Welcome to Theme Park Insider! Join the community or log in
Theme Park Insider
Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube

A Coaster More Rockin' than Aerosmith

Walt Disney World: I'm sorry if this has been covered before, but the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster needs to be rethemed to a better band. Aerosmith just wasn't an impressive choice. Who would you like to see (and hear) as you speed through the streets of LA?

From Jack Curley
Posted April 17, 2012 at 9:33 AM
Please keep in mind that the choice needs to be a super-huge-mega-star band; No indie bands or one-hit wonders. Everyone who goes to Disney needs to recognize the band, and hopefully some of their greatest hits.

My first choice is The Rolling Stones. They're arguably the biggest band that still performs together occasionally. They've been around forever, and everyone knows at least a few of their songs. Also, there's a Disney connection because Keith Richards appeared as Jack Sparrow's father in one of the PotC movies.

Who do you think would be the best choice?


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Justin M
Posted April 17, 2012 at 11:05 AM
Red Hot Chili Peppers

From Mike Gallagher
Posted April 17, 2012 at 11:41 AM
I had an idea s few years back..documented on another forum...to re-theme R&RC to the Ramones, and replace the L.A. locations with New York sites...CBGB's, 42nd St., Central Park, Yankee (shudder..) Stadium, etc. Not sure what Ramones tunes would play on the soundtrack, but Blitzkrieg Bop would sound great. They also did a cover of the old song Palisades Park..that might fit, too.

OK, so they weren't "a super-huge-mega-star band"...but they were well known, were on a major label, and were most certainly NOT one-hit wonders..calling them that would imply they ever HAD a "hit!" ...although "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker" DID reach #97 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the late 70's...

From Derek Morse
Posted April 17, 2012 at 12:01 PM
I personally enjoy the Aerosmith music and theme, so no changes needed from my perspective. Just my opinion.

From Brent Moody
Posted April 17, 2012 at 12:19 PM
I agree with Derek. Aerosmith music fits absolutely perfect for the ride to me. Their music is very recognizable and crosses many generations. I wouldn’t change it at all.

From Skipper Adam
Posted April 17, 2012 at 12:21 PM
I'm pretty okay with Aerosmith. I don't think it should change unless it is the Beatles but we all know that's not happening.

From Dominick D
Posted April 17, 2012 at 12:26 PM
I'm an Aerosmith fan, so I wouldn't change the band. IF they were, I would say AC/DC or Kiss.

From Giovanny Cruz
Posted April 17, 2012 at 1:06 PM
I don't know much about band I'm more of a hip hop fan but I know this is a badddd idea but to make it disney why not put lemonade mouth again terrible idea but is just a thought

From Jorge Arnoldson
Posted April 17, 2012 at 1:51 PM
Aerosmith is cool, although I wouldn't want them to copy Universal's idea of interactivity (choosing a song). Also, Led Zeppelin: The Ride is no more, and AC/DC wouldn't fit in with Disney's family image.

From Manny Rodriguez
Posted April 17, 2012 at 2:00 PM
AeroSmith is the best band ever Besides the Rolling stones There music is Awesome I think That a Retheme Would Be good but dont Change It to A different Band Maybe New Songs Like, Crash,Pink,Train Kept Rollin And others It would Keep Me comin.

From Caroline Davis
Posted April 17, 2012 at 2:58 PM
Not a band, David Bowie.

That would be absolute perfection.

Actually Space Mountain should be re-themed to David Bowie. Space Oddity while speeding through the dark. I WISH!

From Phil B.
Posted April 17, 2012 at 6:19 PM
AC/DC would be a great replacement. They're as family friendly as Aerosmith is, who probably has a much longer list of inappropriate behavior and past indiscretions. I'm sure all of Aerosmith's band members being drug addicts at one point doesn't jibe with Disney''s squeakie clean image either. Van Halen would make for a good choice as well, as they have plenty of high energy songs that could work for the coaster. Ultimately, I'm quite happy with Rockin' Rollercoaster as is. I love being in the queue listening to all of Aerosmith's hits.

From Scott B
Posted April 18, 2012 at 8:11 AM
First off, Caroline's suggestion is pretty incredible. I would love to have a Bowie themed roller coaster. Maybe they could have a special Bowie night on Space Mountain and it could incorporate Ziggy Stardust in some manner.

As for the Aerosmith coaster. I was never sure why it was music themed in the first place. It doesn't exactly tie in with the park.

My music tastes tend more towards the indie rock spectrum. So I would love to see a Pavement roller coaster or maybe some vintage punk like Dead Kennedys or Mission of Burma. Of course that is not going to happen.

