Rumors have swirled for years that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith will likely be reimagined to function a brand new band or IP at Walt Disney World. This covers why the journey might change with enjoyable armchair Imagineering about more than likely characters, films, and bands that may 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 crucial upkeep to enhance reliability and efficiency.
On the time, we speculated that the prolonged downtime was basically vital infrastructure work–changing parts of the observe, upgrading the launch system, or in any other case refreshing elements of the coaster to increase its life. Mainly, that the refurbishments would function a basis, and permit for a shorter subsequent closure to reimagine the thematic elements of the attraction.
Though Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster has now reopened and nothing has modified, we nonetheless are of the assumption that the journey will likely be reimagined and Aerosmith will likely be eliminated within the subsequent few years. In all probability 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 troublesome, however crucial, resolution – as a band of brothers – to retire from the touring stage” resulting from lead singer Steven Tyler’s vocal harm.
“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 harm, 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 method or one other within the subsequent yr 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 related 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 in opposition to Steven Tyler. Frankly, the result doesn’t a lot matter. No matter what occurs in courts of regulation, it’s pretty plain that showcasing a rock band from the Nineteen 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 most likely closets stuffed 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 may enable 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 least every week. However the level stands.
To my information, that is nothing new–Disney has had such contingency plans for years. (It’s doable that is an city legend, however I’ve heard the identical about different points of interest, together with one at Common Studios Florida that now all of the sudden makes much more sense in gentle of reporting.)
Altering the journey is a simple resolution for Disney. Once you mix the allegations and weigh that in opposition to the present advertising and marketing energy of Aerosmith, the apparent conclusion is that it’s time to retheme the journey. And I say this as somebody who loves Aerosmith’s music.
Reimagining Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster isn’t just the protected transfer, however it might be cash effectively spent. It presents a chance for Imagineering to simply inject new life in an attraction that’s inherently widespread as a thrill journey, and would give the corporate one thing to market in 2025 or 2026.
The following large addition on the horizon is Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, which not too long ago started the allow course of and possibly gained’t begin severe building work till late 2024 or early 2025. Which means that Indiana Jones Journey, Encanto, and no matter else is deliberate gained’t open till 2026 on the earliest.
That leaves completely nothing for 2025, which is the yr that Common’s Epic Universe–a model new theme park–will debut. Except Walt Disney World is simply going to ‘quit’ and let Common have 2025, they should begin transferring on one thing quickly as an “reply” to Epic Universe. About the one chance at this level is leisure and reimaginings–and few points of interest have as a lot untapped advertising and marketing potential as Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. A redone RnRC could possibly be executed in 6-8 months and could be a colossal draw with mainstream audiences.
In gentle of that, what are potential potentialities for a rethemed Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster?
Muppets Mayhem (Probability: 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 joys journey, 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 yr in regards to the Muppets taking up Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. In response to a different tweet suggesting a reimagining, former Imagineer Kevin Energetic stated, “if solely somebody had pitched that just a few 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 seemingly.
Look, I really like the Muppets. This website has a transparent pro-Muppets bias and won’t tolerate slander to their good names. However just a few issues could be true suddenly. First, that the Muppets are superior however nonetheless in some way don’t resonate with mainstream audiences. Second, that the Muppets have followers in Burbank and Glendale and have been given probability after probability resulting from that. Lastly, that Walt Disney World isn’t going to inexperienced gentle a journey 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 believe we are able to safely rule out a Muppets takeover of…just about something, however particularly one of many park’s hottest points of interest. The most effective we are able to hope for is extra leisure choices, like Holidays in Hollywood at Disney Jollywood Nights.
Rethemed to Queen (Probability: 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 do not know what they’re altering it to. Some one stated that to me sooner or later so then I stated it. It was extra of rumor than the rest I suppose. Possibly it’s gonna be the brand new Billie Vacation journey. Could possibly be good.”
Queen has seen a resurgence in recognition due to Bohemian Rhapsody, the band’s again catalog is nice, and there are just a few songs that may lend themselves to a curler coaster. If the aim is to exchange Aerosmith with one other timeless band that gained’t really feel dated in a decade, Queen is likely to be the very best choose. However why would that be the aim? Aerosmith can be arguably timeless, and Queen appeals to virtually the very same demographic. It doesn’t draw any new company.
Accordingly, I’m skeptical of Disney going that route. Centering the journey round nearly any band additionally presents a possible long-term legal responsibility–it’s completely different from merely that includes random rock ‘n’ roll music, which affords extra of a disconnect. I additionally query simply how a lot cultural relevance any of these bands have with younger folks. Queen is likely to be having fun with a resurgence, however is that sufficient to justify a reimagining?
If a unique band wouldn’t appeal to 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 gained’t be a marketable addition that incentivizes folks to guide journeys to Walt Disney World, it most likely isn’t going to occur. For that purpose, I’d rule out the potential for Queen or virtually any musician, previous or current.
