Brian Harris is a friend of mine, and has written a blog post or two in his day. While talking back and forth about the recent rumor that came out about Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, he started having some fun and I asked if he could write it all down. So here are his thoughts:
Are you ready to rock and roll with a little help from Queen on the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster at Disney World in Orlando, Florida? According to a recent rumor reported by WDWNT.com, a person claiming to be a Disney employee called into a talk show stating that the ride was being rethemed to feature music from one of the ’70s and ’80s most beloved bands, Queen.
One of Florida’s favorite thrill rides, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster currently features Aerosmith at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. It closed though on February 21, 2023, for an extended refurbishment. No specifics were given as to what this would entail, but it’s left a lot of room for speculation.
What Do We Do About Freddie?
My first thought concerning the premise of the ride if it features music from Queen is what do we do about Freddie? There is a lot of memorabilia from Aerosmith in the queue which is easy to replace, but the ride really begins when you enter the sound booth where Aerosmith is recording. The guys are there and they are late for their concert, so they invite all of us that are watching to get in their stretch limo for a wild and crazy ride to the show.
Queen’s lead singer Freddie Mercury died in 1991. He obviously will not be able to help record a scene like Aerosmith has. That said, original Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor made Adam Lambert the lead singer of the band in 2011. They currently travel together so possibly it would feature just these three.
What Songs Do You Play?
I’d like to point out some possible issues with Queen’s library of music. Mainly, most of the songs they are known for may not be songs you want to hear while riding a rollercoaster. Maybe the entire ride just has Bohemian Rhapsody pieces played at key moments. Who doesn’t want to end the ride with “We Are the Champions” playing in your ears? I’m good with that.
Imagine listening to the clanking and whirring of the coaster as it moves you forward to the launch point as the familiar hand clap and food stomping of “We Will Rock You” blasts. How can you not get pumped up as everyone yells – 3 – 2 – 1 and your car is launched into your first inversion.
What Songs Should Not Be Played?
Break Free – the thought of this mellow song playing as an anthem to breaking free from the ride as it twists and turns doesn’t feel appealing or appropriate at all.
Keep Yourself Alive – It’s got the right rhythm and sound as the ride prepares to launch but I really don’t want to hear anyone reminding me as I ride this coaster of the basic need to keep myself alive. Absolutely Freddie – that’s my plan. Don’t sing it to me.
Who Wants To Live Forever? – I’m no Highlander but this amazingly chill rock ballad should never be played on the coaster. I want to live Freddie – not necessarily forever, but let’s not contemplate life while on a coaster.
Killer Queen – She’s a killer? Is the killer the coaster? Um no.
Another One Bites The Dust – Maybe at the end of the ride if someone tosses their cookies they can play this song as the clean up crew moves in to disinfect. Otherwise – don’t really want to flip upside down or take a corkscrew turn in the dark while this catchy tune plays in my ears.
When Will We Know?
Who knows. This is all still 100% speculation until an official announcement from Disney comes on the DisneyParks blog. We’re promised a summer 2023 opening. That’s it.
When it opens back up though will Queen be playing or does Aerosmith stick around for another tour? Maybe it’s something else like the beginnings of full-out retheme like Rock ‘N’ Roller coaster experienced at Disneyland Paris?
Most likely not, but who’s not looking for an excuse to plan your next trip back? I know someone that can help!
Edit by Jason: If you are looking for some one to help with you Media solutions, Brian and his company, Dogwood Media, is the place to go! Thanks Brian for this wonderful and fun post!
Between Two Castles 