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Here’s what 450 Boston.com readers think about Disney’s dis of Aerosmith
“It's just annoying to do that while they are still alive.”
It’s been a few weeks since the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios announced it would be jettisoning the ride’s “starring Aerosmith” tagline and replacing Boston’s bad boys with Muppet rock stars Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem. But many Boston.com readers are still struggling to get a grip.
“This is the worst news of 2024,” wrote one of the respondents to our poll, and given some of the other things that happened in 2024, that’s a pretty bold statement.
Almost 450 readers responded, and 49% of those disagreed fully with the decision, with another 15% saying they could understand booting Aerosmith, but didn’t feel like the Muppets were an adequate replacement. Only 33% agreed with the change, but the ones that did felt pretty strongly about it.
Do you agree with Disney's decision to remove Aerosmith from the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?
No, it's a travesty
50%
Yes, it was time
32%
I don't mind, but why are they replacing them with Muppets?
15%
Other
3%
“No one listens to real rock and roll anymore, and Aerosmith retired anyway,” wrote Mark from Fall River. “What 10-year-old wants to go on an Aerosmith ride?” And one anonymous respondent declared, “Electric Mayhem is way better than Aerosmith,” an opinion some rock critics would probably agree with.
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See below for a sampling of how Boston.com readers responded to Aeromsmith’s Disney dis:
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
It’s a travesty.
“This is the best ride out of every Disney park. It is iconic and I more than anyone wish they would not ruin it. I too love the Muppets, but they can get their own ride and they do not need to steal the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. I pray each and every night Disney will change their mind.” — Anonymous
“Who’s in charge of this idea? Just a terrible decision. I can say as much as it costs to go there on vacation, next year might be our last time. Raising prices on tickets, food, and taking away all the great things they had to offer at the same time … It is not worth it!” — Anonymous
“Won’t be going back to Disney for a long while — lost this once-loyal customer. Disney is out of touch.” — Joe M., Boston
“Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was the only decent ride at Disney. The rest of the rides are lame. Replacing Aerosmith with the Muppets is even lamer. I wouldn’t go to Florida now anyway.” — Robert G. L., Waltham
“Aerosmith is a classic group and an American institution. The Muppets are fine, but they don’t compare to the legendary Steven Tyler and the boys.” — Brian W., Michigan (formerly Lynn, Mass.)
“It’s just annoying to do that while they are still alive.” — Mark K., Boston
“We just came back from Orlando; we went to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and were very disappointed that they changed The Great Movie Ride to a Mickey and Minnie go-on-a-picnic thingy … I like Mickey/Minnie and love the Muppets, but if they must remove Aerosmith then at least replace them with another rock band. I cannot imagine being on the ride and listening to ‘mahna mahna, doo-doo-da-doo-doo.’” — Sharon, Southern New Hampshire
Why the Muppets?
“For anyone who has experienced the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, you know what an exhilarating experience it is. It takes my breath away every time. Though it may be time to move on from Aerosmith, it really needs a rock theme. The Muppets are fun and entertaining, but they lack the wildness that this ride entails.” — Jen, Medfield
“Beyond time. Disney should not want their name to be associated with Tyler. But the Muppets rock ’n’ roll? Going a little too safe.” — Dec, Southie
“Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a blast as is. The music adds to the experience — hard to imagine that whatever they replace it with will be nearly as good. And while Muppets are perennial favorites, that choice doesn’t exactly feel fresh and new.” — Tina S., Boston
It’s an upgrade.
“Sadly, it’s time for both, but the real travesty is Muppet*Vision 3D closing, as it was the last project Jim Henson worked on before he passed.” — Nancy, Quincy
“Why were they on a ride to begin with? Does Disney promote horrible living and lifestyle, like these guys did? They were big in the ’70s. Then they had a couple generic ’90s ballad-type songs — yawwwn. And that was the last we heard of them until all those allegations. Plus anyone under 40 is like, ‘Who are these guys? Where is Kermit?”’ — Chris C., Marblehead
“The ride itself is great, but it’s definitely time for a re-theme. Love Aerosmith, but they’re not relevant anymore and the pre-ride video is extremely outdated. The Muppets are basically timeless and they’re versatile enough to allow Disney to use them in an almost endless amount of ways to make this ride fresh.” — Ryan, Acton
“Love the ride, Aerosmith and love the Muppets. It has been in place for 25 years and they had long ago dropped a lot of the Aerosmith themed portions (i.e. gift shop, record sales, stuff in line) and this seems to have been coming for a while. I am MUCH sadder that they are doing away with Muppet*Vision 3D. That is a great show and a nice spot to take a break at. It is the last tie to Henson too. Awful decision.” — William C. Shewsbury
“The Muppets are timeless and wonderful and perfect. Give them all the rides!” — Dan, Boston
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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