Description And Comments

This is Disney's answer to the roller-coaster proliferation at Universal's Islands of Adventure and Busch Gardens theme parks. Exponentially wilder than Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain in the Magic Kingdom, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is an attraction for fans of cutting-edge thrill rides. Although the rock icons and synchronized music add measurably to the experience, the ride itself, as opposed to sights and sounds along the way, is the focus. The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster offers loops, corkscrews, and drops that make Space Mountain seem like the Jungle Cruise. What really makes this metal coaster unusual, however, is that first, it's in the dark (like Space Mountain, only with Southern California nighttime scenes instead of space), and second, you're launched up the first hill like a jet off a carrier deck. By the time you crest the hill, you'll have gone from 0 to 57 miles per hour in less than three seconds. When you enter the first loop, you'll be pulling five g's. By comparison, that's two more g's than astronauts experience at liftoff on a space shuttle.

Reader opinions of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster have been predictably mixed, colored invariably by how the reader feels about roller coasters. These comments that follow are typical.

First from a mother of two from High Mills, New York:

You can't warn people enough about Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. My daughter and I refused to go on it at all. My 9-year-old son, who had no problems with any ride, including Tower of Terror, went on with my husband first thing in the morning. My son came off so shaken he was "done for" the rest of the day and never fully recuperated. My husband just closed his eyes and hoped for the best.

And from a Longmont, Colorado, dad:

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: the first 15 seconds of this ride are spectacular. I've never experienced anything like the initial take-off.

From an Australian couple who traveled a long way to ride a coaster:

My wife and I are definitely not roller-coaster people. However, we found Rock 'n' Roller Coaster quite exhilarating and because it's dark, we didn't always realize that we were being thrown upside down. We rode it twice!

Touring Tips

This ride is not for everyone. If Space Mountain or Big Thunder pushes your limits, stay away from the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.

It's eye-catching, and it's definitely a zippy albeit deafening ride. Expect long lines except in the first 30 minutes after opening and during the late-evening performance of Fantasmic!. Ride as soon as possible in the morning or use Fastpass.

If you're on hand when the park opens, position yourself on the far left side of Sunset Boulevard as close to the rope barrier as possible. If there's already a crowd at the rope, you can usually work yourself forward by snaking along the wall of the Beverly Sunset Shop. Once in position, wait for the rope drop. When the park opens, cast members will walk the rope up the street toward Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. Stay on the far left sidewalk and you'll be among the first to make the left turn to the entrance of the coaster. Usually the Disney people get out of the way and allow you to run the last 100 feet or so.

A good strategy for riding both Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster with minimum waits is to rush first thing after opening to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and obtain Fastpasses, then line up for the Tower of Terror. Most days, by the time you finish experiencing the Tower of Terror it will be time to use your Fastpass for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. If the Tower of Terror, the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and the popular Toy Story Mania! are all must-sees for you, check out our recommendations for how to experience all three in our Toy Story Mania! touring tips.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Wait Times

This chart shows you roughly how long you'll wait for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster when you visit on a day with a given Disney's Hollywood Studios Crowd Level. The blue bars represent the average "peak" wait time (that is, how long the line will at its busiest). The bottom and top black lines represent the range of peak wait times to expect (for you fellow nerds out there: it's the 5th percentile and 95th percentile of peak wait times). Please note that these are estimates, and for a better forecast for your travel dates, see Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Wait Times.

Attraction Photos

Special Comments

48" minimum height requirement; children younger than age 7 must ride with an adult. Switching off provided. Note that this attraction has a single-rider line.

Special Needs

Disney Dish with Jim Hill

CHILL LIKE A ROCK STAR

Imagineers have hatched an update to the queue for Rock 'n Roller Coaster that involves adding a "green room" (the backstage area where performers hang out before they go onstage). Here guests can go to relax, have a beverage, and even play a game of Guitar Hero before they're told, "Your limousine is here. Please head into the studio so your manager can explain how you're getting to tonight's concert."

Additional Resources

Other Attractions in Sunset Boulevard

Touring Plans with Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

What is a Touring Plan?

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