Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Is Packed With Muppet Greatness

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets began welcoming guests over the weekend when Cast Members previewed the updated attraction. While CMs and their guests were allowed to take photos and videos inside G-Force Records, they couldn’t share those images until May 20. Which is the second this post went live.

Spoiler warning: This article contains photos and details from the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets queue, pre-show, load area, and ride. If you want to experience G-Force Records spoiler-free, now’s your chance to bail. We suggest checking out our Disney and Universal countdown builder instead.

Thankfully, our very own Tyler was among the lucky few who got to experience the ride before the masses. Even better, he brought his camera along and decided to share those photos with us.

Before we get to the actual queue pics, though, I need to talk about how ridiculously difficult it is to document a brand-new attraction for the first time. Knowing where to look is half the battle. And when the ride involves The Muppets, the undisputed kings of background gags, visual chaos, and “what was that?!” moments? Good luck getting even half of everything on your first run.

Case in point… while Disney had already shared a short clip of the Studio C pre-show, guests still had no idea how the room actually played once the scene started. Tyler and his CM friend were among the last guests to enter, which meant their view of Scooter and The Electric Mayhem was… less than ideal.

As you can see, Tyler never stood a chance against those cell phones. The only thing he saw clearly was poor Beaker getting launched into the glass.

And here’s the part none of us realized. Once Scooter falls off his stool, he’s gone until the next show cycle starts. So by the time Tyler had a clear angle, the band manager had already disappeared below the desk. Don’t worry, though. He’ll be back for Annual Passholder previews, which begin on May 21.

I’m worried that Scooter’s early exit is going to create issues in the pre-show. Guest behavior in the second Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind pre-show room already leaves a lot to be desired, with people crowding the doors like someone’s passing out free churros. I can totally see guests stampeding to Scooter when the studio doors open. Sam Eagle would not approve. Don’t upset Sam.

Enough preamble. Let’s get to Tyler’s photos.

Outdoor queue

We’ve already seen photos of the giant Gibson guitar and equally large keyboard that back up to the G-Force Records building. Yes, this is just a reskin of existing props, but it screams Muppets, so we’re sharing even more pics.

Cast Members and their guests were asked to “Protect the Magic” by not sharing any photos or videos before Disney lifted the embargo. Most complied, but some people couldn’t help themselves and shared early. All for some clicks. That’s very unpatriotic.

Several psychedelic rock posters promote G-Force’s headline act. Janice, Zoot, Sgt. Floyd Pepper, Dr. Teeth, Lips, and Animal are all represented.

The G-Force Records manhole covers remain.

Once inside, guests are treated to digital posters. Tyler snapped one featuring Danny Trejo and Kermit the Frog.

And this is where the pre-show queue rocks. First up is this dress worn by Miss Piggy back in the 1980s. We also spotted The Electric Mayhem’s debut studio album, The Muppets Mayhem. The vinyl artwork was designed by Matt Taylor.

Next up is my favorite prop of all: Kermit’s banjo from The Muppet Movie. We’re not sure if it’s the actual prop from the film, but the log and cattails certainly give it some authenticity. Dr. Teeth’s hat is resting on a nearby soundboard.

Animal’s drum set had to be included.

Sorry, but I can’t place Miss Piggy’s western wear outfit.

Studio C pre-show

We’ve already covered Studio C in previous articles and earlier in this piece, so I won’t spend too much time on it here. But your enjoyment of the pre-show might depend on where you stand and how many people decide to hold their phones in the air like they’re filming an actual concert. Hopefully, guests are respectful of the people behind them.

Even from Tyler’s less-than-ideal vantage point, he loved the new scene. Others shared those same sentiments over the weekend. I dug Aerosmith’s era at G-Force Records, but their pre-show had started to feel dated. By all accounts, The Muppets have injected real energy back into Studio C. And since The Muppets never really go out of style, this version could (and should) stick around forever.

The studio is a little less tidy than when Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and the rest of Aerosmith were the house band.

