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 seemingly false, and engages in enjoyable armchair Imagineering about themes, characters, motion pictures, and bands that may work as a substitute.
From the outset, we need to be crystal clear that nothing official when it comes to adjustments to the trip. 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 recommend that the rockin’ nature of the curler coaster isn’t altering.
Internally, Disney went a step additional than this. The firm knowledgeable Cast Members late final yr that trip goes down for normal upkeep, and there shall be no adjustments to the visitor expertise because of the routine refurbishment. Given that, it looks as if an open and shut case–the trip will reopen considerably the identical because it closed, proper? Well, it’s probably a bit extra sophisticated than that…
More not too long ago, Walt Disney World filed two building permits for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith’s prolonged closure. One is an easy allow for electrical work–nothing fascinating about that one. However, the opposite is for normal building with a Adena Corporation, an everyday collaborator with Disney that has curler coaster experience. Their involvement might imply quite a few issues: changing parts of the observe, upgrading the launch system, or in any other case refreshing elements 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–but it surely was a deliberate change that implies Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster received’t be reopening throughout the coronary heart of summer time season.
Suffice to say, if the scope of the challenge has grown since Walt Disney World’s authentic inside assertion that this is able to be a routine refurbishment, it’s totally attainable some guest-facing adjustments are additionally made. The longer the challenge and the extra it prices the corporate, the extra stress/want there shall be for this to be a full-scale reimagining that provides the trip new life and marketability. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is already a well-liked trip, but it surely 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 towards unnamed defendants. The litigation was introduced in Los Angeles County Superior Court after new California laws prolonged the window for little one 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 function of this put up is to not assess the benefit of the allegations towards Steven Tyler, the chance he’ll settle or prevail at trial, or something of that kind. We’re going to sidestep that totally as a result of, frankly, the result right here doesn’t a lot matter. This Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster refurbishment shall be over earlier than there’s an final result in that case.
Regardless of the eventual final result of the case, it’s pretty simple 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 unattainable 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 permit 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 not 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 attainable 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 trip is a fairly simple choice for Disney. When you mix the allegations with the chance of extra skeletons and weigh that towards the present advertising and marketing energy of Aerosmith, the plain conclusion, I believe, is that it’s time to retheme the trip. And I say this as somebody who loves Aerosmith’s music.
Reimagining Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster isn’t just the secure transfer, however it might be cash properly spent. It presents a chance for Imagineering to simply inject new life in an attraction that’s inherently fashionable as a thrill trip, 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 would possibly’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 be within the glorious Party Down, which you’ll be able to catch on Hulu!)
The actor appeared in a latest 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 trip. 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 previously. (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 truth is one other factor we’ve seen previously. In equity to Marino, until you might be deep within the Disney fandom, it may be very troublesome to separate wishful pondering from rumor. A traditional particular person would possibly 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 secure to say this Queen rumor isn’t credible. Nevertheless, I can perceive the way it’s grown legs. Queen has seen a resurgence in reputation because of Bohemian Rhapsody, the band’s again catalog is nice, and there are just a few songs that may lend themselves to a curler coaster. If the objective is to interchange Aerosmith with one other timeless band that received’t really feel dated in a decade, Queen is perhaps the very best decide.
I’ve heard different followers point out Metallica, Journey, the Beatles, Eagles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, U2, and plenty 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 undoubtedly be the best routine for a retheme, as it might permit among the pre-show and present scenes to stay the identical.
Nevertheless, I’m skeptical of Disney going that route. Centering the trip round just about any band presents a possible long-term legal responsibility–it’s totally different from merely that includes their music, which affords extra of a disconnect. I additionally query simply how a lot cultural relevance any of these bands have with younger folks. Queen is perhaps having fun with a resurgence and the remaining get common play time by us, however does the TikTook technology know who they’re? Then once more, does that matter? A thrill trip does maintain an inherent quantity of recognition.
Still, if a unique 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 folks to ebook journeys to Walt Disney World, it in all probability isn’t going to occur.
