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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easyrowrdw8 hours ago

I agree. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs was clever, almost 30 years ago. But it's not supposed to be taken seriously. They're bad guys! They're not misunderstood; they're just bad.

ToTBellHop11 hours ago

It happened for the three of us who saw Snow White but unfortunately, Gal Gadot couldn’t act wet during a hurricane. So…

Fox&Hound14 hours ago

Yes, I do miss the days of the deliciously evil villains who announce they are villains just by singing about it like a boss!

jrhwdw15 hours ago

WondersOfLife6 days ago

Or really bad "twist" villains.

WondersOfLife6 days ago

It is VERY similar... Super loose plot.

TheMaxRebo7 days ago

Yeah, of late the villains have been more like "generational trauma" (Encanto) etc Though trailers for Elio make it seem like it might be a bit more of a traditional villain

Agent H7 days ago

Well I suppose I could imagine it but it would be terribly out of character IMO. This isn’t villains tonight!

WondersOfLife7 days ago

Yes.

brb10069 days ago

Actually "Stitch! the Movie" (which Dr Hämsterviel debuted in) came out in 2003, a year after the original Lilo & Stitch movie hit theaters. Which launched an animated series and a direct-to-video movie serving as the franchise's Grand Finale. The original DVD release for "Stitch! the Movie" even contained a booklet detailing The Experiments set to appear in the series. Notably a first look at Angel, Stitch's girlfriend.

Agent H9 days ago

I also said they don’t necessarily fit the vibe of the show so the only way they appear is in the mirrors on the side. Can you imagine Hans getting up on stage and singing?

DisneyHead1239 days ago

I don’t have musical training (other than long forgotten piano lessons as a child) so am not sure what the technical terms are here, but I think the clear “marching” element to the clip they released is part of what people are responding to with uncertainty. The spooky vibe is contrasted with the “this is a parade!” vibe which is a little dissonant. Thinking it’s probably just for that one song as all the characters march out though. To me the best vibe, musically, for Villains in the park would be Poor Unfortunate Souls. It’s unmistakably dark but not too dark, and has that campy fun element. Friends On The Other Side is a little darker but another good one. I think songs in those styles would be great for a show like this.

plutofan159 days ago

Looking forward to hearing your version.

LindseyDisney9 days ago

I'm actually excited for this, and for a new show at Hollywood Studios. Though it can't beat the Drew Carey Show; that was the top tier level of entertainment.