Disney World Area Locked down, Ride Closed after Reported Fire Causes Evacuation

A large section of Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios park has been blocked off to guests after a possible fire caused a ride evacuation.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been grappling with less-than-ideal pushback after its expensive ticketed Jollywood Nights holiday event failed to wow fans recently. Now, it looks like it also has to contend with a popular ride reportedly catching on fire.

DisneyWorldTom has shared a video on Twitter/X reporting that a firm alarm evacuation has closed the entire area of Hollywood Studios surrounding the fan-favorite Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith attraction.

BREAKING: Fire alarm evacuation at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes entire area at Hollywood Studios

As it stands now, the ride is listed as “temporarily closed” on the My Disney Experience application. No further information has been provided. We have no idea the extent of the reported fire or how long the park section will be closed to guests.

The video footage shows Disney cast members closing and locking down gates to the park section to prevent anyone from accessing the area. This could be a precaution, as Disney is very proactive regarding dangers or incidents inside the park. Nevertheless, the situation is shocking and scary.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is a roller coaster that opened in 1999 and was created in collaboration with the iconic rock band Aerosmith.

The ride is known for its high-speed launches, inversions, and synchronized onboard audio, featuring hit songs from Aerosmith. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has been a fan-favorite due to its unique ride experience combined with the integration of Aerosmith’s music.

The coaster accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a matter of seconds. This launch experience is what keeps fans coming back for the thrills. The twists, turns, and inversions experienced in the dark during the ride are synchronized with the soundtrack, creating an immersive and adrenaline-pumping experience.

Over the years, there has been speculation and desire among fans for a retheme of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Some have suggested updating the ride to feature a different band or theme, possibly to keep the attraction relevant and fresh.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has had its share of shutdowns and accidents over the years. However, a fire on a fan-favorite ride involving guests moving at high speeds is a little unnerving to think about. An evacuation from a coaster that goes upside down also adds an extra sense of dread to the experience.

Here’s hoping no one was injured, everyone made it off the ride safely, and the sirens were just an accident or false alarm.

The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: A High-Octane Disney Thrill Ride

In the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, a thrilling experience awaits those seeking an adrenaline rush and a dose of rock ‘n’ roll. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is an iconic roller coaster that combines the excitement of a high-speed ride with the electrifying energy of rock music.

The adventure begins the moment you step into G-Force Records, where you find yourself backstage at a concert for the legendary rock band Aerosmith. The premise of the ride is that the band has invited you to their gig across town, and they’ve arranged for a high-speed “super-stretch limo” to get you there on time.

Once on board the coaster, you’re in for an exhilarating journey through neon-lit streets and freeways. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster boasts an impressive launch system that propels you from 0 to 57 mph in just a matter of seconds. You’ll twist, turn, and loop your way through the darkened cityscape, feeling the rush of the wind and the pulse of the music. The coaster’s smooth track and thrilling inversions make it a favorite among roller coaster enthusiasts.

What sets this coaster apart is its synchronization with an Aerosmith soundtrack. Riders are equipped with onboard speakers that blast iconic Aerosmith hits like “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Sweet Emotion” as they race through the darkened city streets. The combination of music and the coaster’s thrilling maneuvers creates a sensory experience that immerses riders in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.

The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is not just about speed and music; it also features captivating visual effects. As you hurtle through the city, you’ll encounter neon signs, illuminated billboards, and larger-than-life cityscapes that enhance the overall experience. The ride’s lighting and visuals are a testament to Disney’s commitment to storytelling and immersion.

For thrill-seekers visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a must-do attraction. Its combination of high-speed excitement, rock ‘n’ roll ambiance, and Disney-level theming make it a standout in the world of theme park roller coasters. The ride’s relatively short duration ensures that it can fit into your day without taking up too much time, making it a perfect addition to your Disney itinerary.

In conclusion, The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is a high-octane thrill ride that offers the perfect blend of speed, music, and visual effects. It’s a heart-pounding journey through the world of rock ‘n’ roll that provides a memorable and electrifying experience for guests of all ages. So, if you’re ready for a wild ride through the streets of a neon-lit city, don’t miss the chance to experience the rock ‘n’ roll magic of this Disney coaster.

Disney to Retheme Roller Coaster Amid Sexual Assault Allegations Against Steven Tyler

In December, we first reported that the ongoing refurbishment of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney’s MGM Studios) might secretly be a retheme, cutting ties with Steven Tyler. In a newly-filed lawsuit, Tyler stands accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in the 1970s.

