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Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Opens at Walt Disney World!! (PLUS a Word Search!!)

April 5, 2019 By Tina 32 Comments


A brand new attraction has taken up residence at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  On March 31st, Lightning McQueen and all of his Radiator Springs friends opened to the doors to Guests for the first time at the grand opening of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy!

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy ~ Sunset Showcase
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy ~ Sunset Showcase

I was invited as the guest of Angie from This is the Motherhood to attend a media event for this new attraction.  All opinions, however, are mine and mine alone.  This post does contain affiliate links.  Please see my Disclosure policy for more information.


Lightning McQueen Arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

#NowMoreThanEver

Are you a Cars fan?  Have you watched any or all of the three movies featuring #95 and his cronies?  My boys grew up watching Cars religiously.  We had the pajamas, toys, books, puzzles ~ you name it, the boys had some form of it.  They were huge into race cars at that point and the movies simply became a part of their routine.

Well, ever since Disneyland in California opened its Radiator Springs attraction, Guests on the East Coast have been desperately wanting to see the crew come to Florida.  Thankfully, the wait is finally over as Lightning McQueen just secured a parking spot for himself at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  “Enrollment” is now officially open to racers of all ages and the Piston Cup winner himself is fired up and ready to transform rookies into champions!

But where in the Park can you find the new attraction? 

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy holds “demonstrations” over in the Sunset Showcase, just past Rock’n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.  As Guests “pull into” the area, they will find themselves in a wide open space, one perfect for a dance party.

Wait – did I just say DANCE PARTY??

Ready! Set! Let’s Dance!

Whether waiting for the next class or wanting to keep the energy going after class, Guests can hang out with DJ, the ultimate party car from Route 66.  DJ’s mission is to get everybody revved up with his incredible tunes.  Between 10 am and 6 pm every day, families can walk into the Academy’s courtyard and find a reason to start moving to the beat as DJ kicks the festivities into high gear with Cars-inspired dances and games.

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy - DJ
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy – DJ

Is that…is that…..Cruz Ramirez?

Why, yes it is!!!  Parking herself right next to DJ, the trainer-turned-racer Cruz Ramirez loves to come hang out and watch the party!  This is the perfect opportunity to snap a photo with the Piston Cup winner.  Guests can use their own phone or camera or even let one of the PhotoPass photographers snap a few to include for their Memory Maker package!

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy ~ PhotoPass with Cruz Ramirez
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy ~ PhotoPass with Cruz Ramirez

What – you don’t know what Memory Maker is?  Click here to find out more!

What did we see??

As soon as we entered the courtyard on the day of the media event, the dance party had already started!  DJ had the music pumping and the Pit Crew had the kids engaged in various games.  At that point, they were playing something similar to musical chairs and then moved into one like a discus toss.  From there, DJ turned up the volume so the younger generation could go all out on the “dance floor” alongside the Pit Crew.

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy ~ Dancing Pit Crew
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy ~ Dancing Pit Crew

Time for Class!

Before long, it was time for us to enter the “classroom.”  All invited media and their families made their way into a large theater where we were greeted by a giant “95” acting as a wall between the entrance and the stage.  As we peered around, there were three sections of benches fixed to the floor.  The room was quite spacious, providing ample wiggle room for littles, if need be.

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy ~ Expanded screen
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy ~ Expanded screen

The walls were lined with an elevated, expanded movie screen and, up front, there was a rounded stage.  As everyone took their seats, our host, Courtnee, welcomed us all to this very special event.

Start Your Engines!!

Once formal introductions and announcements were done, the music started and the show began.

NOTE: I am going to venture to say that, if seeing the entirety of the screen is important to you – the back is the best place to be.  If seeing Lightning McQueen up close and personal is your priority, sit closer to the front or on the end…or even behind very short people.

The show is approximately ten minutes long and includes characters such as Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and Chick Hicks.  Lightning McQueen takes the time to share what he has learned from his mentors and friends, lessons that helped him to become the champion racer that eventually won the Piston Cup and the hearts of many.  Of course, not everything goes as planned during the demonstration and we got to see how the Radiator Springs crew overcomes obstacles on the course.

