PHOTOS: More Traces of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Removed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Gretchen McDermid

A vibrant green building labeled "Sunset Showcase," nestled among palm trees and lush greenery, is captured under a clear blue sky at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

PHOTOS: More Traces of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Removed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Work continues to transform the former home of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy into the new space for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

More Elements of Racing Academy Removed

A blocked-off pathway flanked by palm trees and hedges, with a racing-themed mural reminiscent of Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios gleaming under the clear blue sky.

The Sunset Showcase Theater, located to the right of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, has been blocked from guests as it is slowly transformed into the new location for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Work on the facade of the building and the nearby Sunset Showcase courtyard began in late March.

A red and gray wall with a yellow stripe, reminiscent of Disney's Hollywood Studios, is lined with potted plants on wheels. Palm trees and a streetlight grace the background, while a barrier rope in the foreground hints at an entrance to Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy adventure.

While the rolling planters on the left side closest to the theater have been sitting for a while, the five planters against the right wall are new.

Two large rectangular planters with dense green shrubs on wheels stand in front of a red and orange wall, reminiscent of Lightning McQueen's vibrant world. Overhead lights and palm trees evoke the lively atmosphere of Disney's Hollywood Studios.

This right wall previously had three pieces of Lightning McQueen racing art posted on the striped paint. Looking between the planters, it appears all of this art has now been removed. The planters are likely to block the damaged walls from guest view.

A row of large planters with lush green bushes and palm trees lines the walkway near a closed section, marked by a gray rope and small barricade. In the background, beyond a waiting area for photos is a building with a sign advertising Disney's Hollywood Studios' Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy.

Work on the actual Sunset Showcase Theater building can be spotted over the planters on the left.

A vibrant green building labeled "Sunset Showcase," nestled among palm trees and lush greenery, is captured under a clear blue sky at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The large sign advertising Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy has been removed since March 27, but the metal frame of the sign was still attached above the entrance.

A faded emblem on a light green building wall labeled "Sunset Showcase" captures the sunlit nostalgia at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Framed by palm trees under a clear blue sky, it's a serene backdrop near Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy perfect for memorable photos.

The metal frame has now been completely removed as well, leaving only the faded paint silhouette of the sign on the wall. This section will likely get repainted before a sign for the new show is posted.

A colorful stage adorned with framed art pieces features two performers embodying iconic Disney villains at the center. The captivated audience is seated in neat rows below, eagerly anticipating the next act.

Disney has announced that Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will be debuting on May 27, 2025, which is the same date The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will also premiere at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney recently shared a short video clip of construction crew members working on the new villains show, which included hoisting large frames to be placed above the stage. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will include live production numbers and has a run-time of 40 minutes.

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