Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review and Planning Info
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular opened on: August 25, 1989.
Pull up a list of all Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction planning reviews here. I will update these reviews throughout the month as things evolve. The main points should remain the same.
Note that this show will not open with Hollywood Studios on July 15th and no reopening date is currently available. Check the attraction page on DisneyWorld.com for updates.
Location: You’ll find Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular to the left of 50’s Prime Time Cafe. It’s also across from the Mickey Shorts Theater.
Extra Magic Hours: No.
Show Length: 30 minutes.
Show Schedule: Disney usually schedules five or six shows per day. On busier days, the first show typically starts at 11am. On less busy days, Hollywood Studios usually a 12pm first showing, followed by shows at 2pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 6pm. You can check the schedule for a future date on DisneyWorld.com here.
Type: Stadium show.
Similar To: A gutsier Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along with more action and less singing.
Requirements: None.
Scary Factor: Low. Some peril occasionally falls Indiana’s way, but he has persevered through at least five movies already.
There are a few stunts that me surprise youngsters.
The action is far enough in the distance that they should feel perfectly safe. The director explaining what’s about to happen should also help.
When To Go: The first and last shows are typically the least crowded.
The stadium is covered, though it’s still open-air. Temperatures are typically lower earlier in the day, which also favors an early visit.
What to Expect: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is a large-scale theater show that seats about 2,000 people on bleacher-style seating.
The actors perform a series of stunts that mirror those from the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. The director explains how actors perform the stunts so they are safe and seem real. You’ll see large explosions, sword fights, chases, gun battles, and a number of other exciting stunts that are sure to be crowd pleasers. At the beginning of the show, a cast member will pull guests (over the age of 18) from the audience to perform minor roles throughout the show. If you want to be chosen, make sure you sit up near the front center and stand up and yell loudly when they ask for volunteers.
Where to Sit: Like most Hollywood Studios’ stage shows, the best seats are about half way up from the bottom in the center section.
Because the theater is so large and the seating area is curved so that seats on the two far sections are looking towards the stage, there really aren’t any bad seats. Try to sit as close to the center as possible at least half way up from the stage.
With physical distancing measures in place, the theater will seat far fewer guests.
Exit: As you’re looking at the stage, the exits are located in the back left and right corners of the theater. They let out right near Backlot Express and Star Tours. Unless you’re among the first people out of the theater, I don’t recommend going to Star Tours right after. A lot of people exiting will do the same thing, particularly if the posted wait is 20 minutes or less. Sit on the far right near the back of the theater if you’re looking to make a quick escape or may need to leave early. I usually just wait a minute or two for things to largely clear out and then make my own fable escape.
FastPass+:
Yes, when it’s offered, it’s low priority; the return time is 10 to 25 (or 30 depending on show time) minutes before showtime. That’s 1:30pm to 1:50pm for a 2pm show. FastPass+ users sort of have a reserved section in that they’ll be seated on one side first. Standby guests arriving at the same time should find similar seats on the opposite side at the same time. That largely renders FastPass+ useless. It does guarantee a seat to the show if you’re planning on arriving closer to showtime.
What You Miss Using FastPass+:
Nothing. FastPass+ users simply wait in a separate queue for the theater to open.
Total Average Experience Time with FastPass+: Assuming you arrive 20 minutes before showtime, 50 to 55 minutes.
4th FastPass+ Availability: Not as good as you might expect given the Studios’ limited selection of attractions. People inevitably cancel their plans to see the shows more often than the rides. Most shows should become available with some refreshing.
When to Arrive: 20 to 30 minutes before showtime.
Rating: 8/10
Josh’s Take: The biggest complaint about Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is that it’s the exact same show that debuted in 1989. This won’t be a problem if you’ve never seen it or it’s been a while. Don’t go into it expecting to see a new or different show if you’ve recently visited. Try to fit this into your schedule even if you aren’t familiar with the Indiana Jones franchise. The explosions, sword fights, and giant boulder need little introduction.
Since we haven’t been back to Disney for two+ years now, and when and IF we ever see this show again, I have always enjoyed it and consider it to be a must do while visiting HS !
Your link to the other reviews actually just links to the EPCOT attraction reviews, not all of the reviews.