Some Disney theme park rides last forever because they're based on timeless characters. Admittedly, Walt Disney (DIS) has changed some iconic rides to reflect changing societal norms -- "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Jungle Cruise," and "Splash Mountain" to name a few -- but many of the rides at Disney World and Disneyland's theme parks have endured for decades and may last for many more.
In some cases, that's because Disney has largely built rides around its biggest, most timeless properties. New shows and movies in the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes might not perform 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 they have enduring appeal.
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Disney has had a few blunders. "Song of the South" turned out to be terrible source material for a theme park ride, but mostly it has built rides around timeless characters. Even a franchise like "The Muppets," which are the subject of cute, but very dated show at Hollywood Studios because kids know Kermit the Frog from "Sesame Street" and many parents have a warm affection for the sort of irreverent puppets.
But, another Hollywood Studios ride may need a major retheme 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 launched Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith in July 1999. At the time, the band was past its late 80s/early 90s "Dude Looks Like a Lady," (1987) "Janie's Got a Gun" (1989) "Crazy," "Cryin'" (1993) heyday, but it was still a huge touring act that was known to multiple generations.
In many ways, Aerosmith was the perfect choice for Disney (because the company could not get the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, or the Eagles). Aerosmith was (and is) a larger-than-life act that had a timeless hit in 1973 ("Dream On") that somehow became even bigger in its second act.
And, to be fair, Aerosmith had a good run where it was a widely-known band that appealed to multiple generations. That made it a perfect band to base a theme park ride around. The problem is that Aerosmith's star has faded and lead singer currently faces a lawsuit that involves an improper sexual relationship with a minor.
Or, to put it bluntly, kids might not have the same connection they once did to Mickey Mouse, but the famed mouse does not face any charges that he engaged in the sexual assault of a minor.
Rock 'n' Roller May Not Come Back
While it's widely believed that the deal between the band and Disney expires in 2028 or 2029, the Tyler allegations likely give the theme park company an out if it hopes to make a change. Disney has not commented on the future of the ride, but it closed Feb. 21 for a 4-6 month renovation.
That's plenty of time for a complete overhaul or a more minor 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's (CMCSA) Universal Studios Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, it would solve the problem with the least expense.
Or, Disney could opt for something more drastic. It rethemed the same ride in Disneyland Paris to an Avengers-themed rollercoaster starring Iron Man and Captain Marvel called Avengers Assemble: Flight Force. The rights issue with Universal Studios over those particular characters might be present an issue, but a blueprint for a major retheme exists.
