Hollywood Studios Virtual Queue Returns for Disney’s Most Anticipated Retheme

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is entering another huge transition period, and this time, one of the park’s most recognizable attractions is at the center of it. After years of rumors, speculation, and debate among fans, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster has officially stepped into its new Muppets era — and Disney fans are rushing to experience it before the official grand opening even arrives.

Annual Passholder previews for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially began this week, and it did not take long for demand to spike. Disney launched a virtual queue system for the previews, giving eligible guests several chances throughout the day to grab a boarding group. Early demand appeared intense almost immediately, with many fans expecting the morning distribution to disappear within seconds.

That reaction alone says a lot about how curious guests are about Disney’s newest retheme.

For years, the original Aerosmith version of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster stood as one of the most recognizable thrill rides at Walt Disney World. While some fans still loved the attraction exactly as it was, others felt the ride needed a refresh. Disney ultimately decided not to replace the coaster itself, but instead rebuild the story and atmosphere around The Muppets and the Electric Mayhem band.

The result appears to be much bigger than a simple overlay.

Disney added new music, updated scenes, fresh preshow elements, celebrity cameos, and several references longtime Muppets fans are already dissecting online. The queue reportedly includes callbacks to MuppetVision 3D, including hidden props and a tribute to Jim Henson.

The attraction also introduces Disney’s first-ever Audio-Animatronics version of Scooter created using motion capture technology, which has become one of the biggest talking points from previews so far.

Online reactions have been interesting because fans seem far more divided than Disney probably expected.

Some guests are praising the attraction for feeling more energetic and modern than the Aerosmith version. Others still believe Disney should have left the original ride alone entirely. A large portion of the debate also circles back to the closure of MuppetVision 3D, which remains an emotional topic for longtime Disney fans.

Even guests enjoying the new coaster are admitting they still miss the classic Muppets attraction.

At the same time, Disney clearly believes this retheme will become a major crowd-puller for Hollywood Studios moving forward. The company is opening the attraction during a packed summer period filled with major entertainment additions across Walt Disney World.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opens to all guests on May 26, 2026, alongside several other major experiences arriving at the resort around Memorial Day weekend.

That timing feels intentional.

Disney is facing enormous competition in Central Florida right now thanks to the continued buzz surrounding Epic Universe. Because of that, Disney appears focused on giving guests multiple reasons to visit Walt Disney World this summer instead of waiting until later in the year.

Hollywood Studios especially seems positioned to benefit from the strategy.

Between Star Wars updates, new stage shows, refreshed park areas, and now a completely reimagined coaster, the park suddenly feels much busier than it did even a year ago.

Whether the Muppets retheme becomes a long-term fan favorite remains to be seen. Disney fans are famously protective of classic attractions, especially when major changes happen quickly.

Still, one thing already feels obvious after the first preview day: guests are absolutely showing up for this coaster.