Rumors have swirled for years that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith shall be reimagined to characteristic a brand new band or IP at Walt Disney World. This covers why the trip might change with enjoyable armchair Imagineering about most probably characters, films, and bands that will work as a alternative. (Up to date August 4, 2024.)
For every of the final two years, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster (RnRC) has gone down for a multi-month refurbishment that modified nothing of substance in regards to the attraction. From the outset, Walt Disney World was publicly crystal clear that the rockin’ nature of the curler coaster was not altering. That it was a routine refurbishment with mandatory upkeep to enhance reliability and efficiency.
On the time, we speculated that the prolonged downtime was basically essential infrastructure work–changing parts of the monitor, upgrading the launch system, or in any other case refreshing parts of the coaster to increase its life. Principally, that the refurbishments would function a basis, and permit for a shorter subsequent closure to reimagine the thematic parts of the attraction.
Despite the fact that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster has now reopened and nothing has modified, we nonetheless are of the assumption that the trip shall be reimagined and Aerosmith shall be eliminated within the subsequent few years. Most likely earlier than 2026. There are a number of causes for this.
First, as a result of Aerosmith is retiring from touring, efficient instantly. The band introduced the information on its official web site, explaining that they made the “heartbreaking and tough, however mandatory, choice – as a band of brothers – to retire from the touring stage” resulting from lead singer Steven Tyler’s vocal damage.
“Peace Out: The Farewell Tour” was already set to be the ultimate tour for Aerosmith. After only some stops, the schedule needed to be postponed resulting from Tyler’s vocal wire damage, with the band wanting to attend for a full restoration to exit on a excessive notice. So no matter this information of the retirement, it was coming a technique or one other within the subsequent 12 months or so.
Second, Steven Tyler has been named in a lawsuit in California and one other lawsuit in New York. The allegations within the lawsuits are distinct however comparable in nature, accusing him of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional misery.
We don’t search to evaluate the benefit of the allegations towards Steven Tyler. Frankly, the result doesn’t a lot matter. No matter what occurs in courts of legislation, 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! Many did unsavory issues, and there are in all probability closets filled with skeletons.
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 will permit the corporate to take away all references to Aerosmith in a single day. That could be a slight exaggeration–given how lengthy it took to construct TRON Lightcycle Run, I’m guessing the changeover would take at the very least per week. However the level stands.
To my data, that is nothing new–Disney has had such contingency plans for years. (It’s potential that is an city legend, however I’ve heard the identical about different sights, together with one at Common Studios Florida that now abruptly makes much more sense in gentle of reporting.)
Altering the trip is a simple choice for Disney. If you mix the allegations and weigh that towards the present advertising energy of Aerosmith, the apparent conclusion is that it’s time to retheme the trip. And I say this as somebody who loves Aerosmith’s music.
Reimagining Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster is not only the secure transfer, however it will be cash nicely spent. It presents a possibility for Imagineering to simply inject new life in an attraction that’s inherently common as a thrill trip, and would give the corporate one thing to market in 2025 or 2026.
The subsequent massive addition on the horizon is Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, which not too long ago started the allow course of and possibly received’t begin critical development work till late 2024 or early 2025. That means that Indiana Jones Journey, Encanto, and no matter else is deliberate received’t open till 2026 on the earliest.
That leaves completely nothing for 2025, which is the 12 months that Common’s Epic Universe–a model new theme park–will debut. Until Walt Disney World is simply going to ‘hand over’ and let Common have 2025, they should begin transferring on one thing quickly as an “reply” to Epic Universe. About the one risk at this level is leisure and reimaginings–and few sights have as a lot untapped advertising potential as Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. A redone RnRC could possibly be achieved in 6-8 months and could be a colossal draw with mainstream audiences.
In gentle of that, what are potential prospects for a rethemed Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster?
Muppets Mayhem (Chance: Low) – Let’s begin with the choice that’s the dream of many Disney followers, us included. In the course of the promotional push for Muppets Mayhem on Disney+, the collection co-creator, Jeff Yorkes, posted on Twitter in response to an article discussing rumors of a Muppets takeover of the fun trip, Yorkes stated: “Not gonna lie–this was completely a part of our authentic pitch and is one other piece of this dream. Fingers-crossed that it occurs.”