A recent report from a Disney Cast Member, shared to Reddit by u/wampantwabbit, appears to confirm the rumor. “I mentioned a tee I wanted from RnR that they didn’t have in my size to a cast member today and she ‘confirmed’ that WDW have ‘lost the contract’ with Aerosmith and it will now be rethemed,” the Guest reported.

Of course, this is just a rumor, and front-line Disney Cast Members are often kept in the dark about any major Disney Park news. But fans have long hoped for a retheme of the ride. Even before the allegations against Tyler, many felt it was outdated. Disneyland Paris rethemed its version of the Walt Disney Studios Park ride to Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, located in Avengers Campus.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will reopen in the summer of 2023. Will it star Powerline from A Goofy Movie (1995) or another timeless rock band? Or will Steven Tyler remain? Inside the Magic will continue to report on the ride as it undergoes refurbishment.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is the only Disney Park coaster to go upside down and a must-do for all thrill-seekers! “Race along the darkened freeways of Los Angeles in a super-stretch limo to the rockin’ tunes of Aerosmith,” reads the official Disney attraction description. “Inside their Hollywood music studio, legendary rock band Aerosmith is wrapping up a recording session. When their manager tells them they’re late for a concert across town, the band invites you to ride along.”

“Hop into their gleaming limousine and speed off into the night as Aerosmith’s hard-rock harmonies fill the air. Buckle up before zooming through the city on this roller-coaster style attraction. Speed through iconic Hollywood landmarks. Maneuver past traffic jams and swoop into 3 thrilling inversions—2 rollover loops and one corkscrew—as the wind races across your face. Will you make it to the year’s biggest concert in time?”

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Now Closed for Refurbishment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now closed for refurbishment.

There is a sign near the start of Sunset Boulevard to let guests know Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is closed. It also directs guests to Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.

There are no construction walls up around the attraction (yet). Cast Members were out with small games for guests to play.

The entrance to Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is past the entrance to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, so the courtyard will remain open.

Rock Around the shop is also closed.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror was recently restored to full capacity to help accommodate more guests while Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is closed.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is scheduled to reopen in the summer. Disney did not announce details about the refurbishment, but it would likely only include general maintenance, not any changes to the actual experience. However, this could change following the lawsuit against Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. Were Disney to remove Tyler and Aerosmith from the ride, it could potentially extend the refurbishment.

Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Closes Next Month

Walt Disney World has announced that its popular attraction, Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, will close next month as part of an extended refurbishment, and Guests who love the Disney’s Hollywood Studios thrill ride should take the opportunity to enjoy it while they can.

Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park at the Walt Disney World Resort, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith allows Guests to “race along the darkened freeways of Los Angeles” with the band to their concert after visiting their Hollywood music studio. Of course, passengers living “life in the fast like” get the full star experience, including three thrilling inversions as they “maneuver past traffic jams” to the tune of Aerosmith songs such as “Walk This Way,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Sweet Emotion,” “Back in the Saddle,” and the semi-original “Love in a Roller Coaster,” which the famous band rewrote for the attraction.

Originally, Walt Disney Imagineers designed the concept as part of an ongoing theme for Hollywood Studios to transport Guests into the world of movies and all-star fame. As a result, areas such as the Hollywood Backlot and Animation Courtyard allowed Guests a tour within the cinematic realm of Hollywood backlots and movie magic similar to that of EPCOT’s World Showcase for international destinations.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios tells Guests that the thrill ride includes two rollover loops and one corkscrew, challenging them to “make it to the year’s biggest concert in time.” What’s more, the limousine-style ride vehicle includes a “125-speaker, 24-subwoofer, 32,000-watt audio system,” perfect for jamming along to your favorite Aerosmith tunes in a coaster complement to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’s drop ride experience.

However, some Guests worried that soon this jam session with the band would not be possible after Disney added a statement to the webpage for the attraction reading: “Beginning February 20, 2023, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be temporarily closed for refurbishment. This rocktastic attraction will resume its super-stretch limo rides in summer 2023.”  Truly, it seemed possible that in addition to continued maintenance for the ride’s technical aspects, a retheme could be underway to “modernize” the ride’s storyline or update the musical artist.

Indeed, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has changed a lot since its inception, now offering full immersion into some of the best cinematic universes like Disney Pixar’s with Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, for example. In fact, even Walt Disney Imagineering admits that as Park goals evolve, the theming focus has adapted to include less behind-the-scenes action such as that found in Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Super Stretch Limo

In addition, Disney Parks seems to have shifted its focus onto its own intellectual property, utilizing concepts it does not have to license from others, which, combined with the recent controversy surrounding frontman Steven Tyler, could mean curtains for Aerosmith’s run very soon. Even so, as of now, nothing about the statement inherently suggests Disney has plans to retheme the ride… yet.

Guests can ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from now until February 20, 2023.