Did anyone suggest U2? I am a big U2 fan. Many people are. I could picture a U2 coaster going over well. Their music is pretty universal and would translate well to a coaster.

Of course I am from the Boston area and listening to Aerosmith was a requirement growing up, so I have no problem having the ride still themed after that band. Though eventually it will have to change since kids know Steven Tyler from American Idol and not his band.

From Mike Gallagher
Posted April 18, 2012 at 8:39 AM
Scott, I agree with you about Caroline's idea.

Yeah, DK's! Theme it after Police Truck and everyone gets a cup of Jello when exiting. Or a Soarin' type ride based on California Uber Alles!

I'm not a U2 fan anymore. They lost me after Joshua Tree. But a few times I've been waiting on El Toro's platform this season, the PA was playing Vertigo. That would fit as a coaster and would sound pretty good while riding...

From Joshua Counsil
Posted April 18, 2012 at 1:35 PM
The Imagineers originally wanted The Stones but couldn't afford the price tag. After making several calls and realizing the big names that they wanted were out of their price range, they ran to their cars to grab their CD collections. Aerosmith was the best they could buy.

And frankly, Aerosmith is perfect for the ride. They are hair metal, representing an era and genre of partying and rocking without significant political or social influence. That's perfect for a theme park attraction - they embody the sex, drugs, and alcohol of rock and roll without the anti-establishment themes (or at least to a lesser extent than, say, The Beatles).

Aerosmith was cool with having a roller coaster made in their image. Some might call them sell-outs for that, but to paraphrase Kevin Spacey after rejecting to voice Hopper and then watching the finished version of It's Tough To Be A Bug, "I didn't realize it would be so cool."

From Manny Rodriguez
Posted April 18, 2012 at 2:23 PM
Disney Wanted A ride That would Appeal To a Older Ages And It is Not A disney Clean Image And it was Made That way

From Mike Seary
Posted April 19, 2012 at 4:44 AM
Benny Goodman Orchestra - That would ROCK!

From Neil Reece
Posted April 19, 2012 at 4:47 AM
How about Electric Light Orchestra? Not my kind of "rock", but their music would fit a Disney coaster well---family friendly.

From Skipper Adam
Posted April 19, 2012 at 8:18 AM
Electric Mayhem? lol

From James Trexen
Posted April 19, 2012 at 9:37 AM
Be careful Skipper, you might bring James Rao's wrath by suggesting that.

From Dominick D
Posted April 19, 2012 at 10:51 AM
Aww but who doesn't love to hear James rage about the Muppets? MUPPETS, MUPPETS, MUPPETS!

From Andy Milito
Posted April 19, 2012 at 5:02 PM
I vote AC/DC, or possibly Metallica.

From Andrew Dougherty
Posted April 22, 2012 at 7:56 PM
Green Day or Metallica

From Karly Tenney
Posted April 23, 2012 at 3:58 PM
Guns N Roses or Kiss. kick butt bands

From Ray Schroeder
Posted April 24, 2012 at 10:36 AM
If they do change it, it should be a band from the good old USA. How about Bruce or Elvis. Or 50's rock or even Motown.

From Manny Rodriguez
Posted April 24, 2012 at 3:24 PM
Nice Idea Ray Im not Too Young to Enjoy The Oldies My music Interests Spand All the Way To The 50s.

From Anthony Murphy
Posted April 24, 2012 at 4:33 PM
I still do not see what is wrong with Aerosmith.

Love in a Roller Coaster? Its still as great as it was the day it opened! The best themed roller coaster out there!

From Randall Peek
Posted April 24, 2012 at 6:02 PM
Queen. Use the same technology that was used to resurrect Tupac for the Coachella festival to bring back Freddie Mercury. Imagine rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody while riding the coaster, or We Will Rock You, or any of several other anthemic songs the band performed.

From Mike Gallagher
Posted April 25, 2012 at 6:19 AM
Randall...it's funny. Even though the Hurler at Kings Dominion (and Carowinds) is no longer themed to Wayne's World, I still get Bohemian Rhapsody in my head when I ride (helps me forget the pain of the ride.)

From Jeff Elliott
Posted April 25, 2012 at 7:00 AM
What's up with all of the ancient band choices?

Why don't you go with something a little newer like a Justin Beiber roller coaster?

From Dominick D
Posted April 25, 2012 at 9:48 AM
Jeff, it could be worse. A Miley Cyrus coaster would stink, especially with the fact Hannah Montana posters are in the RNRC queue.

From Ray Schroeder
Posted April 25, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Jeff, we're talking about people and bands who actually have talent.