This wasn’t the one time there’s been notable dialogue this 12 months in regards to the Muppets taking on Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. In response to a different tweet suggesting a reimagining, former Imagineer Kevin Full of life stated, “if solely somebody had pitched that a couple of years with a full preshow script and remedy…”
Sadly, The Muppets Mayhem was canceled after just one season on the Disney+ streaming service. It turns into the newest in an extended line of Muppets initiatives on streaming, ABC, or YouTube that didn’t carry out in addition to the corporate had hoped. This alone makes the probability of a Muppets takeover of RnRC, particularly one with a Muppets Mayhem connection, much less doubtless.
Look, I really like the Muppets. This website has a transparent pro-Muppets bias and won’t tolerate slander to their good names. However a couple of issues might be true all of sudden. First, that the Muppets are superior however nonetheless someway don’t resonate with mainstream audiences. Second, that the Muppets have followers in Burbank and Glendale and have been given likelihood after likelihood resulting from that. Lastly, that Walt Disney World is just not going to inexperienced gentle a trip reimagining based mostly on a cancelled collection. They simply aren’t. That’s the reverse of a marketable overlay.
As a lot because it pains me to say it, I feel we will safely rule out a Muppets takeover of…just about something, however particularly one of many park’s hottest sights. The most effective we will hope for is extra leisure choices, like Holidays in Hollywood at Disney Jollywood Nights.
Rethemed to Queen (Chance: Close to Zero) – There have additionally been “rumors” that Imagineering plans to retheme Rock ‘n’ Curler 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’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
Nonetheless, Marino conceded that this isn’t a reputable rumor after being inundated with questions from diehard Disney followers. He tweeted: “I don’t know what they’re altering it to. Some one stated that to me in some unspecified time in the future so then I stated it. It was extra of rumor than the rest I suppose. Perhaps it’s gonna be the brand new Billie Vacation trip. Might be good.”
Queen has seen a resurgence in recognition because of Bohemian Rhapsody, the band’s again catalog is nice, and there are a couple of songs that will lend themselves to a curler coaster. If the aim is to exchange Aerosmith with one other timeless band that received’t really feel dated in a decade, Queen could be the absolute best decide. However why would that be the aim? Aerosmith can also be arguably timeless, and Queen appeals to virtually the very same demographic. It doesn’t draw any new visitors.
Accordingly, I’m skeptical of Disney going that route. Centering the trip round nearly any band additionally presents a possible long-term legal responsibility–it’s totally different from merely that includes random rock ‘n’ roll 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, however is that sufficient to justify a reimagining?
If a special band wouldn’t entice 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 ebook journeys to Walt Disney World, it in all probability isn’t going to occur. For that cause, I’d rule out the potential for Queen or virtually any musician, previous or current.
Rethemed to Taylor Swift (Chance: Reasonable) – Be aware the ruling out of “virtually any” musician. There are perhaps three exceptions to that: Beyoncé, Hannah Montana (fictional), or Taylor Swift. (Sorry followers of Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Types, Ed Sheeran, or whoever the heck “Chappell Roan” is, however these are the one ones who qualify–I don’t make the foundations.)
No RnRC retheme has as a lot potential from a advertising perspective as Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster: Taylor’s Model. The curmudgeons on the market are going to right away scoff at this, as hating the favored factor has develop into a character for some. I’m no Swiftie (she wouldn’t crack my private prime 50 musicians), however I acknowledge that Taylor Swift is a juggernaut. And in addition, not every part 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 Tour (Taylor’s Model)” to its Disney+ streaming service, so there’s already a longtime relationship. There are additionally rumors she’ll have a future function the MCU. (Maybe Disney might kill two birds with one stone, making this a Marvel and Taylor Swift curler coaster?!)
