New scrim has been installed in the queue for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, blocking off the view of the Sunset Showcase Theater as work continues on the upcoming Disney Villains show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Scrim Installed in Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Queue
We found that new dark green scrim has been erected on the far side of the wall separating the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster queue from the Sunset Showcase Theater on Sunset Boulevard, the former location of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.
Beginning under the covered portion of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s outdoor queue area, the scrim blocks the view to the other side of the wall and extends halfway down the length of the wall.
Where the wall ends, rolling planters have been placed to create a boundary between the areas for each attraction. Signage for the shuttered Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy remains, as does the outdoor stage constructed to meet Cruz Ramirez in the theater’s courtyard. Both of these are visible above the scrim and hedge.
A permit for “general construction” was filed for Sunset Showcase Theater back in January 2025.
The entrance gate emblazoned with Lightning McQueen’s signature red color and a black and white checkered racing flag also remains, and is roped off from guests.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy closed permanently on October 7, 2024, to make way for the new “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” stage show. Before the closure, the 10 minute show featured appearances from the characters from the film series and an animatronic Lightning McQueen, culminating in a virtual simulation race between Lightning and his rival Chick Hicks.
No premiere date for “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” has been set yet other than the original announcement of “Summer 2025.” The show’s runtime will be approximately 40 minutes.
Watch our video of the final performance of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy below:
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.