Leaving the studio, guests will spot a wall filled with Employee of the Month photos featuring Scooter. Apparently, he’s G-Force Records’ perpetual winner. We’re assuming that’s less about performance and more about nobody else wanting the job.

The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster back alley

Imagineers absolutely loaded this space with Muppet details, visual gags, and nonsense. It’s going to take multiple rides (and a long zoom lens) to catch everything hiding back there.

First up, the coaster trains now feature the same psychedelic paint scheme found on the upside-down Cadillac parked outside the attraction’s entrance.

The LA Down Under Club survived the retheme, albeit with a minor name change. The basement hangout is now a comedy club.

Did Rizzo find a new hangout? Right next door to Down Under is The Squeakeasy, a bar seemingly built for a much smaller clientele. I want those tiny Harleys parked out front.

We originally thought Statler and Waldorf would take over this fire escape balcony. Instead, it’s covered in laundry and clutter. Don’t worry. The two curmudgeons show up later in the ride.

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew’s motorcycle is leaning up against Gonzo’s barrels of… well, we’re not sure what’s in those.

More Gonzo weird stuff litters the queue. Muppet*Vision 3D fans probably recognize plenty of this junk stuff.

The load area

Again, Muppet chaos is absolutely everywhere in this space. I’m especially looking forward to getting close-up photos of the flyers, lockers, and that tiny Muppet Labs microcar in the load area. It appears to be the same vehicle used in Muppets Most Wanted, which is exactly what we Muppet fans love to see.

This area also features one of our favorite Muppet creations of all time: the Muppet Mobile Lab. The roaming Audio-Animatronic act used to be an EPCOT icon, so we’re thrilled to see it resurrected here. Well, maybe not thrilled. I’d rather Disney let Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew drive this thing around Sunset Boulevard outside the attraction instead of parking it in the queue.

Imagine this greeting guests queuing up for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster!

The ride

Tyler put his camera away before boarding the train. As one should. So unfortunately, the next section is completely picture-less.

You might be wondering who handles the launch countdown now. Honestly, taking in a ride for the first time is chaotic enough on its own. Add the adrenaline rush that comes with waiting for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s launch, and it’s understandable why some details become a blur. But Tyler is fairly certain Animal has taken over Steven Tyler’s countdown. That feels perfect.

Tyler’s train got Kelly Clarkson’s version of “Walking on Sunshine.” Before launch, guests hear a short intro from whichever artist is featured on their ride soundtrack. Then comes Animal, followed immediately by the launch and the song kicking in.

While riding, Tyler noted Muppets billboards, a PizzeRizzo sign, and several palm trees complete with Muppet faces.

Unload zone and Rock Around the Shop

I need to clarify something I mentioned last week. When Disney shared that video of Statler and Waldorf in their new home, we assumed the duo had been placed in the unload area. While that’s not the case, they are very close. Guests can spot the hecklers during the final stretch of track just before the train rounds the last bend into the unload platform.

Since Tyler had already put his camera away, he never stood a chance of snapping a photo. Unfortunately, once guests step off the train, Statler and Waldorf are no longer visible from the platform. This is a huge bummer for those guests who use the chicken exit to experience everything but the ride.

Tyler also shared an important tip: the best view belongs to those in the front row. Guests seated farther back will only catch a quick glimpse of the two grumpy legends sitting in their trailer before the train pulls into the station.

Just like during the Aerosmith era, guests exiting the attraction will be treated to a video performance from the ride’s headlining band. Only now, it’s Animal and The Electric Mayhem.

The painting of Muppet Jim Henson has made its way from Grand Avenue to Sunset Boulevard. Thank goodness.

Rock Around the Shop wasn’t open during Cast Member preview, so we’ll leave you with Tyler’s fantastic photo of the exit hallway, complete with hanging concert promos.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opens May 26. Based on early reactions, Disney may have pulled off something special. And they reskinned it in record time. Dr. Bunsen and Beaker should be proud.

Want to learn more about Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets? We’ve got you covered. Visit our ride hub for everything coming to the revamped attraction.