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster: Taylor’s Model is the one attraction overlay that will carry a wholly new viewers to Walt Disney World. Simply take a look at what occurred with the NFL, as Swifties watched “discovered soccer” and watched complete video games only for glimpses of the celebrity. This reimagining alone could possibly be a respectable reply 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) – Another choice we’ve heard floated could be to have a redone entrance to Pantages Theater, Amoeba Information, or Roxie Theatre. This transfer could be incredible, making for a becoming counterpart to Grauman’s Chinese language Theater (Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway) and higher mix with the remainder of Sundown Boulevard.
Inside, have characters from considered one of Disney’s franchises within the queue and pre-show, however includes a random trip soundtrack of precise rock music from numerous bands. The soundtrack could possibly be customizable, having Aerosmith, Queen, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and loads of different present and previous bands.
That 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. I view this as a superb thought thematically and a sensible resolution that makes RnRC extra timeless, however the advertising worth strikes me as low. Cosmic Rewind’s hook isn’t traditional rock–it’s the Guardians of the Galaxy. This would wish one thing comparable to ensure that Disney to greenlight spending a ton of cash on it.
Zootopia Specific (Chance: Low) – I’m throwing this one onto the checklist with a low chance of taking place not as a result of it’s being rumored–on the contrary, I haven’t heard something–however as a result of Zootopia is now not on the desk for an Animal Kingdom growth. The franchise is getting a Tree of Life present, however that doesn’t look like a lot given its strategic significance to Disney.
Zootopia has two issues that make it a decently good candidate for a curler coaster: the Zootopia Specific prepare within the film and “Strive Every little thing” by Shakira. That’s turning into considered one of Disney’s new go-to songs that results in just about every part, and these two components mixed make for a non-zero likelihood that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster finally ends up getting a Zootopia retheme.
Inside Out Emotional Curler Coaster (Chance: Low) – This makes the checklist for 2 easy causes: it’s a fantastic identify and Inside Out 2 made bookoo bucks on the field workplace, reversing a string of flops for Disney. As such, they’ve gotta be pondering of how to include the franchise into Walt Disney World.
Disneyland already has Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind and, spoiler, it’s not excellent. It’s a easy spinner, with the identify being probably the most inventive a part of the attraction. In any other case, it’s a narrative of squandered potential–one which doesn’t do justice to the franchise after which it’s named.
It’d be an analogous story with a RnRC retheme. If Inside Out will get a coaster, what it actually wants is one thing extra like Seven Dwarfs Mine Prepare–a story coaster with present scenes. This alone wouldn’t essentially cease Disney from redoing the trip into Inside Out, however there are different impediments to that (extra beneath).
Powerline Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster (Chance: Low to Reasonable) – This might imply turning Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster right into a trip starring Max Goof “Powerline.” Wait a minute…I really like that concept! Powerline has seen a resurgence lately, each on merchandise and as a meet & greet character on each coasts. This concept may not be as loopy because it sounds, particularly given the character’s recognition with Millennial mother and father who might share this trip with their youngsters as they develop up.
I’m nonetheless skeptical. This nation doesn’t recognize tradition, and each the Muppets and Powerline get pleasure from restricted recognition with small however passionate fanbases. It’s one factor to characteristic them in low-budget, low-capacity leisure or meet & greets; it’s one other solely to heart a high-capacity thrill trip 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?!
There’s additionally one other downside with redoing RnRC to characters from any of the above animated films: it’s probably the most intense trip at Walt Disney World. It additionally has the very 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 acceptable for all audiences.
The Muppets in all probability escape this concern, however Powerline doesn’t. Whilst 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. The peak restrict might take a variety of characters and flicks from Disney and Pixar out of play. It might in all probability do the identical to Inside Out and Zootopia, which can also be why we put a low probability for these.
Notably, Incredicoaster at Disney California Journey is an intense curler coaster that additionally has a 48″ peak requirement. Nonetheless, DCA has totally different demographics, and Imagineering was backed right into a nook with the Pixar Pier reimagining. The Incredibles is about as “grownup” of a Pixar film as there may be. (Properly, Wall-E–however that’s not precisely coaster materials.) There’s no such consideration with Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, which is remoted from the remainder of Sundown Boulevard.
