My top two interests: music and theme parks. Naturally, this makes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios a natural favorite.
Opened in 1999, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is an indoor launch coaster utilizing the soundtrack of Aerosmith. The band appears in the pre-show in a Los Angeles recording studio, inviting the riders on a “super stretch” limo to their big concert. The ride is programmed with several Aerosmith songs that play through your seat, offering a unique experience with each visit.
With the Paris version of the coaster being closed and the contract with Aerosmith about to end, it’s left many fans wondering — will the contract be renewed? Or is a rethemed coaster underway?
Based on the recent trends in the Disney parks, and the officially announced Marvel retheme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disneyland Paris, it seems that a rethemed version would most likely be changed into an existing intellectual property. However, with the well-loved theme of the ride, it begs the question: who could possibly replace Aerosmith as the star act?
While they don’t seem likely, here are some of my dream Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster rethemes. Would you want to see any of these come to Florida?
Gorillaz
For those who may be unfamiliar, Gorillaz is a “virtual band” fronted by Damon Albarn, the former frontman of Blur. The band is presented as cartoons with their own individual rich backgrounds.
I’ll admit, this is a completely biased choice as Gorillaz is my all-time favorite band. However, I think their unique image and lore would fit nicely in the attraction itself. For example, when promoting the 2018 album The Now Now, it wasn’t uncommon to see the cartoon versions of Gorillaz interacting with our human world. This special effect would work spectacularly in the existing recording studio pre-show, in addition to the colorful personalities of each member. According to Gorillaz cannon, they have their own home in Kong Studios — inviting Imagineers to create a heavily themed experience, unlike anything they had worked on before.
Of course, most importantly, there are plenty of upbeat and recognizable tracks that could accompany the ride itself, such as “Feel Good Inc.” and “Clint Eastwood.”
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Established enough to be icons, but modern enough to be refreshing — Red Hot Chili Peppers would be the perfect update. The alternative band would keep the gritty rock and roll vibe we have with Aerosmith while breathing new life into the attraction. While the coaster is already set in Los Angeles, minor rethemes could bring a generic California rock vibe, keeping in line with the aesthetic of the Chili Peppers. Of all the bands that could possibly replace Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers feels like the most natural to fill those shoes.
Hits such as “Dani California,” “Can’t Stop,” and “Give It Away” are high energy and certainly meant to be played loud. The idea of blasting through the dark with the vocals of Anthony Keidis sounds too good to be true.
Fall Out Boy
We all know Disney loves a good IP based attraction — and Fall Out Boy would be able to give us that. The Chicago based pop-punk group appears on the Big Hero 6 soundtrack with their song “Immortals.” By putting Fall Out Boy in the studio pre-show, and using “Immortals” as the in ride song, we would end up with a unique, combined Big Hero 6/rock and roll ride. The possibilities for this are endless. We may find ourselves in the fictional town of San Fransokyo, Baymax and his friends could soar above the track, perhaps our super stretch limo could be revamped to Baymax himself. Having one meet and greet in Epcot isn’t enough, I want ALL the Big Hero 6 content.
Of course, Fall Out Boy has plenty of other amazing songs that could play through the ride itself, such as “Thnks Fr th Mmrs” and “Dance, Dance.” However, as much as I love these songs, and the fact that the present ride has various preloaded tunes, I love the idea of basing everything off of Immortals.
What do you think? Do any of these seem likely? Who would you like to see take over Aerosmith’s spot (if anyone?) Let me know in the comments!
Hannah is an accidental internet meme, drummer, loud talker, and proud owner of a purse that functions as a working analog clock. She got the media writer gene from her dad, PF Wilson, another writer for Pop Culture Beast. Her favorite bands come and go on a seasonal rotation, but Marina & The Diamonds and Say Anything are here to say. She’s probably watching The Grand Budapest Hotel right now, but if she isn’t, she’s out photographing rock concerts.