Disney World is known for its story-telling. Every ride or roller coaster at Disney World tells a story that becomes part of the experience of the ride. But thrilling roller coasters can be harder to find at the Disney World Parks.
However, if you are looking for a roller coaster that goes upside down, a roller coaster that is a full sensory experience for your eyes, ears, and body, you must check out the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Keep reading this guide to find out everything you need to know about the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
What is the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?
The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an Aerosmith-themed roller coaster designed in collaboration with the band. It opened in 1999, with a special premiere in which lucky winners rode the coaster with Aerosmith.
The story starts at the fictional G-Force Records. Aerosmith is recording, and they’re running late for a concert they’re scheduled to play. They don’t want you, “their guest,” to miss it either, so they order a super-stretch limo to take everyone through the streets of Los Angeles.
The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is an indoor coaster. The ride is in the dark, so you can’t see the twists, drops, corkscrews, and loops that await you. However, there are neon road signs and Hollywood Landmarks to dazzle you as you zip past.
The big draw of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, especially for an Aerosmith or rock fan, is the Aerosmith soundtrack that blasts out of a 32,000-watt onboard sound system. There are more than 125 speakers, which works out to about five per passenger! The audio system also includes 24 sub-woofers.
The Rock ‘n; Roller Coaster has five limos altogether. Each one plays a different Aerosmith song or medley.
Where Is the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Located?
The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is in Disney World at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. You can find it on Sunset Boulevard, to the left of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Everything You Need to Know To Ride the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of the most popular attractions at Hollywood Studios. Here is everything you need to know before you’re ready to rock and ride.
Restrictions
Because the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a thrill ride in the dark, there are quite a few rules to keep in mind.
All riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall. Any child under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Guests with ECVs must transfer to a standard wheelchair for the queue and then must transfer to the ride car.
Service animals are not allowed on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Because it is a loud, fast roller coaster with twists and inversions, pregnant women and others with medical conditions should avoid riding it.
The limo vehicle seats are spacious enough for larger guests.
Ride Queue
You will know you’ve found the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster when you see the giant 40-foot-tall Stratocaster guitar with the 32-foot-long neck. It’s hard to miss!
The queue is both outdoors and indoors. As you get closer to your ride, you’ll experience the pre-show at the fictional G-Force Records, where Aersosmith is just wrapping up a recording session and on their way to play a show. Steven Tyler invites you and offers you backstage passes and a ride in a super-stretch limo.
Because the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is so popular you can expect a wait time of around 45-90 minutes. The ideal time to jump in the line is at opening or within the first hour.
The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster does have Rider Switch available, so if you’re traveling with children too young or small to ride, you can swap out with your partner or travel companion without having to wait twice as long so both of you can ride.
There is also a Single Rider line which typically moves much faster than the regular Standby queue as they pull people up to fill empty seats. You will get split up from anyone you’re within the line, but that can be a fair exchange for getting through the line more quickly.
The other option to ride the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster without having to wake up early or wait all day is to purchase Disney’s Genie+ and use the Lightning Lane option.
Ride Experience
After the preshow, you’re ushered into the boarding area which looks like a dark alley. A “super-stretch” limo comes to a hard stop in front of you, and you get in.
Each limo car has 24 seats. Two guests sit side by side in each row. Each seat has an overhead U-bar harness that, when pulled down, rests on your shoulders and waist to keep you safe for the duration of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ride.
After waiting around for what seems like forever in anticipation, the limo suddenly launches forward, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. A camera captures your photo as you’re hurled through a tunnel.
While Aerosmith tunes blast all around you, your limo rides through twists, turns, and three inversions, in a thrilling, neon-lit darkness.
The ride lasts for about 1.5 minutes. Once you’ve “arrived” at the concert, you disembark the limo and exit through the gift shop.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Tips
If you know what to look for, you can tell what Aerosmith tunes your limo will play by paying attention to the license plate. Here’s the secret code:
- 1QKLIMO: “Nine Lives”
- 2FAST4U: “Sweet Emotion”
- BUHBYE: “Young Lust”; “F.I.N.E.”; “Love in an Elevator”
- H8TRFFC: “Back in the Saddle”; “Dude Looks Like a Lady”
- UGOBABE: “Love in an Elevator”; “Walk This Way”
Also, consider using the lockers by the park entrance if you have any loose items or things you’re worried about bringing on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as there’s no storage on the roller coaster.
Other than first thing in the morning, the standby line for the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster also tends to be shorter during the Fantasmic! Show.
Shopping and Dining Near the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
If you’re hungry before or after your ride, check out KRNR The Rock Station, a snack stand to the left of the giant Stratocaster. They have a variety of snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
For your Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster souvenir needs, don’t forget to browse the Rock Around the Shop gift shop. It’s the gift shop you’ll leave the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster through, but if you don’t ride the coaster, you can access the shop through the far left side of the building. There you’ll be able to find Aerosmith and ride-related memorabilia, many items you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Final Thoughts
The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the most exciting, fun rides at the resort. While it’s not the best choice for small children, pregnant women, or those with medical conditions, it will exhilarate thrillseekers and thrillseekers in training.
It can be tricky to ride the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster without spending a good part of your day in line, however with a bit of knowledge and a little planning, you can rock the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and get to everything else on your Disney World must-do list.
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- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
