Disney absolutely did NOT hold back for this grand opening celebration.
Disney officially celebrated the upcoming debut of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets last night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a full media event featuring a live performance from Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem themselves. And this may have been one of the MOST chaotic and perfectly Muppets things Disney has done in years!
As part of Wednesday’s media preview and grand opening celebration, The Electric Mayhem appeared outside the newly reimagined attraction for a live performance celebrating the official launch of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Disney staged the performance in front of the attraction’s updated Sunset Boulevard exterior, now covered in colorful psychedelic-inspired Muppets theming, replacing much of the former Aerosmith aesthetic.
Performing live in front of their “studio” audience was Dr. Teeth front and center on vocal, Animal performing on drums, Electric Mayhem members appearing on stage, bright concert-style lighting effects, and even a few guest Muppets and celebrities.
It looked MUCH more like a real rock concert than a typical Disney media event.
“Can You Picture That?” Took Center Stage
The live performance heavily featured “Can You Picture That?” — the iconic Muppets song that Disney previously confirmed would appear within the attraction’s pre-show and post-show experience.
Disney first teased the song’s inclusion back in April when it revealed that The Electric Mayhem would perform updated music for the attraction alongside collaborations with major artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, Def Leppard, and even Camilla the Chicken.
The attraction itself will feature five randomized ride soundtracks, with each launch vehicle receiving a different concert-style music experience.
The confirmed soundtrack lineup for the ride includes:
- “Song 2”
- “Born To Be Wild”
- “Love Rollercoaster”
- “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)”
- “Walking on Sunshine”
all performed by The Electric Mayhem with various featured collaborators.
Disney Is Going ALL IN on the Muppets
This one-night-only performance was just one part of Disney’s massive rollout surrounding the reimagined coaster.
The new attraction officially transforms the former Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith into a completely new Muppets storyline centered around The Electric Mayhem rushing across Hollywood to make it to their concert on time.
Inside the attraction, guests now experience a new recording studio storyline, the first-ever Audio-Animatronic Scooter, penguin audio engineers, celebrity cameos, plenty of Muppets Easter eggs, reimagined ride vehicles, new queue details, and updated post-show scenes.
Disney Imagineering also confirmed that the new Scooter animatronic was created using motion-capture technology to accurately recreate the character’s classic movements and personality.
The level of detail Disney put into this project is kind of wild!
The Courtyard Has Completely Changed
The attraction’s surrounding area has also undergone a major transformation ahead of opening day.
Guests can now find the reimagined Rock Around the Shop merchandise location complete with new Electric Mayhem merchandise, Muppets-themed murals and props, the updated FØØD by Swedish Chef snack stand with a brand-new menu of themed drinks and snacks, as well as updated lighting and music throughout the courtyard.
One of the most talked-about additions is FØØD by Swedish Chef, which now serves items like the “Churro Drumstick” and “Wocka Wocking Nachos” inspired by the Muppets retheme.
Meanwhile, Rock Around the Shop is packed with new attraction merchandise featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Swedish Chef, Dr. Teeth, and the rest of the Electric Mayhem lineup.
Annual Passholder Previews Are Already Underway
The live media event happened just before Disney officially began Annual Passholder previews for the attraction.
Guests are currently using a virtual queue system to access preview rides between May 21 and May 23 ahead of the attraction’s official public opening on May 26.
Based on reactions coming out of last night’s media event, Disney may have a MAJOR hit on its hands! The energy surrounding this attraction right now feels HUGE.
We were invited by Disney World for a special media preview of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets. We’re thankful for the opportunity to be among the first to experience and share it, but as always, our coverage reflects our honest opinions, independently formed and not directed by The Walt Disney Company.
We’ll continue covering preview reactions, hidden Easter eggs, attraction details, merchandise releases, and opening day coverage for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, so be sure to check back soon for more Disney World news and theme park updates.
Leave a Reply