As Disney World continues to evolve, we’re starting a new series to document the attractions we’ve said goodbye to. These pieces will serve as time capsules – helping preserve memories for those who experienced them and sharing details with those who never got the chance. Our first entry looks back at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, which took its final bow at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 7, 2024.
Park: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Land: Sunset Boulevard
Theme: Cars
Opening date: March 31, 2019
Closing date: October 7, 2024
Replaced: Club Villain
Replaced by: Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Finding Your Way to the Race
For over five years, guests walking down Sunset Boulevard would discover this hidden gem tucked away in the Sunset Showcase building, just past Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. While many rushed past on their way to Tower of Terror, those who ventured to this quiet corner found themselves transported to the world of Radiator Springs.
The outdoor courtyard welcomed racers with the gleaming presence of Cruz Ramirez, always ready for a photo opportunity. DJ’s upbeat mix of Cars-themed music filled the air, setting the perfect tone for the high-octane adventure ahead. The sound of “Life is a Highway” drifting through the Florida breeze became a familiar melody for regular visitors, a small but memorable part of the Hollywood Studios soundtrack.
The Show We’ll Remember
Stepping into the theater always brought a moment of anticipation. As the doors opened, guests were greeted by something truly remarkable – a Lightning McQueen audio-animatronic that captured every essence of the beloved character. The figure’s subtle movements and Owen Wilson’s familiar voice made it feel as though Lightning had truly rolled right off the screen. Combined with a wraparound screen stretching nearly two stories tall and extending over 200 feet, it created an experience that put every guest right in the heart of the action.
During the 10-minute show, audiences became “rookie racers” at Lightning’s racing school. The story followed a classic Disney pattern – what started as a simple demonstration quickly turned into an adventure when Chick Hicks hacked the simulator system. While predictable, the execution was pure Disney magic, bringing together an impressive cast of Cars characters:
- Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen
- Larry the Cable Guy as Mater
- Bonnie Hunt as Sally Carrera
- Cristela Alonzo as Cruz Ramirez
- Bob Peterson as Chick Hicks
- John Ratzenberger as Mack
Hidden Details Worth Remembering
For those who loved searching for Easter eggs, the Racing Academy held several treasures worth preserving in memory:
- Lightning’s number 95 was chosen because Toy Story (Pixar’s first film) was released in 1995
- The A113 reference appeared on a serial number during Chick’s cash pile scene
- The show chronologically took place after the events of Cars 3
- The wraparound screen was one of the largest ever installed in a Disney attraction, creating an impressively immersive experience
What Comes Next
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will take over the space in Summer 2025, continuing the venue’s evolution. The Sunset Showcase building has hosted everything from Club Disney to Club Villain events over the years, each bringing its own unique energy to this corner of Hollywood Studios.
Why We Document These Changes
Theme parks are always evolving, and while change brings exciting new adventures, it’s important to preserve memories of what came before. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy may not have been the biggest or most thrilling attraction, but it created lasting memories for countless families, especially young Cars fans who got to meet their hero face-to-face.
The excited squeals of children seeing Lightning in person, the collective “Ka-chow!” shouted by audiences, and the cool relief of stepping into the air-conditioned theater on a warm Florida afternoon – these are the small moments that made the Racing Academy special. By documenting these experiences, we help future visitors understand how the parks have evolved and preserve those magical moments that made Disney special for past generations.
Ka-chow! ⚡️