Marvel Coaster (Chance: Reasonable to Excessive) – By means of elimination, this leaves us with Marvel. Again in November 2018, the New York Occasions did a chunk about how a lot Disney was spending on growth that included a tidbit about Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster being rethemed. The corporate rapidly issued a denial–that there have been “no present plans” to retheme the trip “at the moment.”
My perception then and now was that the story as initially revealed was correct, and Disney unintentionally let the cat out of the bag early. The corporate 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 a variety of plans.
Marvel made probably the most sense then, and it nonetheless makes probably the most sense now for a Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster alternative. Walt Disney Studios Park has already achieved precisely that with its incarnation of this attraction, turning it into Avengers Assemble: Flight Power. That reimagined curler coaster has acquired a blended response from followers, however that’s not likely related–Walt Disney World couldn’t do an Avengers attraction resulting from Common’s Marvel contract.
There are nonetheless loads of prospects, together with Black Panther and plenty of different current and upcoming movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 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. Maybe I’ll get my want for Led Zeppelin in spite of everything–few extra memorable combat scenes than the one with “Immigrant Track.”
Personally, I feel Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster turning into a Marvel attraction is probably going. As famous above, my wager is that it occurs between now and 2026, however I’d be downright shocked if it doesn’t happen within the subsequent decade. Iconic as Aerosmith could also be, it’s in all probability honest to say that the band doesn’t have the identical cachet or identify recognition with youthful visitors. They’ve had run, but it surely’s time for one thing new–and possibly not one other band.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has already confirmed massively common, and there’s an urge for food for extra Marvel at Walt Disney World. Whereas it clearly wouldn’t be an identical, a thrill trip following that template–with a mixture of music and humor–could be actually well-received, and could possibly be achieved with a reimagining Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster.
In a special timeline (or multiverse?), I might see a Mandalorian and Child Yoda coaster additionally being within the working. However I feel these characters will ultimately discover a extra everlasting residence (not simply meet & greets) in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and there in all probability isn’t an urge for food to do much more Star Wars in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So Marvel it’s.
In the end, advocating for a Marvel alternative of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster in all probability isn’t going to endear me to a variety of longtime followers who both dislike tremendous heroes or would favor to not see Marvel shoehorned into one other space the place it doesn’t make good thematic sense. I’d counter that extra Marvel at Walt Disney World is an inevitability in some unspecified time in the future. Extra sights shall be constructed or repurposed; it’s a matter of when and the place, not if.
Recognizing that inevitability, I’d ‘sacrifice’ RnRC 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 virtually something with out disrupting broader thematic integrity. For an additional, it’s Walt Disney World’s studios park, which is synonymous with IP dumping floor. I’d reasonably see Marvel right here than in World Showcase or Animal Kingdom. (I’m not saying these are critical alternate options–I simply don’t wish to threat it.)
There’s additionally the fact that budgets are finite. Doing a Marvel reimagining to Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster–reasonably than a brand new trip or land–is probably the most cost-efficient potential choice, and leaves more cash for growth plans in Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom…and a much-needed second section to the EPCOT overhaul that features a reimagined Journey into Creativeness.
In a nutshell, that’s my “pitch” for a reimagining of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. Above all else, I hope one thing really occurs. Walt Disney World goes to wish one thing marketable within the subsequent few years, and reimaginings are actually the one card they need to play since they haven’t damaged floor on the rest. Marvel would maximize marketability, and provides Walt Disney World one thing “new” to promote after Tiana’s Bayou Journey opens in 2024. It simply makes an excessive amount of sense…so it in all probability received’t occur!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about resorts on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a singular take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every part it’s essential to know!
Your Ideas
What do you consider a possible reimagining of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster? Hope that it’ll nonetheless be “Starring Aerosmith” endlessly or would you want to listen to different music? Ideas on potential bands, manufacturers, or tremendous heroes to exchange Aerosmith? What would get your vote, so to talk? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions—even if you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
