After a sad-but-brief departure, The Muppets are ready to move back into Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. They’re taking over the park’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The Electric Mayhem will let guests groove out while twisting and turning around the track, but before visitors get to ride in a high-speed Lengthy Immediate Motion Object (L.I.M.O.), they’ll see some other famous Muppets. We’ve known that will include a pre-show with an animatronic of Scooter. He’ll try to keep the band focused on getting to its big show. Now, as the ride prepares to reopen, we know the incredible way Disney brought Scooter to life. They motion-captured the actual Scooter muppet.
Few photos in life have ever brought me as much joy as that one. Seeing an actual Muppet performing— sincerely and not as a bit–in a motion-capture suit is truly magical. It will also help make the new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster experience even better. The Mouse House said, “By recording and tracking Scooter’s performance, Walt Disney Imagineering was able to build and program a figure that looks, moves, and emotes exactly like Scooter should, right down to the small details.”
Scooter is not the only animatronic fans will see in the recording studio. Penguins will also serve as engineers. And previous concept art shows two of the most famous Muppets of them all will also be on scene to keep the band in line.
This incredible motion-capture Scooter is just one of the many new features fans will find both inside and outside of the re-themed attraction when The Electric Mayhem realize they have a gig. Disney also shared new merchandise, food, artwork, and photo pass opportunities that will be available to guests when it Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opens on May 26, 2006.