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy ~ Chick Hicks
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy ~ Chick Hicks

Overall, the show is great!  While there is no true audience interaction, the animation and animatronics are no less than what we would expect from Disney Imagineers.  The show itself is captivating, colorful and full of energy.  It’s a “high octane” performance that will definitely be a favorite among the junior audience.

Who am I kidding?  I loved it and I’m in my……well, that doesn’t matter, does it?

Merchandise

While there is no store in that showcase, there are kiosks in the courtyard with both stuffed Cars and miniature figures.  The store on the corner of Sunset Boulevard also has quite an array of Cars paraphernalia, as well.  Whether you are looking for a toy, a t-shirt or even a new hat, I’m sure you’ll be able to find it.

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy ~ Merchandise Toys
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy ~ Merchandise Toys
Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy ~ Cruz Ramirez soft toy
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy ~ Cruz Ramirez soft toy

Should you be Racing to this Attraction?

Yes!  I mean, obviously the younger generation is going to love it.  There’s a life-size Lightning McQueen up there on the stage talking and moving around for them.  I do, however, believe there is something for everyone in this attraction.  As a mom, it brought back so many memories of my boys playing with their Cars or even wearing their Lightning McQueen t-shirts (that obviously do not fit them anymore).  Teens, like my 13 year old who accompanied me to the event, will be reminded of how much fun these movies are, not to mention enjoy the upgraded technology Disney keeps bringing to the table.  Littles will love the colors, the music, the excitement and more.  It’s just an all around fun show to watch.

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy ~ courtyard
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy ~ courtyard

Of course, if anything, it’s a great place to plant for about ten minutes and enjoy the air conditioning!  It does get pretty hot out there in the Florida sun!  So, take a load off.  Enjoy watching Lightning McQueen show off his new simulator in the brand new attraction, Lightning McQueens’s Racing Academy.

What are you waiting for???

*************************************************

Let’s have some fun

Print off this Cars Word Search for your littles by clicking on the graphic below ~ OR print off TWO and see which one of you can find all the words first!!

Finally, let’s get a conversation started.  I want to know which Cars movie was your favorite.  In addition to that, I also want to know your favorite Cars character!  Ready?  Set?  Go answer below!!

HUGE thanks to Angie from This is the Motherhood for inviting Logan and me, as well as a huge thank you to Disney Parks for providing such opportunities for media to come in and get the inside scoop for our readers / viewers!



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Filed Under: Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney, travel

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica Joachim says

    April 5, 2019 at 7:32 PM

    This was such a fun event! I wish I would have seen you there, I would have come up and said hi! There were a lot of people there though. My daughter absolutely loved the dance party and the show. I can’t wait to go back and take my son now.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:52 PM

      Oh, man!! That would have been great to meet face to face!!! Maybe next time??? I’m glad your daughter enjoyed all of it. I was floored by the animatronics!

      Reply
  2. Jane says

    April 8, 2019 at 2:35 PM

    It looks like a fun event. Missing my Disney days. It’s a happy place for everyone. I used to work for Disney in the corporate world in 1998 (3 years).

    Reply
    • Tina says

      April 8, 2019 at 2:38 PM

      Oh, wow!!! Former cast member among us. I bet you have some amazing memories of your time here!

      Reply
  3. Heather says

    April 11, 2019 at 12:22 PM

    Super cute!!

    Reply
  4. Holly Bird says

    April 11, 2019 at 1:01 PM

    Wow this looks like so much fun not only for kids buts as an adult I would love to see this! Looks like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  5. Nikki says

    April 11, 2019 at 6:40 PM

    Tina – this looks like it was a ton of fun! Lucky you! I can’t remember if I even watched one of the Cars movies – I probably kind of did if my daughter did (but don’t remember) I think all the Disney cartoons are cute!

    Reply
  6. Leigh Ann says

    April 12, 2019 at 10:00 AM

    I love your enthusiasm and ability to draw us in to the fun. Well done!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      April 12, 2019 at 3:14 PM

      Awww – thanks, Leigh Ann!!

