Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Opens March 31st, 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – First Look from Disney (Photos, Video)
Hi everyone!
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy opens this Sunday, March 31st, 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Photos and video now reveal more of the new attraction. Set in Sunset Showcase near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Disney says about the offering, 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 is 10 minutes long.
Here is a video preview of the attraction with more information below. All photos and video are provided by Disney.
We have seen Lightning McQueen previously meeting with Tow Mater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios until a few years ago, when the meet closed down in advance of construction for the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This is a more extensive experience than that, and should be a must for any Cars fan!
In addition, DJ has arrived from Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort for “DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time!” and Cruz Ramirez will be outside for photos with guests. Cruz had been meeting previously in Pixar Place, and this will be a much better location for her as part of a full Cars experience.
Disney released this video of DJ on his way from California to join in the fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Here is a press release that was posted today:
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 29, 2019) – KA-CHOW! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy debuts Sunday, March 31, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. This new show experience invites guests into the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars films as they become rookie racers and learn the rules of the road from Piston Cup Champion Lightning McQueen.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is located next to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. When guests cruise inside, they will come face to face with Lightning, who appears live on stage. The theater features a 17-foot-tall wraparound screen that stretches more than 200 feet end to end, enveloping guests in high-octane fun.
During the 10-minute show, Lightning shares racing knowledge gathered over the course of his illustrious career. And if there’s one thing he’s learned over the years … things don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. But with the help of Mater, Cruz Ramirez and other friends from Radiator Springs, Lightning is bound to get back on track. Sometimes you just have to turn right to go left!
Disney Parks Live Entertainment worked closely with the creative team at Pixar to bring this completely new Cars story to life. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will run continuously throughout the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
And when the race is over, guests can continue to immerse themselves in the world of Cars in the courtyard outside Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, where they can meet Cruz and snap a photo with the champion racer, or dance with DJ, the ultimate party on wheels. DJ made his way east across Route 66 and will now bring his own music mix to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition, several times daily Lightning McQueen’s Pit Crew will arrive on the scene for “DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time!” that invites guests to gather around DJ for Cars-inspired dances and games.
The debut of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is the latest chapter in the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which will mark its 30th anniversary on May 1. Guests can let their adventures begin by immersing themselves in their favorite stories – they can feel like a toy in Toy Story Land or, starting Aug. 29, live their own Star Wars adventures in the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
