In a poignant moment for music and theme park fans alike, Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton made a heartfelt visit to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida just weeks before the beloved attraction is scheduled to close its doors forever. Hamilton’s visit marks the end of a long-standing connection between the legendary rock band and one of Disney World’s most unique thrill rides, closing a chapter on nearly three decades of rock-and-roll-infused amusement park history.
The indoor roller coaster, famed for its explosive launch and high-speed inversion elements synchronized with Aerosmith’s iconic music, has been a fixture at Disney World since 1999, delighting millions of guests with its exhilarating pace and immersive soundtrack. The ride’s concept combined the energy of a rock concert with Disney’s storytelling flair, placing riders in a “super stretch limo” on a wild dash across Los Angeles to make it to an Aerosmith show on time. Its blend of adrenaline and music made it one of the most memorable attractions in the park’s Sunset Boulevard area.
On January 27, 2026, Hamilton, now 74, visited the attraction alongside members of his current band, Close Enemies, offering fans one last chance to see a member of Aerosmith connected with the roller coaster before it shuts down permanently in early March. Videos and social posts shared around the visit show Hamilton and his bandmates riding the coaster, strolling through the queue, and sharing smiles with spectators who were as thrilled as they were surprised to encounter rock royalty in line. Hamilton took to social media to reflect on the experience, expressing gratitude for the years of support and delight he and his fellow bandmates have received from fans who rode the coaster over the decades.
Hamilton’s visit carries a deeper resonance because the coaster’s theme has been undergoing transformation. Disney has already begun modifying the attraction in preparation for its closure on March 2, 2026, including the removal of the original Aerosmith preshow that previously welcomed riders into a faux recording session with the band. This change, made quietly in December 2025, signalled the beginning of the end for the ride’s ties to Aerosmith as Disney starts to retheme the experience for a new era.
Following the closure of the classic version, the ride will reopen in summer 2026 as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, featuring beloved Jim Henson characters such as Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band. Rather than racing with Aerosmith’s rock hits, the ride’s new narrative will center on the Muppets’ Electric Mayhem trying to reach their biggest Hollywood concert, and guests will be swept into their zany world of music and comedic chaos. Although the track layout and thrilling elements of the coaster will remain intact, the soundtrack and theming will shift to reflect the Muppet characters’ style and energy.
For many long-time park guests, seeing a founding member of Aerosmith at the attraction so close to its final days was a surreal and emotional moment. Fans queued for the ride posted reactions on social media, describing Hamilton’s presence as “magical” and a “once-in-a-lifetime moment” that encapsulated the cultural significance of the attraction over the years. Even as the transformation unfolds, Hamilton’s farewell ride serves as a symbolic nod to how deeply intertwined music and theme park entertainment have become in crafting unforgettable experiences for generations.
As Disney prepares to usher in a new chapter with The Muppets at the coaster, Hamilton’s visit underscores both an end and a beginning — closing the book on Aerosmith’s nearly 27-year legacy at the attraction while building excitement for the next iteration that will welcome fans of all ages. For those who have cherished memories of racing down Hollywood in a virtual limousine with Aerosmith’s music blasting through powerful onboard speakers, this celebration of that legacy — headed by one of the band’s own — offers a fitting tribute to the ride’s storied past.
Whether you remember the coaster for its rock soundtrack or its thrills, Tom Hamilton’s emotional farewell ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has cemented its place in both music and theme park history.