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.
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.
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.
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