Walt Disney World is preparing to reopen a fan-favorite ride next month with a brand new theme, featuring a star-studded lineup of celebrity cameos, including Weird Al Yankovic, John Stamos, and Neil Patrick Harris.
The Disney resort in Orlando, Florida, shared updates Thursday as the refurbishment of its Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster continues. The ride has traded in its original Aerosmith theme for a refresh featuring The Muppets.
Opening May 26, the reimagined attraction — located in the resort’s Hollywood Studios park — will now take visitors on a high-speed, music-filled ride featuring performances by the Muppets’ rock band Electric Mayhem, alongside rock legends Def Leppard, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Questlove.
The five tracks being performed include “Song 2,” “Born To Be Wild,” “Love Rollercoaster,” “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” and “Walking on Sunshine.”
The entertainment is not limited to the ride. As guests wait in line, screens will play special messages from a slew of celebrities including Weird Al, Stamos, Harris, Darren Criss, Awkwafina, Travis Barker, Wayne Brady, Yvette Nicole Brown and Danny Trejo.
Celebrating the news on Instagram, Weird Al shared a photo of himself with Kermit the Frog and Fozzie the Bear. “I’ll be one of the celebs entertaining the people waiting in line (on a screen, not in person!) when Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando on May 26,” he wrote in the caption.
Stamos also shared a heartfelt message. “I finally get to say this out loud… I’m part of a Disney ride, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with @themuppets,” he said on Instagram, alongside a picture of himself with Kermit the Frog and Bobo the Bear.
“I grew up living and breathing Disney. It shaped my imagination, my sense of wonder, honestly a huge part of who I am. And the Muppets?” the Full House and Broadway star continued. “That perfect mix of heart, chaos, music, and comedy that somehow makes everything feel possible. So getting the call to jump into this wild, weird, joyful world… it hit me right in the kid part of my heart.”
He added: “It’s a small part, but to me it feels huge.”
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster first opened in 1999, featuring music and appearances from rock band Aerosmith. It closed last month for renovations and the installation of the new Muppets theme.
The original theme inspired an identical ride to open in Disneyland Paris in 2002. It was later re-themed to Avengers Assemble: Flight Force as part of the new Avengers Campus at the park.
