Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Experience Your Favorite Movie at Hollywood Studios!
I remember watching Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time and being absolutely enamored with Indy. The fedora, the witty comebacks, his drive to preserve history and crush Nazis… It was love.
I also remember my parents covering my eyes before the ending where (spoilers!) the Nazis look into the ark and melt. It wasn’t until I was in college that I committed my biggest act of rebellion: logging onto YouTube and watching the forbidden scene.
Mom, Dad, if you’re reading this…you were right. Melting Nazis are indeed nightmare fuel.
Scary stuff aside, Indy didn’t just sweep me off my feet, he swept an entire culture off its feet, which is why the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is a must-see at Disneys Hollywood Studios! During the show, you’ll get to experience the greatest scenes from Raiders—live!—and get a backstage glimpse into how they pulled off some of the sleekest stunts on the silver screen.
Cue that iconic theme song and hang on to your hat because the show is about to begin!
Indy Comes to Disney
Although every performance feels fresh and exciting, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular has actually been around since 1989!1 (That wasn’t that long ago, was it??)
After the success of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, George Lucas teamed up with Disney Imagineers once again to create a stunning theme park experience—this time in the form of a live show!
Just like the movie itself, the Disney park show was groundbreaking. Not only was it the first Indiana Jones attraction in any theme park, but it also had (and still has) more moving parts than any other Disney live show. The dazzling technology and sheer intricacy of the spectacle are so breathtaking that it has remained virtually unchanged over its 30-year run and still draws enormous crowds every day.
With the closure of The Great Movie Ride, Indy’s show is now the oldest active attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we’re pleased to report it’s still going strong!2 (It’s one thing that doesn’t belong in a museum!)
It’s Showtime!
Located just behind sparkling Echo Lake in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find an outdoor theater—not unlike the Greek amphitheaters of old. But trust me, old-fashioned does not mean outdated! This is where the ever-awesome Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is held (if the ancient temple set, olive drab Jeep, and giant cut-out of Indy weren’t enough of a giveaway).
This large, semi-circular theater seats 2,000 people, but even with that capacity, it isn’t unusual for it to be completely full. (After all, who doesn’t want to see Indiana Jones??)
The theater, although outdoors and therefore un-airconditioned, is thankfully shaded by a pavilion, offering some relief from the sun on those hot Florida days. Nevertheless, the performances are weather-permitting, so be sure to check Disney’s app or website to stay abreast of any changes!
While the schedule is subject to change, as of writing, there are five showtimes every day: 10:45 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. The earliest show generally has the smallest crowd and doesn’t require getting there too early. However, as the day wears on, you’ll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early, if not 30 minutes early, to ensure a spot (especially if you want to be near the front row).
Toward the front is obviously great for close-up viewing, but it’s also prime real estate for being chosen as a volunteer participant! If you’re hoping to really get in on the action, enthusiastic arm-waving from a front-row seat is your best bet. But there’s also a word of caution for front row goers—the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular show is no stranger to explosions. If loud noises are not your thing (or your kiddos), you can do your eardrums a favor by sitting farther back!
All right, now that you’re in your seat, it’s time for the show to start!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
This homage to Indy has all of the best scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark!
With moving sets that weigh roughly 100 tons and computer-controlled pyrotechnics, you’ll get to experience the most iconic moments from the whole movie (melting Nazis not included).
From dodging spikes and a 400-pound rolling boulder to loud-smacking punches, flammable Jeeps, and a runaway airplane, this show will keep guests of every age on the edge of their seats! Between scenes, a “casting director” will pop in to pull back the proverbial curtain and show you how they pulled off such death-defying stunts.
While these pauses might make the show feel a little choppy—going from high-energy antics to conversation and back again—it allows for needed scene changes to occur, and the insight is truly fascinating.
In fact, the behind-the-scenes reveals are honestly part of what makes the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular so darn cool! You’ll definitely walk away with a newfound appreciation for movie-making, knowing all of the hard work—and implicit trust—that goes into creating such amazing stunts!
It makes watching Raiders of the Lost Ark a new experience again, too, as you’ll view those iconic scenes in a different, more profound light. Knowing how it all works actually adds to the magic of the movies!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with Harrison Ford and a big bowl of popcorn…
Have you witnessed the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular? Were you a special guest participant?? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
P.S. In the queue for the theater, there’s a well with a rope and a sign that says “Do Not Pull Rope.” In my second biggest act of rebellion, I am now suggesting you go ahead and pull the rope. *wink*
Want even more Disney-Indy action? Check out Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs!
Cover Image
Photo: Theme Park Tourist via Flickr
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