Walt Disney World has announced the details for passholder previews for Soarin’ Across America (EPCOT) and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (Hollywood Studios), with different dates and rules for each. Let’s dive in!
Retro Annual Pass
Soarin’ Across America Previews May 19 and 20
First up, Soarin’ Across America (EPCOT) will offer previews for annual passholders on May 19 and 20. As a reminder, Soarin’ Around The World closes May 13 to make way for the limited-time Soarin’ Across America, which is set to debut May 26.
Passholders who are in EPCOT on May 19 and 20 can simply use the ordinary standby queue to ride Soarin’ Across America.
As a reminder, Soarin’ Across America was originally advertised to be opening “by” Memorial Day, May 25. We continue to have some hope for a “soft” opening that day, if not earlier, and these pretty early passholder previews suggest such a soft opening would be possible.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppet Previews May 21, 22 and 23
Next, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (Hollywood Studios) will offer previews for annual passholders on May 21, 22, and 23. Importantly, these previews will use a virtual queue with three distributions:
The 7AM distribution will be available to passholders with a theme park reservation to Hollywood Studios for that day.
The 11:00 AM distribution will be available to Passholders with a park reservation to any theme park for that day (remember to enter that park before hopping to Hollywood Studios)
The 3:00 PM virtual queue distribution will be available to any Passholder with valid admission. A park reservation to a theme park is not required.
As to that third group, recall that passholders can enter the parks after 2PM without a reservation, except Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays. But I’d still advise having a park reservation and aiming for the earliest group that fits your schedule.
You do not need to have entered a theme park to join the virtual queue. You can only join the virtual queue once per day. Other standard virtual queue rules (they’re limited, no guarantees, etc.) apply.
As a reminder, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closed permanently on March 2, 2026 to make way for this new adaptation, which is set to open May 26, 2026.
All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered
Don't be overwhelmed by Disney World planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way. Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide!
When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!
Be sure to master your Disney World Lightning Lane Guide and Strategy a few weeks in advance. Good strategy will keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, EPCOT Lightning Lane Strategy, Animal Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, and Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Strategy.
Know what to ride with our guides: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, EPCOT rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our Guide to Blizzard Beach and our Guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.
Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip.