After we first spotted green scrim on the side of Sunset Showcase, the Cruz Ramirez and DJ cars have been removed from the courtyard. The Disney’s Hollywood Studios theater previously housed Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy but will soon be home to Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.
Sunset Showcase Construction
The green scrim is atop a wall between the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster queue and Sunset Showcase. Ropes cut off access to the walkway on the right, with rolling planters surrounding the courtyard.
Though it’s hard to tell over the planters, we could confirm that DJ and Cruz are gone. The two life-size character cars acted as photo ops outside the theater.
Other “Cars” decorations remain in the area, including decals on a backstage gate.
The “Cars” show’s signage is also up on the building and nearby post.
A banner with Lightning McQueen’s “95” racing number is visible.
This is the first work we’ve seen to prepare the area for the new Disney Villains show, although work has probably been ongoing inside the theater. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” was announced on the heels of Disney’s Villains land reveal. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy permanently closed in October and Disney filed permits for construction at the theater. They filed another permit in January. A casting call was posted in November. Here’s the show description from Disney Parks Blog:
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.
Sunset Showcase has also previously housed Club Villain, a ticketed event featuring Dr. Facilier and other Disney Villains. It was available in early 2016 and during the 2017 Halloween season. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy opened in 2019.
Watch the full Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy show:
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