      Reply
  7. Lina says

    April 12, 2019 at 11:20 PM

    This looks like so much fun! I would love to visit there with my boys.

    Reply
  8. Meagan says

    April 13, 2019 at 9:52 AM

    This looks like so much fun! My son loves Cars and has watched the movies a million times. This would be so cool to take him to.

    Reply
  9. Michele says

    April 13, 2019 at 10:59 AM

    What a great time! Wish we lived closer! TowMater btw….

    Reply
  10. Junell DuBois says

    April 13, 2019 at 11:12 AM

    I’m so excited to check this out! My oldest watched the original cars so many times on repeat we burned through 3 CDs!

    Reply
  11. jen says

    April 13, 2019 at 11:22 AM

    super fun! That was never my favorite movie but they always do such a good job in the parks you get sucked right into the world and fall in love…

    Reply
  12. Kim says

    April 13, 2019 at 11:48 AM

    How fun!! We did Cars at Disneyland and it is still one of my favorites. We need to go and see this one!!

    Reply
  13. Susan Franklin says

    April 13, 2019 at 12:23 PM

    I have never watched any of the Car’s movies…. so I was able to get a real sense of your excitement over this new attraction through your post. It looks like fun!

    Reply
  14. Tiffany says

    April 13, 2019 at 12:51 PM

    I love this character! Can’t wait to check this out our next visit!

    Reply
  15. Jennifer Morrison says

    April 14, 2019 at 7:12 PM

    What an amazing event! My sons loved Cars when they were little, and I think they would have adored visiting this park. I also love the colors that that franchise bring to everything.

    Reply
  16. Cindy says

    April 14, 2019 at 8:47 PM

    Looks like a fun event, that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. Brings back memories of when my grandkids were little and loved Cars!

    Reply
  17. Katie says

    April 14, 2019 at 11:44 PM

    I’ve gotta be honest. I’ve never seen any of the Cars movies 🙊. But this looks super fun!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      April 15, 2019 at 7:56 AM

      It’s all good, Katie – not everyone here (as you see in the list of comments) has seen the movies. You’re definitely not alone. No worries – but it’s still a fun attraction to enjoy 😉. Hope you get to experience it some day!

      Reply
  18. Pauline says

    April 14, 2019 at 11:48 PM

    Can I come live at your house? Everything you do looks so fun and this in no exception. My kids would love this!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      April 15, 2019 at 7:55 AM

      LOL – Trust me! While, yes – it is fun around here – you do NOT want to live in this house! 🤣🤣Teen boys – need I say more? LOL!!

      Reply
  19. Suzan says

    April 15, 2019 at 7:46 AM

    What a fun time! I haven’t been to Disney since my daughter was young. They always go over and above in everything they do!

    Reply
  20. Brittany says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:59 AM

    How fun! My son would love this

    Reply
  21. Janice says

    April 15, 2019 at 5:29 PM

    Looks like so much fun

    Reply
  22. Carolina says

    April 15, 2019 at 5:56 PM

    When my boys were little the used to love all things cars. What a fun time!!! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  23. Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef says

    April 16, 2019 at 8:35 AM

    Disney sure does know their animatronics!! I bet this would be amazing for the little ones for sure and us adults too, thanks so much for sharing another fun Disney experience you know all the best for sure! 🤗

    Reply
  24. Kathryn at QuestFor47 says

    April 18, 2019 at 1:14 AM

    That’s such a cool experience. I bet there were a TON of Cars movies fans there! Disney just keeps pulling out all the stops!

    Reply
  25. Annette says

    April 20, 2019 at 9:54 PM

    What a great experience!!! Such a fun place for kiddos and adults.

    Reply
  26. Nicki says

    April 22, 2019 at 7:01 AM

    This looks like so much fun! We are just starting to get into cars.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Brand New Disney's The Lion King Trailer (PLUS Word Search!) · Footprints in Pixie Dust says:
    April 10, 2019 at 10:00 AM

    […] Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Opens (PLUS Word Search)! […]

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