Disney4me Posted April 9 Report Share Posted April 9 The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is about to change forever, as longtime headliners Aerosmith are about to cede the attraction to the Muppets. However before the Bad Boys of Boston turn the keys to their super-stretch lim0 over to Kermit and co., we’re looking back at nearly 30 years of Hollywood Studios’ most rockin’ ride. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith first roared to life at Hollywood Studios – – then known as Disney/MGM Studios – – in 1999. However, the road to the ride’s opening had nearly as many twists and turns as the Vekoma coaster itself. In the mid-1990s, Disney began transforming the Studios park from a presentation of an “actual working studio” into more a traditional theme park, including thrill rides like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It was during this period that the company decided to build a massive coaster in the park. It would be a roller coaster that would far exceed anything Disney had ever produced before, introducing speeds and track elements that were previously only seen in coasters at non-Disney amusement parks that catered to an older, more thrill-hungry crowd. Tower of Terror While they contracted the aforementioned coaster manufacturer Vekoma to construct the coaster, they also planned to theme it around a decidedly non-Disney concept: Rock & Roll. Specifically, Disney sought to align the ride with a popular music artist, theming it to their aesthetic, having them appear in the pre-show, and playing their music on the ride. Allegedly, Disney was in discussions with several major artists of the time including the Rolling Stones and U2, before finally reaching a deal with Aerosmith. The band was arguably at their peak of popularity in the 90s, having made a triumphant comeback from substance abuse issues to become a stadium-filling act. It likely also helped that the band had a massive number one hit in 1998 with “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”, which was on the soundtrack of the Disney-produced film Armageddon. Aerosmith’s presence on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was a major change for Disney at the time. The ride’s story revolves around guests taking a tour of Aerosmith’s recording studio at the fictional G-Force Records. After “meeting” the band in the studio, Steven Tyler and co. invite them to ride in a “super-stretch” limo to a concert. After exiting into a “back alley”, guests board the limo-shaped coaster car. The coaster’s ride vehicle. The coaster experience itself remains the most thrilling at Walt Disney World. The ride begins with a launch from 0 to 57 mph (92 km/h) in less than 2.8 seconds. After a long straightway launch, the limo rises up into a double-inversion rollover element, then dives into over-banked turns. The limo continues along the track until it reaches the third and final inversion, a corkscrew, before the ride ends with several banked turns and a camelback hill. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Adding into the thill is the fact that the ride takes place nearly completely in the dark, with the building’s only illumination being neon signs that mimic Los Angeles street signs and other Hollywood landmarks. Let’s get ready to rock! Much like the comparatively calm Space Mountain, it’s a bucket list experience for many Disney fans to see the coaster with the lights on. While not common, there have been times when Disney has run the ride with the lights on. ©AllEars.Net The lit interior is also visible anytime the ride needs to be evacuated. ©AllEars.Net With the aforementioned Muppets changeover happening at some point in the next couple of years, it remains to be seen just how different the Muppets coaster will be. While the pre-show will definitely be changed, we’re curious to see just how different the internal presentation is. ©Disney The Rock ’n’ Roller coaster has been Hollywood Studios’ premier thrill ride for nearly three decades, and will likely remain so for years to come thanks to its new upcoming Muppets theme! Stay tuned to DFB for further dives into Disney World’s best rides! Inside Disney’s Space Mountain: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are Out Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a fan of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster? Let us know in the comments below!The post Inside Disney’s Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are Out first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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