Early reactions to ‘Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets’ hit a high note
As previews continue for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, early fan reactions online are overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Many guests praised the attraction’s new music, hidden Easter eggs, elaborate queue details, and surprisingly strong fit for the Muppets franchise.
The reimagined coaster officially opens May 26, replacing the longtime Aerosmith version with a new storyline centered around Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem racing across Hollywood to make it to a concert on time.
The new soundtrack may be the biggest surprise
Many longtime fans were skeptical about losing Aerosmith’s soundtrack, but early reactions suggest that both the on-ride soundtrack and the music that plays outside the attraction are chart-topping choices.
Photo by @magiccitymayhem Mikey
Instead of using a single ride song, the attraction features multiple randomized soundtrack combinations performed by the Electric Mayhem. You’re going to want to re-ride.
Several preview riders say the updated soundtrack gives the coaster an energetic and replayable feel compared to the original version.
Obsessing over the details
Beyond the coaster itself, fans online are reacting strongly to the attraction’s Muppets-themed environment and hidden references.
Among the details getting the most attention:
- The psychedelic new ride vehicle design
- Hidden jokes throughout the queue
- Scooter appearing as impressive animatronic in the recording studio
- Kermit’s banjo in the recording studio
- Statler and Waldorf jokes with a few Muppet*Vision 3-D
- “FØØD by Swedish Chef” menu items and signage
Some fans have additionally praised how much physical set dressing and themed detail Disney appears to have added throughout the experience instead of relying entirely on digital screens.
If you're a Muppets fan, you're going to LOVE the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster queue. And not just Studio C. pic.twitter.com/Qf6S5IdbzB
— Diservations (@diservations) May 18, 2026
The ride itself
Attractions Magazine staff chatted with a few people who attended early previews. Riders say the actual coaster experience still feels unmistakably like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, with the same intense launch, inversions, darkness, and high-speed ride profile longtime fans expect.
Rather than dramatically changing the physical ride itself, many reactions suggest Disney focused on transforming the attraction’s tone through new music, onboard audio, visual effects, and Muppets-style chaos.
Multiple fans online have specifically reassured hesitant guests that the coaster has not been “softened” or significantly toned down as a thrill ride.
Thoughts on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets? We kind of loved it! https://t.co/tMcpEEloSu pic.twitter.com/LKwiuRdFjV
— ParkTwister🎡 (@ParkTwister) May 19, 2026
One of the biggest surprises for preview guests appears to be how much the new soundtrack changes the feel of the ride experience. Instead of the original Aerosmith concert fantasy, fans describe the attraction as feeling more playful, frantic, and comedic, with Electric Mayhem songs and character audio making the coaster feel more alive throughout the ride. Several riders have also praised the randomized soundtrack system.
At the same time, some longtime fans say the attraction now feels less “cool” and more intentionally chaotic compared to the sleek late-1990s rock-concert atmosphere of the Aerosmith version. Still, even many skeptical reactions seem to agree that the Muppets’ backstage-comedy energy matches the coaster’s wild movements surprisingly well. Across social media, one recurring sentiment continues to emerge: the ride may still be just as intense as before, but now it is intentionally sillier.
It’s hard to say goodbye
One preview guest described the coaster as “overall an improvement” to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, while still calling it “a step back from Muppet*Vision.” Still, even many skeptical fans appear cautiously optimistic after seeing preview footage and photos online.
Much of the conversation has shifted from concern about replacing Aerosmith to curiosity about how far Disney went with the Muppets integration.
Attractions Magazine will also be previewing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets ahead of its official opening, so stay tuned for our full first ride review, detailed impressions, and insider tips for experiencing the reimagined coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
More Attractions Magazine stories
Follow us:
Whether you’re ready for your next Disney Destinations vacation or your first, our trusted partner Mouse Fan Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable Disney vacations. Visit Mouse Fan Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
