This week we stopped by Hollywood Studios to check out the BRAND NEW Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy and the return of one of our all-time favorite snacks — the Butterfinger Cupcake! We also got an update on the on-going Skyliner station construction as well as a look at some other new snacks and merchandise.

Let’s kick things off with all that construction happening outside the park!

Hollywood Studios Transportation Updates!

Disney’s Skyliner System is well into the testing phase and we saw TONS of covered Skyliner cars cruising overhead as we entered the park. (Read more about the Disney Skyliner transportation system here!)

Those new bus stations were finally unveiled this week too! These provide a lot more shade and shelter from the elements in preparation for the increased crowds visiting Hollywood Studios (and waiting for busses) once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens on August 29th.

This year Hollywood Studios is celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary and we spotted celebration banners displayed throughout the park and the walkway to the entrance from the bus stations.

The banners feature characters from Hollywood Studios attractions…

And are themed to different areas of the park!

Lightning McQueen and Friends Arrive at Sunset Showcase!

Guests at Hollywood Studios can now learn from the best and become “rookie racers” at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy! Join your favorite characters from the Disney-Pixar Cars films — including Lightning McQueen himself — in this state-of-the art racing simulator.

Read ALL about our experience at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy here!

There’s also plenty of photo-ops and merch so you can bring home a souvenir (or graduation gift) from your time at the Racing Academy!

If that’s not enough action for ya, be sure to check out DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time! Dance Party! You can catch all the details about the dance party AND those special photo-ops here!

New and Returning Snacks!

We’ve already told you about what might be the BIGGEST snack news to hit Hollywood Studios this year (well, this month at least) — the return of the fan-favorite Butterfinger Cupcake! Does it stand up to the original version? Read all about it here!

One of our NEW favorite snacks — Joffrey’s Mini Donut — have made their way into the parks! We recently spotted them in both The Contemporary and Magic Kingdom, but if you want to check out our review of all the flavors read up on their first appearance at Disney Springs here!

You can pick up these mini donuts at both Joffrey’s locations in Hollywood Studios — one by Tower of Terror and one in the Animation Courtyard — for $4.99, or a Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit, for 4 mini donuts!

The Dockside Diner also debuted some new drinks for the over-21 crowd this week, including: Rum Island Breeze and Voyager’s Sour.

Check Out Our Favorite New Merchandise!

On our visit we saw some must-get new merchandise, including this positively adorable Minnie doll sporting an equally cute UP! inspired dress!

We also got a peek at some of the new Toy Story merch available!

This Woody Backpack is ready to carry all your park necessities, partner!

And this Lotso hat has definitely made it onto our must-have list! (Note: Unlike Lotso himself, this hat doesn’t smell like strawberries ????).

If you’re missing all that Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise you used to find at Stage 1 Company Store, you can now locate it over at the Tower of Terror gift shop!

And, in case you’re looking to add to your spirit jersey collection we just wanted to mention that you can now find the dapper yellow and the dog editions in Hollywood Studios!

That wraps up this weeks visit to Hollywood Studios! Check back later this week for updates from the other Walt Disney World Parks, or better yet…

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Will you be enrolling in Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy? Or are you spending your time in Hollywood Studios snacking on those new sweets? Let us know in the comments!