Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy

Do you have a Cars fan in your family? If so, you have to check out Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! We recently were invited to check out all the fun, and here’s the recap!

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Before heading into the 10-minute show to see the main attraction, kids can get pumped up at DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time! dance party in the courtyard. (You may remember, DJ is the party car with the loud sound system from the Cars franchise.) DJ and his “pit-crew” dancers get everyone excited with Cars-inspired dances and games several times a day, running between 9:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Fans can also snap a picture with Cruz Ramirez, who’s parked nearby.

Afterward, head inside Sunset Showcase to watch Lightning himself demonstrate the state-of-the-art racing simulator complete with massive wrap-around screen. (Seriously, it’s 200-feet-long!) Guests sit on benches in the auditorium and watch the animatronic vehicle put on a show while checking in with friends Tow-Mater and the gang from Radiator Springs who appear on screen. (Disney really did a great job of showcasing what it can do with technology for this show.)

Ultimately, the show is short and sweet, and will be a welcome reprieve for the heat of the day. There is currently no FastPass option available for this attraction. To get there, you may immediately want to head over to the Pixar Place area or Toy Story Land, but it’s actually tucked away on the opposite end of the park. It’s hidden behind the Rock n’ Roller Coaster. On your way out, pick up some Cars merch at the kiosk on the courtyard!