The closing of Muppet*Vision 3D in Hollywood Studios was not enough to break the rainbow connection between the Jim Henson Company’s iconic Muppets and Walt Disney World. There are now more details about their new place of residence, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, in the same park within the multi-resort Disney destination.
The reimagining of the former Aerosmith classic rock-themed coaster is currently underway, and Disney Experiences has shared just how the Muppets will come into play. In the release we got more details about the story elements, which will incorporate the silly sensibilities of some very familiar Muppet friends and some key ones that have gone missing—namely the Electric Mayhem, who are supposed to headline the Muppets’ biggest concert ever. Scooter is obviously in a panic, as his band is off in their altered state of musical vibes and needs the fans (us) to help get them back on track to perform.
As VIPs, Disney World guests will enter G-Force Records and start out with a tour of the studio before the big Hollywood concert. Once inside, Scooter will be wrangling us as he also needs to wrangle the band to get them across town to perform live. Based on the concept art, we’re excited to see how many of the Muppets will be there using practical puppetry or pre-records. We’re guessing Scooter will be an in-house performer or, gulp, a remotely puppeteered animatronic.
If you’ve seen any recent Jim Henson productions such as Word Party, the company does have human-operated digital puppeteering methods; I got the chance to see it in action years ago. Unlike the animatronics that rely on pre-selected automations, such as Rocket Raccoon on Disney California Adventures’ Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout (which breaks down all the time), we hope the ride incorporates this essential part of the Henson magic. It needs the vital element that gives Muppets their hearts, which is the human performer bringing them to life for at least one of the in-person characters.
The Muppet Labs also gets recruited to help us get the band to the show on time with their totally reliable tinkering on the limo ride vehicle, and I love seeing Beaker and Dr. Bunsen shine as the light of whatever just exploded hits their faces. Luckily there will be another doctor on board, Dr. Teeth, who will get quite the tribute on the ride’s new facade.
As a casual coaster fan, I’m admittedly pretty nervous about the high speed distracting from the story on the ride. If we’re on a Muppet ride, I want to see Muppet mayhem the whole time. The ride promises we will be able to look at “iconic scenery and landmarks of Tinseltown” that “will feature a Muppet twist,” but I hope it’s not so fast we miss Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang. I remain optimistic because if they’re going to perform a rockin’ medley the whole way, there has to be some level of speeds mixed in to bask in the Muppety glory. We look forward to the Electric Mayhem music we’re going to get when the attraction opens in 2026, though Disney hints the tunes might be dropping even earlier.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Services Marketplace – Listings, Bookings & Reviews