Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy Permanently Closes to Make Way For New Villains Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Forum Forums Tweet Share Tweet Share

Gallery / 1 Photo
Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy Closed - October 8 2024

Posted: Tuesday October 8, 2024 9:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy has permanently closed its doors at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, marking the end of the Cars-themed attraction that has entertained guests since its debut in 2019.

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy Closed - October 8 2024

The closure of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy paves the way for the new Villains-themed live entertainment experience, which is set to open in the summer of 2025. This new show, featuring iconic Disney villains like Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent, will be staged in the Magic Mirror’s mysterious realm, bringing guests closer to these notorious characters through immersive live production numbers.

Villains Show concept art

Permits for the construction work were filed earlier this year, assigning Whiting Turner Contracting Company to oversee the transformation of the venue.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy was known for its cutting-edge racing simulator, where guests could watch Lightning McQueen and other characters from the Cars franchise on a 200-degree screen in a high-energy show.

Construction will ramp up in the coming months, and more details about the Villains show are expected to be revealed soon.

Villains Show concept art

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

DisDude3335 minutes ago

It’s absolutely this.

JackCH46 minutes ago

Cars area will go first, probably simultaneously with some groundwork for Villains. But Villains will be later. 2029 if we are optimistic, maybe 2030/2031.

CaptinEO59 minutes ago

Isn't the land already being built?

wannabeBelle1 hour ago

Which I dont really understand. People have been clamoring for this for a while now. The first Villian's Unleashed night was packed to the gills and went over really well. Check it out: Thank you @marni1971 I didnt go to any of the subsequent ones, but from what I understand they were watered down and didnt go over near as well. Marie

brb10061 hour ago

Sounds like a testing ground for guests to see how popular the show will be prior to constructing Villains Land.

JackCH1 hour ago

This is basically a small attraction that will both serve as a proof of concept for the Land, and wet the appetite for the full land. Most likely this is switched out after Villains Land opens.

CaptinEO1 hour ago

So Disney Villians has a show in Hollywood Studios but the Disney Villians Land is in Magic Kingdom? I don't get it.

ToTBellHop1 hour ago

Hades as Frank-n-Furter.

Starship8242 hours ago

Not yet.

doctornick2 hours ago

so, we have confirmation for what is planned for 2025. There were rumors here hinted at by insiders regarding another smaller thing for 2025 at DHS - is that off the table or is it just not ready to announce?

wannabeBelle3 hours ago

Interesting, kinda reminds me of the plot line for the Broadway play, Six in which the 6 wives of Henry the VIII argue over who was treated worst or best by him. Marie