The theme park company often build attractions based on timeless characters. In this case, you may have made a mistake.
Some Disney theme park attractions last forever because they are based on timeless characters. It is true that Walt Disney (DIS) – Get a free report It has changed some iconic attractions to reflect changing social norms—”Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Jungle Cruise,” and “Splash Mountain” to name a few—but many of the attractions at Disney World and Disneyland theme parks have endured for decades. and it can last many more.
In some cases, that’s because Disney has largely built attractions around its largest and most timeless properties. The new shows and movies in the Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic Universes may not do as well as the classic entries in those series, but Darth Vader. Luke Skywalker, Iron Man, Spider-man, and even the Guardians of the Galaxy have shown that they have enduring appeal.
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Disney has had some mistakes. “Song of the South” turned out to be terrible source material for a theme park ride, but it’s mostly built rides around timeless characters. Even a franchise like “The Muppets,” who are the subject of a cute but very old-fashioned show at Hollywood Studios because kids know Kermit the Frog from “Sesame Street” and many parents have a warm affection for such irreverent puppets. .
But, another Hollywood Studios ride may need a major theme change and that could happen during its current extended closure.
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Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Shuts Down
Disney World’s Hollywood Studios theme park released the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith in July 1999. By this time, the band had already moved on from the late ’80s and early ’90s “Dude Looks Like a Lady” (1987) “Janie’s Got a Gun” (1989) “Crazy,” “Cryin'” (1993) in their heyday, but still a huge touring act known to generations.
In many ways, Aerosmith was the perfect choice for Disney (because the company couldn’t get the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, or the Eagles). Aerosmith was (and is) a larger-than-life act who had a timeless hit in 1973 (“Dream On”) that somehow got even bigger in their second act.
And, to be fair, Aerosmith had quite a run when they were a well-known band that appealed to several generations. That made it a perfect band to base a theme park ride on. The problem is that Aerosmith’s star has faded and the lead singer is currently facing a lawsuit involving a improper sexual relationship with a minor.
Or, to put it bluntly, kids may not have the same connection they once did to Mickey Mouse, but the famous mouse isn’t facing any charges for participating in the sexual assault of a minor.
Rock ‘n’ Roller may not come back
While the deal between the band and Disney is widely believed to expire in 2028 or 2029, Tyler’s allegations will likely give the theme park company a chance if it hopes to make a change. Disney has not commented on the future of the attraction, but it closed on February 21 for a 4- to 6-month renovation.
That’s a long time for a full overhaul or a smaller one where it keeps the rock and roll theme but loses the specific Aerosmith association. And while that would make it a lot like Comcast (CMCSA) – Get a free report Universal Studios Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, would solve the problem with the least expense.
Or, Disney could go for something more drastic. He re-themed the same ride at Disneyland Paris to an Avengers-themed roller coaster starring Iron Man and Captain Marvel called Avengers Assemble: Flight Force. The rights issue with Universal Studios on those particular characters could be a problem, but there is a plan in place for a major reissue.