That brings us to different probably nice concepts which are likewise uncertain. Years in the past, one in all 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 possibility can be a “Great Muppets Music Ride” that options these characters within the queue and pre-show, however incorporates a random trip soundtrack of precise rock music from the aforementioned bands. This is a part of Cosmic Rewind’s recipes for achievement, 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 possibility I’ve heard talked about is popping Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster right into a Max Goof “Powerline” trip. Wait a minute…I really like that concept! Seriously, I want I might take credit score, but it surely’s not mine. (I don’t recall who initially did point out it, however I’ve seen it just a few 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 thought doesn’t imply it’s sensible. Sadly, this nation doesn’t admire tradition, and each the Muppets and Powerline take pleasure in restricted reputation 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 totally to middle a high-capacity thrill trip round them. Then once more, I additionally thought TRON was too area of interest for a serious 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 motion pictures: it’s probably the most intense trip at Walt Disney World. It additionally has the best top 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 in all probability escape this concern, however Powerline doesn’t. Even as a personality who’s primarily identified 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″ top requirement. That’s truthful. My counter can be that DCA has totally different demographics, and Imagineering was backed right into a nook with a Paradise Pier reimagining. Toy Story Midway Mania made Pixar the obvious selection, 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 positive you’ve already guessed the obvious choices that would depart: Marvel and Star Wars. Even earlier than summarily dismissing the opposite armchair Imagineering candidates, these have been all the time the almost certainly manufacturers within the Disney portfolio.
There’s precedent for a Star Wars overlay, which Disney has completed earlier than with a number of totally different Space Mountains across the globe. I do know many purists hate it, I believe Hyperspace Mountain is shockingly good for what it’s. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s depth and velocity would possibly make that kind of results tougher, however there’s additionally extra that could possibly be completed 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 assume that’s loopy, however no matter. There’s one other good motive not to do that: DHS doesn’t want one other high-profile Star Wars trip. (All ages and well-rounded leisure is a very totally different story.)
Pretty a lot by means of elimination, this leaves us with Marvel. You would possibly 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 shortly 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 lots of plans.
Marvel made probably the most sense then, and it nonetheless makes probably the most sense now for a Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster substitute. Walt Disney Studios Park has already completed precisely that with its incarnation of this attraction, turning it into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force. That reimagined curler coaster has obtained a combined response from followers, however that’s probably not related. Walt Disney World couldn’t do an Avengers attraction as a consequence of Universal’s Marvel contract. So totally different characters would essentially should be chosen.
There are nonetheless loads of prospects, together with Black Panther and quite a few different latest 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 varied Marvel motion pictures. Perhaps I’ll get my want for Led Zeppelin in any case–few extra memorable struggle scenes than the one with “Immigrant Song.”
Personally, I believe Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster changing into a Marvel attraction is probably going. Not essentially this yr or in 2024, however in some unspecified time in the future within the medium-term. Iconic as Aerosmith could also be, it’s in all probability truthful to say that the band doesn’t have the identical cachet or title recognition with youthful friends. They’ve had a very good run, but it surely’s time for one thing new–and doubtless not one other band.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has already confirmed massively fashionable, and there’s an urge for food for extra Marvel at Walt Disney World. While it clearly wouldn’t be an identical, a thrill trip following that template–with a mixture of music and humor–can be actually well-received, and could possibly be completed with a reimagining Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Ultimately, advocating for a Marvel substitute of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in all probability isn’t going to endear me to lots 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 in some unspecified time in the future. More points of interest shall 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 trip. 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 slightly see Marvel right here than in World Showcase or Animal Kingdom. (I’m not saying these are severe alternate options–I simply don’t need 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 probably the most cost-efficient attainable possibility, and leaves extra money 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 trip can be an enormous squandered alternative, necessitating future downtime of this main trip within the subsequent ~5 years that shall be extra pricey (each in {dollars} and wanted trip 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 yr (or in 2025). It simply makes an excessive amount of sense…so it in all probability 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 concerning the present refurbishments at Walt Disney World? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Hearing your suggestions—even if you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!