Attraction backstories can be a fantastic thing. When done correctly, they lend themselves to building up a ride in a compelling, entertaining way, almost seamlessly becoming “part” of the attraction itself. The problem with backstories, is that sometimes, they are so contrived and/or convoluted that one wonders why the Imagineers felt impressed to create them at all, as they do little more than confuse the average guest. Such is the case with Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster in Paris. The idea here is that the band Aerosmith has worked tirelessly with engineers to develop some sort of groundbreaking music-roller coaster “experience” and you have been invited to climb on board and test it out. Make sense? No, not really. But once you get over all of those ridiculous details, and climb on board to launch down the tunnel, the roller coaster begins, with its track layout identical to the version found in Florida. The visuals here are pretty clunky, but the idea is that you are experiencing this sensory overload with lights, lasers, and strobes, all while listening to classic Aerosmith tunes. And while the backstory certainly doesn’t take away from the actual ride experience, it really does feel forced. Without it, the ride would essentially be the same: an indoor roller coaster with Aerosmith music and some flashy effects. It doesn’t help that this is the more violent of the two Rock ‘n’ Roller Coasters, and riders will experience head-banging on the hard plastic restraints. All of these negatives leave little question as to why this coaster has been shut down, and is getting a complete re-theme to Iron Man, as part of this park’s new Avengers Campus. We can only hope the restraints are modified in such a way that makes the experience more pleasant. Overall, it’s a painful ride with an even more painful backstory, and it’s why the Paris version of Rock n’ Roller Coaster is the least impressive version in the world.

The Florida version of Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster is a true e-ticket attraction through and through. Here, we have a backstory that actually makes sense: you’re invited to see Aerosmith recording music in their studio. After working your way through the studio offices and lobby, you arrive at the mixing room where you can see the band actively recording behind the glass. It’s then that you learn the band is late to their own concert, and has to be rushed out by their manager. You, of course, are invited to the show with backstage passes, but you have to get there quick through predictably jammed Los Angeles traffic. You board a VIP limousine, and rocket your way to the concert, which of course is where the roller coaster ride itself begins. After twisting your way through the same track layout found in Paris, all accompanied by classic Aerosmith tunes, and some fun visuals related to the traffic, freeways, and sights of Southern California, you arrive at the VIP entrance to the concert. That’s when the ride ends, and you exit your limo and proceed to the backstage area of the concert – which of course feeds into a gift shop – all via the red carpet. It’s a cohesive and fun story from start to finish, linear and logical. And it shows just how much an attraction can benefit when the backstory is done correctly. Add to this the fact that the Florida version provides a much more comfortable ride experience. No, it’s not the smoothest coaster in existence, but at least the head-smashing is minimal here, and the ride itself can be enjoyed, rather than just endured. It’s a fantastic experience from start to finish – that can be easily understood and explained – and it’s why the Florida version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is the only one left in existence – and the best in the world.