A New Villains Show is Coming to Hollywood Studios!

There were a lot of amazing announcements that came out of this year’s D23 event in Anaheim, from a Monsters Inc. roller coaster to an all-new Encanto-themed land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (You can listen in on our recent podcast for a full recap!) Perhaps the most exciting announcement was the unveiling of a new Villains Land coming to the Magic Kingdom (Click here to read more about that and the rest of the new surprises that Disney unveiled!)

But there was another announcement that came right after D23, and while it may not have the sensational headlines of new lands and E-ticket attractions, this one will surely add a sinister slant to Sunset Boulevard. Something delightfully wicked is about to take the stage. It’s an all-new live production starring your favorite Disney Villains – debuting summer 2025!

As Disney recently shared:

“The creative minds at Disney Live Entertainment will transform Sunset Showcase into the mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror. The show will feature appearances by dozens of the most infamous evildoers, with fiendish foes Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent each breaking through the glass to take the stage in live production numbers.  

Before these villainous fiends take the spotlight at Sunset Showcase, guests should speed on over for another lap around the track at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy before October 7.”

If you’ve never experienced Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, you’ll want to hurry before its doors close forever. The show, which debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 31, 2019, is an innovative theatrical show and character meet-and-greet experience sure to fill your tank with fun.

To kick things off, Lightning demonstrates what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. Of course, as this seasoned racer has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course.

The show begins as you are asked to shout Lightning McQueen’s signature catch phrase: “KA-CHOW!” Tow Mater then welcomes you with a video presentation called, “Lightning McQueen the Untold Story That Ain’t Done Yet Been Told.”

Once the video is complete, Lightning McQueen himself appears right on stage! This impressive Audio-Animatronic rolls back and forth on the stage as he talks to the audience. Lightning talks about his racing career (and tells some fun jokes along the way). But as Lightning shares, the main lesson here is that winning may be great, but without friends to share it with those wins don’t really matter. You then meet Lightning’s friend Cruz Ramirez from Cars 3.

There are plenty of exciting moments and clever surprises to discover in this fun-filled show. For example, when Lightning takes part in a racing simulation test you can see a funny “leaky tale pipe” advertisement that Lightning filmed in Tokyo. (And, much to Lightning’s embarrassment, was only meant to be shown in Tokyo! You’ll see what we mean…)

But alas, not everything goes to plan! Chick Hicks, the villain of the original Cars film, interrupts the show to challenge Lightning to a simulated race to determine once and for all who is the best racer. As you probably guessed, Lightning wins the race – notwithstanding some under-handed cheating by Chick.

The Lightning McQueen Racing Academy might not have the thrills of its Sunset Boulevard neighbors the Tower of Terror and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but nevertheless it is a fun-filled special effects-laden show the whole family can enjoy. Before the villains invade this ominous corner of Hollywood Studios, make it a point to visit Lightning, Mater, and the whole gang…and get ready to give on last “KA-CHOW”!!!