Grab a coffee. We need to talk about Disney’s latest secret. The rumor mill is spinning, and this time, it’s about Hollywood Studios at Disney World. You know the drill. Whispers turn into leaks, leaks turn into “sources,” and suddenly, everyone’s buzzing. This latest one? It’s big. We’re talking about a “massive new roller coaster experience” for Hollywood Studios, something “unlike anything currently at the park.” That’s a bold claim, even for Disney Imagineering.
Now, before we all jump into predicting a Millennium Falcon hypercoaster, let’s unpack this. “Unlike anything currently at the park” is a fascinating phrase. Hollywood Studios already boasts Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which is unique. There’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, a launch coaster with inversions. Then, Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly launch coaster. So, what could be so different? Are we talking about a new ride system entirely? A record-breaking height or speed for a Disney park? This isn’t just a re-skin of an old favorite if the buzz is accurate.
The big kicker, and frankly, the most exciting part, is the “potentially tied to a beloved IP” bit. This is Disney, after all. IPs are their bread and butter. Hollywood Studios has already cornered the market on Star Wars and Toy Story. So, what’s left in the vault that could justify a “massive new coaster”?
Consider the current landscape. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has been a park staple for ages. It’s a classic, sure, but it’s also shown its age with frequent downtime and ongoing discussions about its future, especially with the Aerosmith theme. Could this new coaster be a spiritual successor? A completely separate, new E-Ticket attraction that aims to fill a different thrill niche? It’s plausible. Disney often builds new experiences rather than just replacing old ones, particularly when it’s a major investment.
Think about the available real estate. Hollywood Studios, while having expanded significantly, isn’t endless. There’s the area around Echo Lake, the land behind Tower of Terror, or even potential expansion off of Galaxy’s Edge. The scale of a “massive” coaster implies a substantial footprint. This isn’t some minor addition; it suggests a serious commitment to the park’s future. And honestly, Hollywood Studios could use another true E-Ticket thrill ride to help balance the crowds that flock to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
So, which “beloved IP” could it be? The options are vast, but some make more sense than others for a major coaster. Could Indiana Jones finally get the major attraction it deserves beyond the stunt show? That’s a fan-favorite IP with huge adventure potential. Or perhaps a deep dive into another Pixar universe not yet heavily represented, like *Monsters, Inc.* or *The Incredibles*? While *The Incredibles* has a coaster in Florida at Epcot (Guardians of the Galaxy), the *world* of *The Incredibles* has plenty of scope for a high-speed adventure, if done differently.
Then there’s the ever-present Marvel question. Universal holds the rights for most Marvel characters east of the Mississippi. But what about properties like the X-Men or Fantastic Four that Disney now owns? The legal entanglements are complex, so it’s safer to assume it would be an IP without such baggage.
This kind of rumor isn’t new for Disney. They’re masters of the long game. Imagineering often works on projects for years before any concrete details emerge. But when the whispers reach this level of detail — “massive new coaster,” “beloved IP,” “unlike anything currently” — it’s usually more than just wishful thinking from fans. It suggests internal discussions are well underway, possibly even early design phases.
The impact of such a ride would be huge for Hollywood Studios. It would solidify its position as a major thrill destination within Disney World. It could alleviate some of the pressure on the existing big-ticket attractions and draw even more visitors to a park that has already seen a resurgence.
But let’s keep it real. “Official announcements soon” in Disney-speak can mean anything from next month to next year. These things take time. Permitting, construction, testing – it’s a multi-year process. So, while we can get excited about the prospect, don’t hold your breath for a ride opening next summer. What we can do, though, is keep our ears to the ground and watch for those tell-tale signs: new permits filed, construction walls popping up, or even just subtle changes in the park’s layout. Because when Disney drops hints like these, something truly exciting is usually on its way.
What are your bets? Which IP are you hoping for? And what kind of “massive” coaster would truly be “unlike anything” at Hollywood Studios?
