Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Ride Review
Disney-MGM Studios - Lake Buena Vista, FL
After meandering your way through the G-Force Records, you will eventually wind up in a viewing room to Aerosmith's state-of-the-art studio. Here, you will listen in on a recording session. Once the track is finished, Aerosmith's road manager announces that they are already late to their next concert. So, Stephen Tyler and company hop into their limo and you, the guest, are given a complimentary ride to their concert via "super-stretch" limousine. The doors open to your left and you will find yourself on a backstreet in Hollywood, California. For a fantastic video of this pre-show just described, click here..
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Pre-Show
courtesy of Disney World Magic
After exiting Recording Studio C (the room with the pre-show), guests are taken onto a Hollywood backlot. The only thing separating you and the coaster track in the alley is a chainlink fence. Guests get an opportunity to view the incredible launch from 0-58 mph in 2.8 seconds from behind the fence. For a fantastic video of the walk from the studio to the loading area, click here..
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Hollywood Backlot
courtesy of Disney World Magic
Guests then enter the loading area and the Disney employees direct you to a specific row. If you want to ride up front (which is an unbelievable experience), kindly ask a cast member. Some cast members allowed me to ride up front while others rudely ignored my request. Anyhow, once on board, lower the black harnesses and get set to rock! An announcer is heard through the duel speakers located behind rider's ears. The limo turns a corner and stops in the alley. Unfortunately, there are construction delays, so the train has to find a better way to arrive at the Aerosmith concert.
A countdown begins... 3! ... 2! ... 1! ... Blast! The limo is launched through a dark tunnel with stobe lights from 0 to nearly 60 miles per hour in only 2.8 seconds. This is the best launch I have ever experienced (and I thought nothing could ever match the intensity of Hulk's launch, I was wrong). Even though you know it's coming, the jult forward will catch any thrillseeker off guard.
The limo races through the tunnel and after entering the massive soundstage, it barrels through a great Cobra-Roll eighty feet high. Then it plummets to ground level and back up and around and through the "O" in the Hollywood sign. Then the limo dips and curves its way up to a mini-break run under an interstate sign (very cool theming).
The train then travels down a banked and angled drop about sixty feet high. G-forces begin to pick up as the turns begin sharper. Suddenly, the limo takes its passengers through a compact inversion (roll over) and into another brake-run. After this, the train dips down and meanders its way along ground level. This section of the ride is still fast and consists of a few fun, but small bunny hops before finally braking on the red carpet outside the Aerosmith concert. The detail on the coaster and its surroundings is unmatched anywhere in the world.
Disney finally built a true thrill-ride. Although it isn't frightening, it delivers on the scale of fun. It is very smooth and you will begin to find yourself enjoying it more and more after each ride. Plus, the Aerosmith music blasting throughout the building and inside our limo is the perfect addition and makes the overall experience that much better. The only downside to this attraction is its short length. However, considering the building and what the engineers had to work with, this is a superb ride.
When you visit the Disney-MGM Studios theme park, be sure to obtain FASTPASS for the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster if you happen to arrive at least an hour after the park's opening. Once you have your FASTPASS tickets, proceed directly to the Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror - Fear Every Drop. Wait in the standard line and by the time you have exited, you will be able to ride the coaster.
Florida Theme Parks Online Official Rating
B +