As we approach the final stages of the retransformation of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, let’s take a moment to consider an unusual moment of decision for the ride, which officially reopens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park Tuesday.
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Picture it. Someone at Walt Disney Co. raised their hand and said: “Let’s ax Aerosmith … in favor of the Muppets.” And that someone’s boss gave their blessing.
Even with the demise of the park’s MuppetVision attraction, which shut down last June, this was not an obvious option. Swapping out rock ‘n’ roll for wocka wocka? What else was considered?
So, as a homage to David Letterman and the late “Late Show,” just for grins, let’s ponder the Top Ten Rejected Disney World Uses for the Muppets.
10. Statler and Waldorf at the Hall of Presidents
“Muppet Show” curmudgeons hurl red state/blue state commentary during the presidential roll call. (“That’s one terrible-looking Whig, Millard Fillmore.”)
9. Walt Disney and Miss Piggy Carousel of Progress
Diva sashays through the decades, checking out the Stereoscope with a sarsaparilla, reuses her MuppetVision Statue of Liberty costume, tries out the vibrating weight-loss machine and objects to the menu at the family holiday dinner.
8. Scooter’s TTC Challenge
The gateway to Magic Kingdom finally gets a backstory, as Scooter weighs the differences between taking the monorail or the ferryboat to the theme park. Finale settles the question of whether it’s the Transportation and Ticket Center or the Ticket and Transportation Center.
First look: Disney’s Scooter animatronic for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
7. Disney’s ANIMAL! Kingdom
Electric Mayhem drummer takes over Harambe, growls at Bluey, subs for Timon during “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” finale at “Festival of the Lion King.” He was born to aweem away.
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6. Meet and greet Mandalorian and Baby Gonzo
Galaxy’s Edge visitors queue up to guess what species — alien and/or of Earth — Gonzo is.
5. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure With Kermit the Frog
Banjo-playing Kermit accompanies the ride’s critter-populated band, tries to befriend toads, but does not turn into a prince.
4. Beaker and the Tower of Terror
Dr. Honeydew opens a portal from Muppet Labs, sucking Beaker into the Twilight Zone, where he meeps through multiple drop sequences.
3. Fozzie Bear Musical Jamboree
The Fozzie takeover begins with a grand entrance from the ceiling whilst he croons “The Bare Necessities.”
2. Voices of Liberty starring Sam Eagle
It’s a salute to all national anthems, but mostly “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
And the No. 1 Rejected Disney World Uses for the Muppets: The Feathers Fly!
There’s an escape from SeaWorld Orlando, which culminates with Big Bird battling Kevin, the big bird from “Up,” on a barge where spectators watch from the amphitheater on the Discovery River.
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