Disney recently rethemed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to feature the Muppets, replacing Aerosmith with Jim Henson’s characters. This new version has received positive reviews for its integration of animatronics and Easter eggs referencing Muppet history. The article explores Disney’s history of grafting popular characters onto existing attractions, noting some successes and failures. Adding Captain Jack Sparrow to Pirates of the Caribbean is cited as a successful example that fits well within the ride’s universe. Conversely, the Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management is described as unpopular due to forced dialogue from Iago and Zazu that mocked the original show. The addition of Mary Blair-style Disney character dolls to It’s a Small World was well-received despite initial fan concerns about cheapening the ride’s themes. Tarzan’s Treehouse, a retheme of Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, is noted for overstaying its welcome before closing in 2021. The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage represents a successful overlay after the original Submarine Voyage closed due to budget reasons. Overall, Disney’s Muppet coaster appears to fit into their category of making things better based on current reception.
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