Following last week’s first visible signs of work in preparation for the new Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After show, the sign for the former Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy has been removed from Sunset Showcase at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Sign Removed
We noticed the sign was down as of Thursday, March 27, 2025. The sign was still up during our visit the day before, indicating it was likely taken down overnight. The Sunset Showcase signage for the theater itself is still in place.
Framing remains for the sign for now, but it will likely come down soon.
The backstage gate and wall in the courtyard are still themed to Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, with art of McQueen and his racing number on the wall that sports his colors.
Last week, new scrim was installed in the queue for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, blocking off guests’ view of the Sunset Showcase Theater.
Rolling planters have also been set up around the exterior courtyard of the theater.
A permit for general construction was filed for Sunset Showcase back in January 2025, which followed another permit filling in October 2024. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy closed permanently on October 7, 2024 to make way for the new Disney Villains show.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is a new stage show opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27, 2025. The show will feature appearances from dozens of Disney’s most dastardly villains, including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent. The villains will enter our world through the Magic Mirror, sharing their side of the story and letting guests decide who has been treated the most unfairly.
Watch our video of the full show for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy:
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