Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! (A Resorts Gal Guide)
If there were ever an attraction that perfectly matched the entire idea of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it would have to be Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. This thrilling, action-packed stage show leaves audiences on the edge of their seats. An almost original attraction for the former Disney-MGM Studios, it formally opened a few months after the rest of the park. It is now the oldest attraction at Hollywood Studios, but that doesn’t make it any less relevant.
Epic Stunt Spectacular features stunt doubles playing the roles of Indy Jones and Marion Ravenwood from the popular Indiana Jones movies. The performance features scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Other actors and a film crew also take part in the show, which is typically 30 minutes long. Unfortunately, the producers no longer ask for volunteers from the audience. However, all three original scenes are performed.
Here are a few quick reference details for seeing the Epic Stunt Spectacular on your visit.
| Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular | Disney’s Hollywood Studios |
|---|---|
Location: | Echo Lake |
Height Requirement: | None |
Lightning Lane: | Available with Multi Pass |
Early Theme Park Entry: | NA |
Extended Evening Hours: | NA |
Ride Type: | Action-Packed Show |
Show Time: | Check the entertainment section of the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit. |
Length: | Approximately 30-minute show |
Seats Per Vehicle: | Theater |
Rider Switch: | NA |
Good For: | Everyone |
Scare Factor: | Mild Violence Scenes, Loud Noises |
Must-Do List: | High Priority |
Perfect For: | Anyone interested in film-making. |
Special Mention: | It’s timeless! Don’t forget to catch a performance. |
Additional Info: Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVS. The following options are also available: audio description, sign language, handheld captioning, and assistive listening.
Make sure to check our one-stop Lightning Lane Guide to plan your attractions.
Subscribe to the Resorts Gal newsletter and we’ll send you a copy of our complimentary planning spreadsheets.
Epic Stunt Spectacular sits near the back of Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Showtimes are listed on a production schedule at the front of the theater. The first performance usually begins mid-morning, and the last performance is held in the late afternoon. You’ll want to remember that the show is in a partially covered theater and will immediately end in the event of inclement weather. We’ve attended performances where the show stopped mid-production, and everyone was asked to exit. So, if a thunderstorm is approaching, I would not recommend entering the theater with hopes of being under a covered area in the event of rain. There are no good covered areas to escape to in the nearby vicinity.
Epic Stunt Spectacular has a Lightning Lane entrance, a separate accessible entrance, and a standby queue.
Depending on when you enter the queue, you may have to wait a few minutes for the theater to clear before you’re allowed to enter.
Here is a photo of the crowd taken from the rear of the theater. I arrived about 15 minutes before the last performance of the day. A cast member suggested I sit close to the front, and since I was by myself this afternoon, I was able to find a spot on the front row. This was the first show where I had ever sat anywhere near the front, and I was impressed. I had a clear view of the demonstrations, explosive special effects, and the stunt actors.
After the performance, I hung around to take a few photos of the theater.
Designated seating areas are available for those with accessibility needs.
Each section of the theater contains about 15 rows.
Here is a photo of where I sat on the front row to the left of the sound booth, followed by a photo of our view as we waited for the next show to begin.
When the performance begins, a rope falls from the ceiling. Suddenly, the Indiana Jones stunt double repels the rope, making an elaborate entrance.
He lights a torch and begins to survey his surroundings.
The special effects leave guests on the edge of their seats from the get-go. Stakes shoot up from the ground as the actor vicariously dodges them.
It soon becomes clear that Indy is in pursuit of a small golden idol. (It is said to be an exact replica of what was used in the film.)
Just when you think Indiana Jones is in the clear, a giant boulder comes tumbling toward him. He runs for his life.
At about this time, the lights come on, and you realize you’re in a staging area on a movie set. The directors check to ensure Indy is okay and praise him for a well-done job. Crew members emerge from the woodwork as they put the props and moving parts back in place.
Meanwhile, a producer shares a little behind-the-scenes information with the audience and asks the actor what it’s like to work as a stunt performer.
As the show continues, a troupe of tumblers performs some examples of using faux punches and other techniques.
Here are a few photos from the second scene reenactment where actors fall from tall buildings, perform giant leaps, and Indy uses his whip to save them from the bad guys.
This scene ends with a military truck bursting into flames.
The final scene features Indiana Jones and Marion as they try to stop a plane from taking off. This is the most intense scene as you notice an ignited gas spill, leaving a direct trail to the plane and a nearby gas tank.
The heroes manage to escape as a dynamite finale explodes in the background.
As you can see from the photos, sitting in the front row has its perks. The actors immediately stopped when they reached the audience.
After exiting the show, you might like to explore the area. Fans of the Indiana Jones films will notice a variety of props and displays. Unfortunately, the former gift shop hasn’t been open in quite some time.
The Resorts Gal Spin on Epic Stunt Spectacular
Overall, we give Epic Stunt Spectacular the green light. Just remember to check the weather forecast ahead of time. This show is exceptionally entertaining and offers a chance to sit down and rest in a shaded environment. The performers do an incredible job.
Resorts Gal Traffic Signals
Green Light
We give an attraction the green light if we consider it a must-do, regardless of the posted wait. We also give the green light for attractions we deem suitable to experience anytime. For example, some attractions have high capacities. Therefore, the lines continuously move and you shouldn’t have a long wait unless the attraction experiences downtime.
Red Light
We recommend checking the posted wait times for red light attractions. Then, make a quick judgment call on whether to wait, skip it, or return later. We also red light some attractions that we feel might not be suitable based on our experience.
Related Movies
The Indiana Jones series was created by George Lucas (also the creator of Star Wars) and features five films released between 1981 and 2023. Those films are:
- Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Art
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Final Thoughts
For more planning details for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you might enjoy one of the following:
- What Characters You’ll See in Hollywood Studios Fantasmic!
- Star Tours-The Adventure Continues Ride Guide
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Ride Guide
- Slinky Dog Dash Ride Guide
In the Comments
Have you ever seen Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular? Do you enjoy this kind of performance? Let us know below in the comments.
