Disney invited us to a media event as social media influencers to experience the new attraction at Hollywood Studios – Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.
I know. I couldn’t believe we were invited. But the excitement immediately set in & I’m so grateful for such a fun experience!
Grab husband. Snag toddler. Go to Disney!
We drove over to Orlando the night before because we needed to meet the rest of the media invitees at 8AM outside the park. Then, we’d be walking over together for this first showing, exclusive to bloggers, journalists, influencers — and their families.
Disney provided Day Hopper passes & a parking voucher. Each of our Day Hopper passes were generously loaded with 5 Fast Passes. They even provided a Disney gift card for lunches. We were told to show up early & look for the Media sign.
It was a bigger line than I expected – this was a pretty full event, Wednesday morning and all. We show up to the window – they hand us our envelope with happy Disney representative on the other side of the glass… and she passes me our media tags & some mini Lightning McQueen Oreos…. you’re my people.
The park is empty at this point. There may be a few Disney Resort guests trickling in – but a very different scene than we are used to… you know… avoiding getting your ankles clipped by strollers and such. It was great.
We had no idea what we were doing.
First media event, here. So we just followed the crowd. Honestly, we had no idea what to expect. There were Cars banners on all the street lamps lining Sunset Blvd. so we knew we were headed in the right direction. We stalled behind the group to document the empty streets for your amazement.
We passed Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster {mental note, use Fast Pass here} and rolled into the little corner hideaway that was transformed into Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.
After hanging out for a couple minutes – you know… taking selfies & boomerangs with all the CARS decor before the music began and the courtyard turned into an exciting & fun holding area before the show.
What makes this show/attraction so great, in my eyes, is that it is perfect for smaller kids {no height restrictions}, the CAR characters in the courtyard are so fun to take pictures with, and the CREW MEMBERS who organize games, sing, and dance while everyone waits for the show to start.
{note: potty training parents – there is a bathroom just outside the show entrance.}
Roux absolutely fell in love with seeing these Cars characters up close. It was really special for him to see these guys/girl out of the movie he loves in real life.
Into the show:
After a quick and easy potty break, we headed into the main attraction. Passing by a not-so-subtle statue of Lightning McQueen’s racing number – you are immediately feeling like the ROOKIE RACER in training they are setting you up to be.
You walk in to find three sections of row seating & a huge curved screen. There is fun trivia up on the screens as you wait for everyone to scooch in & sit down. Roux was immediately excited & entertained.
PS: the whole show is like 10 minutes.
The music starts to fade and the show starts immediately with everyone’s favorite, MATER! He is so silly & kicking the show off with him is perfect. The combo of lights, music, and his funny jokes captured my 2 year old’s attention right away – but ours too. Mater brings everyone up to speed on the big events of Lightning’s life – recapping the movies quickly. He introduces Lightning & I was honestly blown away by the “Audio Animatronics.” It is v. v. v. impressive.
Then Lightning took over & I found myself so drawn to the way his eyes, “eyebrows” and mouth moved. The expressive interaction he has with the audience is unreal. He is absolutely captivating. Mean it.
The whole setting turns into Lightning on the racing simulator – acting as a teacher to all of us Rookies in the audience, giving us all his best tips. Lightning interacts with friends like Mater, and Cruz. The show really highlights friendship & how they work together as a team. Chick Hicks shows up – the one who is picking on McQueen in the movies – and challenges McQueen to a competition.
It is fast-paced, engaging, funny, and these characters really do come to life!
Is it worth seeing?
I could not recommend this attraction enough. We just were not sure what to expect – but Disney did a remarkable job of bringing these characters to life in a fun way for all ages. From the moment you walk through to the racing academy courtyard with all the extra entertainment and picture taking opportunities – until the end of the show – they get ya and they bring you in to the full experience. Sure, it’s low-key. But so entertaining!
When the show was over & Lightning McQueen went behind the “curtain” again, Roux was very sad to say goodbye to the cars. But, you know Disney, there was a kiosk just outside the doors with little car souvenirs … ready to light up your kids life again!
How do they do it? Disney thinks of everything don’t they?
We enjoyed ourselves so much. Seriously, a big big thank you to Disney for hosting our little family to experience Lightning McQueen in real life.
Never have we ever been at a park so early before. We took a break for a character breakfast but found Chip & Dale and Goofy character greets with close to no line. Roux was very happy about that!
I can honestly say – we ALMOST had a hard time using all the Fast Passes Disney gifted us! I know, it’s annoying just typing it. That was such a treat! We rode Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash {2 hour wait!}, Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Mania, and Disney Junior Dance Party – all with fast passes.
From Star Wars to Frozen – there is such variety here at Hollywood Studios. While our generation’s favs include Beauty and the Beast or Ariel, our children are enamored with all things CARS!
I hope sharing our family’s experience is helpful!
