The fan-favorite ride “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closing in February 2023 for a refurbishment that is scheduled to last several months.
The Details
According to a message on the official Walt Disney World website:
“Beginning February 20, 2023, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be temporarily closed for refurbishment. This rocktastic attraction will resume its super-stretch limo rides in summer 2023.”
Sources say this refurbishment is to update the launch system, and for general maintenance on the coaster.
Since the attraction has experienced periods of downtime in recent years, most recently in January, April, and June of this year, these updates may be to address whatever was causing these downtimes.
No major changes are planned to the ride experience or theming from what I hear, despite some Disney fans lobbying for a change.
The History
“Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith” is an enclosed, launched roller coaster that first opened to the public on July 29, 1999, when the park was still known as Disney-MGM Studios.
The attraction sits on the back end of Sunset Blvd in Disney Hollywood Studios, and riders experience up to 5Gs and travel through three inversions, all to the sounds of iconic rock band Aerosmith.
The last major refurbishment of the attraction took place in 2017, when new television screens were mounted prior to the boarding area, showing loading and safety tips in an effort to reduce boarding time.
The exterior of the main ride building was also given a new coat of paint.
Have you ridden on “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith”? What do you like best about it? Let us know in the comments.