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

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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

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Starship8241 hour ago

Muppet vision loses featured spot. 😭 😭 😭 😭

jrhwdw2 hours ago

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!

gerarar2 hours ago

TrainsOfDisney2 hours ago

If I had to guess, it’s the same reason we got launch bay. Bob has decided “Villians” is the thing and doesn’t want to wait 4 years to get something open so let’s shove “something” in “somewhere” asap.

Indy_UK2 hours ago

Do we think there's an actual reason for adding a Villians show here? To strip the Cars stuff for the attraction in MK, eat more crowds for animation courtyard change to Monsters or to see more evidence of whether a Villians land is the best idea?

gerarar2 hours ago

Area roped off today 10/8.

jrhwdw3 hours ago

I'm not!

HauntedPirate3 hours ago

Is anyone else breathlessly waiting for the ITM article proclaiming this to be closed permanently because of some ridiculous reason, like Hurricane Milton? 😂

gerarar22 hours ago

Gusey6 days ago

The main issue was the costume changes took too long, so you just had Hades "Disney rifting" to fill time for a lot of the show, altering the momentum of the show. The actual performance segments are good, but the story was very dragged out. I just hope we get another version of Jafar singing "Wind Beneath my Wings"

Fox&Hound6 days ago

Can you eleborate why? Too cheesy?

wdwmagic6 days ago

Disney Files Construction Permit for New Villains Show at Hollywood Studios, Set for Summer 2025 https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/magic-mirror-villains-show/news/01oct2024-disney-files-construction-permit-for-new-villains-show-at-hollywood-studios,-set-for-summer-2025.htm thanks @DCBaker !

Ayla26 days ago

They have always been a target demo.

Justin Walker26 days ago

I was super excited for Villains Tonight when I went on my first Disney Cruise. It was a huge let down. I was surprised how little I enjoyed that show.