On July 29, 1999, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith opened at Disney-MGM Studios – known today as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A special, invitation-only, party was held and attended by contest winners and members of Aerosmith, who are featured in the ride. You can find Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at the end of Sunset Boulevard next to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
The Queue and Launch
As with most Disney attractions, you are immersed in a story. The queue begins with a tour through music memorabilia that leads to Aerosmith’s recording studio. Guests watch the band rehearse until they are interrupted by their band manager, warning them they are going to be late to their show. Steven Tyler objects to leaving the guests behind, and convinces the manager to call a limo and provide back stage passes. She reluctantly agrees and calls for a stretch limo, pauses a moment, then says, “make that a super stretch.”
Doors open to the “parking garage” where, on the other side of a chain-link fence, you can watch the “limos” speeding off to the concert, reaching speeds of 58 mph in less than 2.8 seconds. The excitement builds as it’s your turn to board the limo. As you face the tunnel into the ride, you are reminded to keep your head back (very important!). Steven Tyler counts down, “5, 4, 3, 2” (skipping 1) and you speed off into the ride.
The Ride Experience
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is exclusively an indoor ride, and mostly in the dark. As if you are on a highway at night, you pass neon road signs directing you to the show. The ride features three inversions, a roll over with two inversions, and later, a corkscrew. The ride ends when you reach the VIP parking area for the concert. You head “backstage” which, in true Disney fashion, leads to a gift shop.
Ride facts:
- Launches guests from 0-58 mph in less than 2.8 seconds.
- Takes riders through three inversions.
- Features five “limos” that have their own license plates and sound tracks.
- 1QKLIMO – “Nine Lives”
- 2FAST4U – “Sweet Emotion”
- BUHBYE – “Young Lust, “F.I.N.E.*” and “Love in a Roller Coaster”
HBTRFFC – “Back in the Saddle,” and “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” - UGOBABE – “Love in a Roller Coaster” (custom version of “Love in an Elevator”) and “Walk This Way”
- Is currently sponsored by Hanes.
- Both Fastpass + and single rider lines available.
- Test Track at Epcot is the only faster ride at WDW – 65 mph.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World. The high-speed launch beats a traditional coaster lift hill any day in my book. The theming is creative and detailed, and the music adds to the excitement. The only change I would make would be for it to be longer. Do you enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? What is your favorite ride at Walt Disney World?
Word of Mouse 