Rethemed to Taylor Swift (Probability: Reasonable) – Be aware the ruling out of “virtually any” musician. There are possibly 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 and marketing 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 change into a persona for some. I’m no Swiftie (she wouldn’t crack my private high 50 musicians), however I acknowledge that Taylor Swift is a juggernaut. And likewise, not all the things 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 may carry a wholly new viewers to Walt Disney World. Simply have a look at what occurred with the NFL, as Swifties watched “discovered soccer” and watched whole video games only for glimpses of the famous person. This reimagining alone could possibly be a authentic reply to Epic Universe by way of drawing energy, which is sorta miserable, but it surely’s additionally correct.
Random Rock ‘n’ Roll (Probability: Low) – Another choice we’ve heard floated could be to have a redone entrance to Pantages Theater, Amoeba Data, or Roxie Theatre. This transfer could be implausible, 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 journey 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 achievement, would provide the specified disconnect between band and music, whereas additionally giving the coaster infinite re-rideability. I view this as a wonderful concept thematically and a sensible resolution that makes RnRC extra timeless, however the advertising and marketing worth strikes me as low. Cosmic Rewind’s hook isn’t traditional rock–it’s the Guardians of the Galaxy. This would want one thing related to ensure that Disney to greenlight spending a ton of cash on it.
Zootopia Specific (Probability: Low) – I’m throwing this one onto the listing 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 enlargement. 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 All the things” by Shakira. That’s changing into considered one of Disney’s new go-to songs that results in just about all the things, and these two components mixed make for a non-zero probability that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster finally ends up getting a Zootopia retheme.
Inside Out Emotional Curler Coaster (Probability: Low) – This makes the listing for 2 easy causes: it’s an amazing 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 the way to include the franchise into Walt Disney World.
Disneyland already has Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind and, spoiler, it’s not superb. It’s a easy spinner, with the identify being essentially 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 journey into Inside Out, however there are different impediments to that (extra under).
Powerline Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster (Probability: Low to Reasonable) – This is able to imply turning Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster right into a journey 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 won’t be as loopy because it sounds, particularly given the character’s recognition with Millennial dad and mom who might share this journey with their youngsters as they develop up.
I’m nonetheless skeptical. This nation doesn’t recognize tradition, and each the Muppets and Powerline take pleasure in restricted recognition with small however passionate fanbases. It’s one factor to function them in low-budget, low-capacity leisure or meet & greets; it’s one other totally to heart a high-capacity thrill journey round them. Then once more, I additionally thought TRON was too area of interest for a serious new curler coaster, so what do I do know?!
There’s additionally one other drawback with redoing RnRC to characters from any of the above animated films: it’s essentially the most intense journey 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 applicable for all audiences.
The Muppets most likely escape this concern, however Powerline doesn’t. Whilst a personality who’s primarily recognized by Millennials (and most of us are taller than 48″ by now), he’s nonetheless within the Goofy household. The peak restrict might take loads of characters and films from Disney and Pixar out of play. It might most likely do the identical to Inside Out and Zootopia, which can 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 completely 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’s. (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 (Probability: Reasonable to Excessive) – By technique of elimination, this leaves us with Marvel. Again in November 2018, the New York Occasions did a bit about how a lot Disney was spending on enlargement that included a tidbit about Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster being rethemed. The corporate shortly issued a denial–that there have been “no present plans” to retheme the journey “presently.”
My perception then and now was that the story as initially printed was correct, and Disney unintentionally let the cat out of the bag early. The corporate clearly participated within the piece and its creator 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 loads of plans.
Marvel made essentially the most sense then, and it nonetheless makes essentially the most sense now for a Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster alternative. Walt Disney Studios Park has already executed precisely that with its incarnation of this attraction, turning it into Avengers Assemble: Flight Drive. 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 potentialities, together with Black Panther and various different latest 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 struggle scenes than the one with “Immigrant Tune.”
Personally, I believe Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster changing into a Marvel attraction is probably going. As famous above, my guess 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 most likely truthful to say that the band doesn’t have the identical cachet or identify recognition with youthful company. They’ve had a very good 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 widespread, and there’s an urge for food for extra Marvel at Walt Disney World. Whereas it clearly wouldn’t be an identical, a thrill journey following that template–with a mixture of music and humor–could be actually well-received, and could possibly be completed with a reimagining Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster.
In a unique timeline (or multiverse?), I might see a Mandalorian and Child Yoda coaster additionally being within the operating. However I believe these characters will ultimately discover a extra everlasting dwelling (not simply meet & greets) in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and there most likely 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 most likely isn’t going to endear me to loads 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 sooner or later. Extra points of interest will likely 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 journey. 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 fairly see Marvel right here than in World Showcase or Animal Kingdom. (I’m not saying these are severe alternate options–I simply don’t wish to threat it.)
There’s additionally the truth that budgets are finite. Doing a Marvel reimagining to Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster–fairly than a brand new journey or land–is essentially the most cost-efficient doable possibility, and leaves more cash for enlargement 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 should 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 most likely gained’t occur!
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Your Ideas
What do you consider a possible reimagining of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster? Hope that it’ll nonetheless be “Starring Aerosmith” ceaselessly 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 fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