From Mike Gallagher
Posted April 25, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Hey, Ray, C'mon now..Justin's got talent..for self-promotion.

From Dominick D
Posted April 25, 2012 at 1:25 PM
You remember our discussion about Bieber endorsing Proactiv? ;)

From Mike Seary
Posted April 25, 2012 at 4:08 PM
"Love In A Roller Coaster"

...totally false advertisement. They kick you out for that - TRUST ME.

;-)

From Mike Gallagher
Posted April 25, 2012 at 4:42 PM
^^Only fun ride I ever had on Dark Knight. And we didn't get kicked out.

From James Trexen
Posted April 25, 2012 at 6:35 PM
Ha, you used "Dark Knight" and "fun" in the same sentence.

From Dominick D
Posted April 25, 2012 at 7:55 PM
Love in an Elevator would be suited well at the nearby Hollywood Hotel.

From Mike Gallagher
Posted April 26, 2012 at 4:27 AM
I've used those terms in the same sentence before, James.

Examples:

"Dark Knight is no fun."

"I've ridden hundreds of coasters that are more fun than Dark Knight"

See, it's easy!! ;)

From Rob P
Posted April 26, 2012 at 6:27 AM
This is a good post but one that has elicited a whole host of different answers because of differing music tastes.
I personally think that the current Aerosmith formula is still viable. I don't see any reason to change for change's sake to be honest.
I don't list the band as one of my all time favourites ........although I do find them listenable. It's Rock without being either too soft or too niche so as to alienate people.
I think the time to have this forum will be if they do ever decide to change and then everybody will be screaming about how it should have been THEIR favourite band.
Perhaps we should stick with the Status Quo. NO. I don't mean let's have Status Quo.......doh.....see what I mean ??

From Mike Gallagher
Posted April 26, 2012 at 7:58 AM
^So we can decorate the queue with pictures of matchstick men?

From James Trexen
Posted April 26, 2012 at 9:31 AM
^And it would still have better themeing than any Six Flags ride.

From Rob P
Posted April 27, 2012 at 4:46 AM
Mike wrote : So we can decorate the queue with pictures of matchstick men?

Whatever you want
Whatever you like
Whatever you say
You pay your money
You take your choice

They aren't mine but , hey , it's beginning to work.
My own choice would be ZZ Top. I can visualise myself speeding around to some of the toons from those good ol boys.

From Mike Gallagher
Posted April 27, 2012 at 6:15 AM
Every time I've ridden Intimidator 305 until last weekend, I always heard Sweet Home Alabama over the PA. However, last weekend I heard ZZ's Tush and .38 Special. Hmmm.

From Eric Malone
Posted April 27, 2012 at 10:12 AM
I disagree that Aerosmith was a bad choice. I feel like the ride is still a ton of fun and the music choices were perfect for the ride. Even if you don't like Aerosmith you can still benefit from a really fun indoor coaster. I just happen to benefit from both.

From Zack McDonald
Posted April 27, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Build one at DCA and then give that one a new Band name.

From Mark Fairleigh
Posted April 28, 2012 at 1:27 PM
I can't believe no one's suggested Air Supply or Little River Band yet. ;P

Seriously, if you want American ROCK than what better band than Van Halen. Just saw them Wed. in Charlotte and they still have it. "Unchained" would be perfect.

From Mike Gallagher
Posted April 28, 2012 at 2:25 PM
Actually, Mark, I've had the following thought for years and have even mentioned it on surveys I've taken:

A twin racing wooden coaster at Great Adventure, over the river and into the woods behind Nitro. Themed after the Jersey Devil (our urban legend version of Bigfoot,) it would use VH's Running With The Devil. I'd call it Race With The Devil, after an old 70's movie.

From Mark Fairleigh
Posted April 28, 2012 at 7:40 PM
With Peter Fonda and Warren Oates! One of my strongest movie memories from childhood...saw that at the theater. ;)

Runnin' With The Devil would be perfect for that. I can see cresting a hill as DLR sings, "...ain't got nobody waitin' at hooooooome"

From B Higgins
Posted May 9, 2012 at 12:12 PM
If you change the music in the rock n roll coaster..then you might as well change all the themed music rides...keep it the same and traditional

From TH Creative
Posted May 9, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Any band that sings a protest song that criticizes theme park resorts that charge their hotel guests for parking.

Or any band that sings about hippos!

From Manny Rodriguez
Posted May 10, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Yeah AeroSmith Eat the Rich But i dont know About hippos :"(

This discussion has been archived, and is not accepting additional responses.