Rock n Roller Coaster starring the Muppets
Scooter in the studio with Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem Credit: Seth Kubersky

Two weeks ago, I reviewed the revamped flying theater attractions at EPCOT and SeaWorld, but those aren’t the only exciting recent updates inside Orlando’s theme parks. Here’s a look at two controversial changes that turned out far better than many fans may have expected.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You can count me among the multitudes of Muppet faithful who were fighting mad when Walt Disney World announced the demolition of Jim Henson’s final masterpiece, MuppetVision 3D, in favor of a Monsters Inc. area. Even the news that Kermit and co. would be evicting Aerosmith from their looping indoor coaster did little to assuage my disappointment. But while nothing will ever replace MuppetVision in my heart (except maybe a long-rumored VR version), now that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is open, I’m willing to declare it Disney’s best attraction makeover since California’s second-rate Tower of Terror was taken over by the Guardians of the Galaxy.

From the exterior, the updates to G-Force Records are confined to colorful repaints of the entrance’s iconic overhead convertible and oversized electric guitar, along with a wall of psychedelic posters, all pointing to the groovy influence of Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem, whose imminent concert is the ride’s new raison d’être. The too-short interior queue is where the fun begins, featuring a lengthy loop of side-splitting new Muppet skits starring everyone from Neil Patrick Harris to Danny Trejo, along with a display of authentic and replica musical instruments. 

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s recording-booth preshow, which was previously infamous for Steven Tyler’s bored delivery and bawdy hand gesture, now stars a stunningly expressive animatronic Scooter. His motion-captured performance perfectly reproduces puppeteer David Rudman’s movements, and his reactions to the Mayhem’s antics on the super-sharp “window” screen are especially re-watchable, thanks to randomized variations for the video cameos. (Stay to the very end for Scooter’s exit and you can glimpse the robotic arm operating him.)

Between the framed photos and album covers on the walls and the salvaged props from past Muppet projects lining the path to the loading dock, there are more Easter eggs than you can count before even arriving at the LIMO (Lengthy Immediate Motion Object) trains.

As for the coaster itself, the actual ride is essentially unchanged, but instead of “Walk This Way” or “Sweet Emotion,” you’ll be screaming along to Muppetized covers of Blur, Steppenwolf and Def Leppard. After blurring by black-lit signs for Pizzerizzo and World Wide Studios, you glide past the old show’s Statler and Waldorf figures — relocated, re-dressed and reciting newly recorded insults — before disembarking beneath the attraction’s best detail: Look above and behind you at the photo kiosks to see Jim Henson’s portrait still smiling down on his creations.

Universal Celestial Park
Credit: Seth Kubersky

Celestial Park Open Hub at Epic Universe

One year after the debut of Epic Universe, Universal has begun experimenting with a polarizing potential adjustment at its newest park that has generated more views, likes and vitriolic comments than anything I’ve previously posted on my Instagram feed.

Late last month, Premiere Orlando: The Ultimate Beauty Experience drew more than 54,500 beauty industry professionals to the Orange County Convention Center for the largest such gathering in the nation. The West Concourse was louder than any IAAPA Expo floor I’ve ever walked, and the fashions and hairstyles — not to mention the queues for product samples — could give MegaCon a run for its money. 

But the real reason I accepted a press pass was to be among the first guinea pigs to test the long-rumored “open hub” access to Epic Universe’s Celestial Park.

Badge-wearing con attendees were allowed to park and enter after 5 p.m. for free, with new long-distance photo validation cameras positioned at the various world portals and ride entrances to prevent us from proceeding. “After more than 30 years in Orlando, it’s exciting to be able to offer our attendees a little extra magic during their time here,” said a Premiere spokesperson. “This offering for Premiere Orlando show passholders reflects the many relationships we’ve built throughout the community, and we’re thrilled to continue growing and creating unforgettable experiences for beauty professionals.”

Aside from some passholders who had to pause, the system allowed most guests to pass through smoothly, while the (hopefully temporary) stanchions employed are a minor mar on the otherwise immaculate aesthetics. Otherwise, the experiment didn’t appear to have any negative impact on paying park visitors — unlike the frequent private buyouts of Universal’s older parks, which typically must close early for regular guests — with only a tiny fraction of con attendees taking advantage of the opportunity.

Although I ached to board Stardust Racers, we were able to enjoy a full evening of eating, drinking, shopping and free live entertainment (shout-out to Plastered Owl’s talented dueling guitarists) before watching the closing fountain show.

I’d return often to spend more time and money at Epic in the evenings, if it were an option. But based on surveys Universal sent out, it doesn’t look like an all-access annual pass to the whole park is in the cards anytime soon. So once the bugs are worked out with more corporate customers, I’d love to see this made available to onsite hotel guests and UOAPs — ASAP.

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This article appears in June 24-30, 2026.