it. It was more of rumor than anything else I suppose. Maybe it’s gonna be the new Billie Holiday ride. Could be good.”
Oddly sufficient, celebrities regurgitating on-line hypothesis as reality is one other factor we’ve seen up to now. In equity to Marino, except you might be deep within the Disney fandom, it may be very tough to separate wishful pondering from rumor. A standard particular person may hear hypothesis and take it at face worth. After all, what sort of Disney dork would give a lot thought to theme parks?! (Harsh however true.)
With that in thoughts, it’s protected to say this Queen rumor just isn’t credible. Nevertheless, I can perceive the way it’s grown legs. Queen has seen a resurgence in recognition due to Bohemian Rhapsody, the band’s again catalog is nice, and there are a number of songs that may lend themselves to a curler coaster. If the purpose is to interchange Aerosmith with one other timeless band that received’t really feel dated in a decade, Queen could be the very best choose.
I’ve heard different followers point out Metallica, Journey, the Beatles, Eagles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, U2, and lots of others. Everyone has their favourite musicians that they’d wish to see. I’ve talked about earlier than that my vote would go to Led Zeppelin. Swapping out one band for an additional would positively be the best routine for a retheme, as it will enable among the pre-show and present scenes to stay the identical.
Nevertheless, I’m skeptical of Disney going that route. Centering the journey round just about any band presents a possible long-term legal responsibility–it’s completely different from merely that includes their music, which provides extra of a disconnect. I additionally query simply how a lot cultural relevance any of these bands have with younger individuals. Queen could be having fun with a resurgence and the remainder get common play time by us, however does the TikTook technology know who they’re? Then once more, does that matter? A thrill journey does maintain an inherent quantity of recognition.
Still, if a distinct band wouldn’t appeal to a broader viewers or have improved drawing energy, and wouldn’t current synergistic alternatives for Disney, what’s the purpose? It’d merely be spending cash and making a change for change’s sake. If it received’t be a marketable addition that incentivizes individuals to e book journeys to Walt Disney World, it most likely isn’t going to occur.
That brings us to different doubtlessly nice concepts which might be likewise uncertain. Years in the past, one in every of my concepts for a ‘Muppets Takeover’ of Disney’s Hollywood Studios was a Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster reimagining that includes nationwide treasures Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem Band and a redone entrance to Pantages Theater, Amoeba Records, or Roxie Theatre.
Another choice can be a “Great Muppets Music Ride” that options these characters within the queue and pre-show, however encompasses a random journey soundtrack of precise rock music from the aforementioned bands. This is a part of Cosmic Rewind’s recipes for fulfillment, would provide the specified disconnect between band and music, whereas additionally giving the coaster infinite re-rideability. It would even be a pleasant olive department for eradicating Great Movie Ride however not changing it with Great Muppet Movie Ride!
Similarly, one choice I’ve heard talked about is popping Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster right into a Max Goof “Powerline” journey. Wait a minute…I like that concept! Seriously, I want I might take credit score, nevertheless it’s not mine. (I don’t recall who initially did point out it, however I’ve seen it a number of occasions within the feedback right here and on our Facebook web page. Props to whoever first had the thought!)
Not to be a buzzkill, however simply because one thing is an superior concept doesn’t imply it’s sensible. Sadly, this nation doesn’t recognize tradition, and each the Muppets and Powerline take pleasure in restricted recognition with small however passionate fanbases. It’s one factor to function them in low-budget, low-capacity leisure or meet & greets; it’s one other solely to middle a high-capacity thrill journey round them. Then once more, I additionally thought TRON was too area of interest for a significant new curler coaster, so what do I do know?!
However, there’s additionally one other drawback with redoing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to characters from animated films: it’s essentially the most intense journey at Walt Disney World. It additionally has the best peak requirement at 48 inches. I might see this giving Disney pause about tying the attraction to family-friendly animated characters, which might sign it’s applicable for all audiences. The Muppets most likely escape this concern, however Powerline doesn’t. Even as a personality who’s primarily recognized by Millennials (and most of us are taller than 48″ by now), he’s nonetheless within the Goofy household.
You might level to Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure as being a similarly-intense curler coaster that additionally has a 48″ peak requirement. That’s honest. My counter can be that DCA has completely different demographics, and Imagineering was backed right into a nook with a Paradise Pier reimagining. Toy Story Midway Mania made Pixar the obvious alternative, and from there, The Incredibles is about as “adult” of a Pixar film as there may be. (Well, Wall-E–however that’s not precisely coaster materials.) There’s no such consideration with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which is remoted from the remainder of Sunset Boulevard.
I’m certain you’ve already guessed the obvious choices that would go away: Marvel and Star Wars. Even earlier than summarily dismissing the opposite armchair Imagineering candidates, these have been all the time the more than likely manufacturers within the Disney portfolio.
