Will Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Be Reimagined?

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 experience might change with enjoyable armchair Imagineering about probably characters, films, and bands that may work as a substitute. (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 essential upkeep to enhance reliability and efficiency.

On the time, we speculated that the prolonged downtime was basically vital infrastructure work–changing parts of the monitor, upgrading the launch system, or in any other case refreshing elements 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 elements of the attraction.

Although Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster has now reopened and nothing has modified, we nonetheless are of the idea that the experience will likely be reimagined and Aerosmith will likely 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 troublesome, however essential, resolution – as a band of brothers – to retire from the touring stage” because of lead singer Steven Tyler’s vocal harm.

“Peace Out: The Farewell Tour” was already set to be the ultimate tour for Aerosmith. After just a few stops, the schedule needed to be postponed because of 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 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 related in nature, accusing him of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional misery.

We don’t search to evaluate the advantage of the allegations in opposition to 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 most likely 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 may permit the corporate to take away all references to Aerosmith in a single day. Which may be a slight exaggeration–given how lengthy it took to construct TRON Lightcycle Run, I’m guessing the changeover would take no less than 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 all of a sudden makes much more sense in mild of reporting.)

Altering the experience is a straightforward resolution for Disney. Whenever you mix the allegations and weigh that in opposition to the present advertising and marketing energy of Aerosmith, the plain conclusion is that it’s time to retheme the experience. And I say this as somebody who loves Aerosmith’s music.

Reimagining Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster isn’t just the secure transfer, however it will be cash effectively spent. It presents a possibility for Imagineering to simply inject new life in an attraction that’s inherently well-liked as a thrill experience, and would give the corporate one thing to market in 2025 or 2026.

The subsequent large addition on the horizon is Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, which lately started the allow course of and doubtless received’t begin severe development work till late 2024 or early 2025. Which 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 ‘surrender’ and let Common have 2025, they should begin shifting on one thing quickly as an “reply” to Epic Universe. About the one chance at this level is leisure and reimaginings–and few sights have as a lot untapped advertising and marketing 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 mild 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. Through 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 experience, 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 up 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 just a few years with a full preshow script and therapy…”

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 chance 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 might 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 because of that. Lastly, that Walt Disney World isn’t going to inexperienced mild a experience 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 sights. The very best 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.

Nevertheless, 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 anything I suppose. Possibly it’s gonna be the brand new Billie Vacation experience. May very well be good.”

Queen has seen a resurgence in reputation 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 received’t really feel dated in a decade, Queen may be the absolute best decide. However why would that be the aim? Aerosmith can also be arguably timeless, and Queen appeals to nearly the very same demographic. It doesn’t draw any new friends.

Accordingly, I’m skeptical of Disney going that route. Centering the experience 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 affords extra of a disconnect. I additionally query simply how a lot cultural relevance any of these bands have with younger folks. Queen may be having fun with a resurgence, however is that sufficient to justify a reimagining?

If a unique 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 folks to ebook journeys to Walt Disney World, it most likely isn’t going to occur. For that motive, I’d rule out the potential for Queen or nearly any musician, previous or current.

Rethemed to Taylor Swift (Probability: Average) – Observe the ruling out of “nearly any” musician. There are perhaps three exceptions to that: Beyoncé, Hannah Montana (fictional), or Taylor Swift. (Sorry followers of Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Kinds, 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 turn out to be a character 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 in addition, not all the things must be aimed squarely at me.)

Love or hate her, there’s no denying Taylor Swift’s reputation–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 convey 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 complete video games only for glimpses of the celebrity. This reimagining alone could possibly be a professional 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) – An alternative choice we’ve heard floated could be to have a redone entrance to Pantages Theater, Amoeba Information, or Roxie Theatre. This transfer could be improbable, 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 one in every of Disney’s franchises within the queue and pre-show, however contains a random experience 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 thought 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 basic 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 checklist with a low likelihood of occurring 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 seem to be 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 practice within the film and “Strive Every little thing” by Shakira. That’s changing into one in every of Disney’s new go-to songs that results in just about all the things, and these two elements 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 checklist for 2 easy causes: it’s an important 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 superb. It’s a easy spinner, with the identify being probably the most artistic 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 the same 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 experience into Inside Out, however there are different impediments to that (extra under).

Powerline Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster (Probability: Low to Average) – This could imply turning Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster right into a experience starring Max Goof “Powerline.” Wait a minute…I really like that concept! Powerline has seen a resurgence in recent times, 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 reputation with Millennial mother and father who might share this experience with their children as they develop up.

I’m nonetheless skeptical. This nation doesn’t recognize tradition, and each the Muppets and Powerline get pleasure from restricted reputation 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 solely to heart a high-capacity thrill experience 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 probably the most intense experience at Walt Disney World. It additionally has the best top 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 numerous characters and films from Disney and Pixar out of play. It might most likely do the identical to Inside Out and Zootopia, which can also be why we put a low chance for these.

Notably, Incredicoaster at Disney California Journey is an intense curler coaster that additionally has a 48″ top requirement. Nevertheless, 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’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: Average to Excessive) – By strategy of elimination, this leaves us with Marvel. Again in November 2018, the New York Instances 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 experience “presently.”

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 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 numerous plans.

Marvel made probably the most sense then, and it nonetheless makes probably the most sense now for a Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster substitute. Walt Disney Studios Park has already achieved precisely that with its incarnation of this attraction, turning it into Avengers Assemble: Flight Pressure. 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 because of Common’s Marvel contract.

There are nonetheless loads of potentialities, together with Black Panther and plenty of 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 battle scenes than the one with “Immigrant Track.”

Personally, I believe Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster changing 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 most likely honest to say that the band doesn’t have the identical cachet or identify recognition with youthful friends. They’ve had a great run, but it surely’s time for one thing new–and doubtless not one other band.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has already confirmed massively well-liked, and there’s an urge for food for extra Marvel at Walt Disney World. Whereas it clearly wouldn’t be an identical, a thrill experience 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 unique timeline (or multiverse?), I might see a Mandalorian and Child Yoda coaster additionally being within the working. However I believe these characters will finally discover a extra everlasting house (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.

Finally, advocating for a Marvel substitute of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster most likely isn’t going to endear me to numerous longtime followers who both dislike tremendous heroes or would like to not see Marvel shoehorned into one other space the place it doesn’t make excellent thematic sense. I’d counter that extra Marvel at Walt Disney World is an inevitability in some unspecified time in the future. Extra sights will likely be constructed or repurposed; it’s a matter of when and the place, not if.

Recognizing that inevitability, I might ‘sacrifice’ RnRC earlier than playing on a brand new location or one other reimagined experience. For one factor, this spot is pretty remoted from the remainder of the park and could possibly be reworked into nearly something with out disrupting broader thematic integrity. For one more, it’s Walt Disney World’s studios park, which is synonymous with IP dumping floor. I’d moderately see Marvel right here than in World Showcase or Animal Kingdom. (I’m not saying these are severe alternate options–I simply don’t need to threat it.)

There’s additionally the truth that budgets are finite. Doing a Marvel reimagining to Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster–moderately than a brand new experience or land–is probably the most cost-efficient potential choice, and leaves extra money 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 truly occurs. Walt Disney World goes to wish one thing marketable within the subsequent few years, and reimaginings are actually the one card they must play since they haven’t damaged floor on anything. 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 received’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” 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 can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions—even whenever you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!