Disney World Launches Resort‑Wide Overhaul With Muppets Coaster, Grumpy Statue
Franchise rethemes signal a strategic shift toward IP-driven guest experiences at the resort.
Overview
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened on May 26, 2026, rethemed as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets with Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem replacing Aerosmith.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run added three new missions featuring Din Djarin and Grogu and upgraded the engineer role to be more interactive to refresh the Galaxy’s Edge cockpit experience.
- Disney completed a new phase of work at Magnolia Golf Course and installed a roughly six‑foot Grumpy’s Gauntlet statue near hole No. 14 after a large reimagining of most holes.
- The former Animation Courtyard has been reworked into a Walt Disney Studios–style animation area with Olaf sketch offerings, an Alice in Wonderland–themed playground, and more roaming character interaction while Animal Kingdom opened Bluey’s Wild World and EPCOT temporarily runs Soarin’ Across America.
- The summer rollout mixes permanent rethemes and temporary overlays, has driven strong guest demand and higher crowding, and leaves major construction and planned closures that will continue to shape park operations through 2027.