There’s precedent for a Star Wars overlay, which Disney has achieved earlier than with a number of completely different Space Mountains across the globe. I do know many purists hate it, I feel Hyperspace Mountain is shockingly good for what it’s. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s depth and velocity may make that kind of results tougher, however there’s additionally extra that could possibly be achieved within the pre-show.
However, I’m skeptical of this as a result of Imagineering and Lucasfilm have been fairly useless set on consolidating Star Wars into Galaxy’s Edge. As a results of that, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has already misplaced different Star Wars leisure elsewhere within the park. I nonetheless suppose that’s loopy, however no matter. There’s one other good cause not to do that: DHS doesn’t want one other high-profile Star Wars journey. (All ages and well-rounded leisure is a completely completely different story.)
Pretty a lot by technique of elimination, this leaves us with Marvel. You may recall that again in November 2018, the New York Times did a bit about how a lot Disney was spending on enlargement that included a tidbit about Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster being rethemed. The firm rapidly issued a denial–that there have been “no current plans” to retheme Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster “at this time.”
My perception then and now was that the story as initially printed was correct, and Disney unintentionally let the cat out of the bag early. The firm clearly participated within the piece and its writer is a seasoned Disney fan, not just a few random journalist who would’ve confused Paris and Florida. It nonetheless hasn’t occurred since, however March 2020 derailed plenty of plans.
Marvel made essentially the most sense then, and it nonetheless makes essentially the most sense now for a Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster alternative. Walt Disney Studios Park has already achieved precisely that with its incarnation of this attraction, turning it into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force. That reimagined curler coaster has obtained a blended response from followers, however that’s probably not related. Walt Disney World couldn’t do an Avengers attraction resulting from Universal’s Marvel contract. So completely different characters would essentially have to be chosen.
There are nonetheless loads of prospects, together with Black Panther and various different current movies and Disney+ exhibits from Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Four. Heck, it could possibly be an mash-up of characters that Imagineering finds an excuse to place collectively, together with an eclectic and randomized roster of songs from numerous Marvel films. Perhaps I’ll get my want for Led Zeppelin in spite of everything–few extra memorable combat scenes than the one with “Immigrant Song.”
Personally, I feel Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster changing into a Marvel attraction is probably going. Not essentially this 12 months or in 2024, however sooner or later within the medium-term. Iconic as Aerosmith could also be, it’s most likely honest to say that the band doesn’t have the identical cachet or identify recognition with youthful visitors. They’ve had a great run, nevertheless it’s time for one thing new–and possibly not one other band.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has already confirmed massively widespread, and there’s an urge for food for extra Marvel at Walt Disney World. While it clearly wouldn’t be similar, a thrill journey following that template–with a mixture of music and humor–can be actually well-received, and could possibly be achieved with a reimagining Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Ultimately, advocating for a Marvel alternative of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster most likely isn’t going to endear me to plenty of longtime followers who both dislike tremendous heroes or would like to not see Marvel shoehorned into one other space the place it doesn’t make excellent thematic sense. I’d counter that extra Marvel at Walt Disney World is an inevitability sooner or later. More points of interest can be constructed or repurposed; it’s a matter of when and the place, not if.
Recognizing that inevitability, I might ‘sacrifice’ Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster earlier than playing on a brand new location or one other reimagined journey. For one factor, this spot is pretty remoted from the remainder of the park and could possibly be remodeled into just about something with out disrupting broader thematic integrity. For one other, it’s Walt Disney World’s studios park, which is synonymous with IP dumping floor. Personally, I’d quite see Marvel right here than in World Showcase or Animal Kingdom. (I’m not saying these are severe alternate options–I simply don’t wish to threat it.)
There’s additionally the truth that budgets are finite. Doing a Marvel reimagining now whereas Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is already closed for an 8+ month refurbishment is probably going essentially the most cost-efficient doable choice, and leaves more cash for enlargement plans in Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.
In a nutshell, that’s my “pitch” for a reimagining of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Even although I don’t purchase the Queen “rumors” in any respect, I hope one thing really is occurring. In my view, this a lot downtime with out substantive adjustments to the journey can be an enormous squandered alternative, necessitating future downtime of this main journey within the subsequent ~5 years that can be extra expensive (each in {dollars} and wanted journey capability at DHS). Marvel would maximize marketability, and provides Walt Disney World one thing “new” to promote in Spring/Summer 2024, earlier than Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on the finish of the 12 months (or in 2025). It simply makes an excessive amount of sense…so it most likely received’t occur!
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Your Thoughts
What do you concentrate on the multi-month closure of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? Hopeful that it’ll nonetheless be “Starring Aerosmith” when it reopens? Or, would you favor a reimagining? Thoughts on potential bands, manufacturers, or tremendous heroes to interchange Aerosmith? What would get your vote, so to talk? Think Disney is being coy, and a retheme has really been deliberate all alongside? Any questions in regards to the present refurbishments at Walt Disney World? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we can assist you reply? Hearing your suggestions—even while you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!