Disney Files NEW Permit for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Changes at Hollywood Studios

Time is ticking before we have to say goodbye to an iconic Disney World ride for good — well, sort of.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith permanently closes on March 2nd, so that Disney can begin transforming it into Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. While we’re stoked about the addition of The Muppets to this ride, we can’t help but feel sad that the original version of this ride is going away. We’re keeping up with all the latest changes, and we’ve spotted a new permit ahead of this ride’s permanent closure.

A new permit was recently filed for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ahead of The Muppets transformation. Coastal Steel, Inc. is listed as the contractor on the permit — a steel fabrication company that has worked on several Disney World and other theme park rides in the past.

©Disney

The scope of work is listed as General Construction, and since Coastal Steel is listed as the contractor, we’re guessing this work has something to do with ride infrastructure and steel frameworks.

Since Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is slated to open this summer, we’re not expecting a ton of changes to the ride itself — just the overall theme. Still, this permit marks an exciting step toward the overall transformation.

©Disney

The Muppets are moving to Sunset Boulevard and taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith! The Muppets will be the stars of the show on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and will be teaming up with some of “music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.”

©Disney

The new version of the coaster is expected to open in Summer 2026, which is a pretty quick turnaround time for any theme park, but especially Disney. However, Disney closed the existing pre-show of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster out of nowhere back on December 1st, likely to start working on it faster.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster area entrance on Sunset Boulevard

We’ll be on the lookout for more changes ahead of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s closure for refurbishment. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and beyond.

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Are you excited about the changes coming to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments.