Curtain Call for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: Disney Announces Major Re-theming!

The final countdown has begun for a beloved thrill ride at Walt Disney World. Disney has officially announced that the iconic Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios will be closing permanently in September 2025 to undergo an extensive refurbishment and, most notably, a complete re-theming.

This news marks the end of an era for a coaster that has launched guests into a high-speed adventure for over two decades.

Since its grand opening in 1999, the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster has been a fan favorite, renowned for its thrilling 0-60 mph launch in mere seconds, three inversions (two roll-overs and one corkscrew), and of course, its signature soundtrack featuring hits from the legendary rock band Aerosmith.

Guests have boarded 'stretch limos' and sped through the darkened streets of Los Angeles to make it to an Aerosmith concert on time, all while jamming to classic tracks like 'Walk This Way' and 'Dude (Looks Like a Lady)'.

While Disney has confirmed the closure and the intent for a significant overhaul, details regarding the new theme remain under wraps.

However, speculation has been rampant among Disney enthusiasts and industry insiders for years. Rumors suggest that the attraction could be re-imagined with a new musical act, such as Queen or Van Halen, or even a different Disney intellectual property entirely. With Guardians of the Galaxy already having its own coaster at Epcot, the possibilities for a fresh, engaging theme at Hollywood Studios are endless, sparking excitement for what's to come.

This isn't the first time the coaster has undergone a refurbishment; it experienced a notable closure in early 2023 before reopening later that May.

However, the September 2025 closure is being framed as a much more substantial transformation, indicating a complete departure from its current Aerosmith identity. This move follows a trend of updating classic attractions, similar to the ongoing transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

The announcement has elicited mixed emotions from Disney fans.

While many will undoubtedly feel a pang of nostalgia for the high-octane Aerosmith experience, there's also a palpable buzz of anticipation for the new thrills that await. The closure of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will truly be a momentous event, paving the way for a brand-new, high-speed journey at Disney's Hollywood Studios that is sure to captivate a new generation of theme park goers.