It belongs in a museum… or maybe just the theme park stage! This week on 90s Disney, we’re cracking the whip and diving into the boulder-sized legacy of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney-MGM Studios.
We explore the origins of this groundbreaking live-action stunt show, its connections to the opening of Disney’s third park in 1989, and the impact of Indy mania on everything from casting to explosions to theme park lore. From its high-flying choreography to its crowd-pleasing humor and behind-the-scenes gags, the Epic Stunt Spectacular has earned its place in the Hall of Theme Park Legends.
We also talk about the real stunt work, rotating casts, audience volunteers, fire effects, and why this show remains one of the longest-running stage productions in theme park history, even as the rest of the park has changed around it.
Plus, we share our own memories of seeing the show as kids and reflect on why the Epic Stunt Spectacular still holds up (even if the fedora is a little dusty).\
00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney
01:26 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
03:00 Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Stunt Show
06:28 Key Figures in the Stunt Show's Creation
23:12 The Show's Evolution and Audience Participation
36:58 The Stunt Sequence Breakdown
37:11 Behind the Scenes: Truck Stunt
38:29 Audience Interaction and Gags
41:07 The Airfield Finale
45:24 The Gift Shop Experience
50:56 Changes Over the Years
53:02 Audience Participation and Legal Changes
57:42 Indiana Jones in Pop Culture
01:02:32 Comparing Stunt Shows
01:05:43 Listener Emails and Q&A
01:10:58 Taking Disney Advice to Heart
01:11:42 Kingdom Hearts and 90s Disney Properties
01:14:46 The Savi's Experience at Galaxy's Edge
01:17:05 Face Characters and Disney Roles
01:24:40 Disney Park Traditions and First Day Plans
01:32:42 Favorite Coasters and Sicko Moments
01:39:48 Wrapping Up and Future Episodes
References & Further Reading:
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