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Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Sign Removed as Disney Villains Prepare to Take Over
Change is speeding down the road at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Following the recent announcement that Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will debut on May 27, 2025, the sign for the now-closed Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy has officially been removed from the Sunset Showcase Theater.
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On a recent visit to the park, remnants of the attraction could still be seen. The backstage gate and surrounding courtyard walls are still decked out in Lightning McQueen’s signature style, including a mural of the racing legend and his iconic number.
Permits for general construction at the Sunset Showcase were first filed back in October 2024, with a follow-up filed in January 2025, paving the way for the new villainous production. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy officially crossed the finish line on October 7, 2024, bringing an end to its high-octane run.
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Now, the spotlight shifts to the Disney Villains, who are set to take center stage in Unfairly Ever After. The new show will feature appearances from a rogues’ gallery of iconic villains including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent. Guests will watch as these characters enter our world through the Magic Mirror, offering their own side of the story—and letting the audience decide which villain has been treated the most unfairly.
With the stage being set for the darker side of Disney to shine, we’re counting down the days to May 27. Stay tuned for more updates as the transformation of Sunset Showcase continues!
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