Sunset Boulevard's Wildest Ride Gets a Muppet Makeover

Posted on July 26, 2025 by Lou P. Rider

🎨 Concept art courtesy of Disney Parks

After more than two decades of high-octane rides with Aerosmith, Disney has finally put a date on the much-speculated switcheroo at Hollywood Studios. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will officially close in 2026, making way for a reimagined experience starring none other than Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem — the grooviest band in the Muppetverse.

This marks a major first for Disney: a full-on Muppet-themed roller coaster. For fans of the beloved felt-covered icons, this is a historic (and frankly, long-overdue) moment. For coaster lovers, it’s a new kind of thrill to track on your favorite coaster tracking app — and yes, the Loopr app is already hyped.

From Super-Stretch Limousines to Psychedelic Tour Buses

Since 1999, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has launched guests from 0 to 60 mph in just under three seconds, zipping through corkscrews and loops to the tunes of Aerosmith. But come 2026, that same track will be pulsing with a very different soundtrack. Instead of backstage passes and neon freeways, riders will soon be heading to an all-out Muppet music festival.

The new attraction will star not just Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem — Animal, Janice, Floyd Pepper, Zoot, and Lips — but also Kermit and Miss Piggy, according to the concept art. While the finer ride details (like whether the launch and inversions stay intact) remain under wraps, fans can expect a re-themed pre-show and a fully reimagined ride environment.

Say Goodbye to Muppet*Vision, Hello to Muppet Coaster Credits

Coinciding with this musical switch-up is another major shift in Hollywood Studios: Muppet*Vision 3D, the 34-year-old show that’s entertained generations, officially closed its curtains on June 7, 2025. Its departure is part of the prep for the upcoming Monsters, Inc.-themed land. So while it’s a bit of a bittersweet goodbye, the Muppets aren’t going far — they’re just moving across the park and upgrading to a full-blown thrill ride.

That means if you're tracking your coaster credits and want to log this as a brand-new experience, you're in luck. The Muppets coaster will be a unique entry, especially for fans using a dedicated roller coaster app like Loopr to track their park journeys.

Ride It While You Can: Aerosmith Rocks Through 2025

If you still want that backstage rush with Aerosmith blasting in your ears, you’ve got time. Disney confirmed that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as we know it will keep running through the end of 2025. No specific closure date has been released, so there’s plenty of time to squeeze in another few rides — and maybe grab that last on-ride photo where your hair's flying and your face says "was that a loop?!"

Until then, the queue will still feature its classic 90s rock vibes, complete with neon lights and that iconic “super-stretch limo” storyline. It’s a nostalgic ride for many, especially those who remember when this coaster first opened its gates in 1999. I still remember my first time riding it — I was convinced the launch would blow my flip-flops off. (They stayed on, but barely.)

Muppets, Merch, and a Fresh Beat on Sunset Boulevard

The ride itself isn’t the only thing getting a makeover. The adjacent merchandise spot, Rock Around the Shop, will also be rebranded with Muppet-themed goodies. Expect Electric Mayhem t-shirts, Animal plushies, and maybe even a wearable pair of Janice’s sunglasses. Disney hasn't spilled all the tea yet, but it's safe to say the retail experience will hit all the right notes for fans looking to take a piece of the ride home.

With the Muppets’ natural flair for chaos and comedy, the reimagined coaster promises a blend of zany storytelling and pulse-pounding fun. For families visiting with younger fans, this might just be the perfect introduction to more intense attractions — assuming they meet the height requirement, of course.

What It Means for Theme Park Fans and Coaster Trackers

For the roller coaster community, especially those obsessed with logging rides and planning future park visits (shout-out to my fellow Loopr app users), this update is a big deal. Anytime a major coaster gets a retheme, it shakes up the coaster tracker world. Will the stats change? Will the queue time drop or spike when it reopens? Will it count as a whole new ride? (Debatable, but let’s be real — most of us will mark it as a new credit just for the merch alone.)

More importantly, it shows Disney’s ongoing push to revitalize older attractions and keep things fresh for the next generation. The Muppets may not be the newest IP on the block, but their quirky humor and colorful personalities feel like a perfect match for the energy of a coaster like this. And for those of us who’ve followed their wild antics over the years, it’s a joy to see them finally get their own ride.

Final Thoughts: A New Loop on the Horizon

As we count down to 2026, there’s a lot to be excited about. The blend of classic characters with modern coaster thrills is a formula Disney hasn’t fully tapped into until now. And whether you’re a Muppets diehard, a theme park completionist, or just someone looking to log another coaster credit in your favorite tracking app, this upcoming change is one to watch.

So keep those notifications on, update your Loopr itineraries, and maybe ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster one more time for old times’ sake. Because next year, it’s all about the mayhem — Electric Mayhem, that is.