Changes

The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular came about as a result of a collaboration between the Walt Disney Company and George Lucas, the creator of the Indiana Jones franchise. Lucas had worked with Disney as early as 1985, when he developed [[Captain EO]] for [[EPCOT Center]]. The Lucas/ Disney partnership became more prominent in 1989 with the creation of [[Star Tours]] and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! for Disney's newest park, the Disney-MGM Studios. Although not an opening day attraction, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! officially premiered a few months later on August 25, 1989. Since its opening, the attraction has remained essentially unchanged; however in 2000 the stunt show was closed for a six month refurbishment. The closure was done in order to refurbish the sets and ready the attraction for the implementation of Disney's FastPass. According to Disney spokesman Tom Dezern, the length of refurbishment was due to the fact that the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! had more special effects and mechanical parts than any other attraction on property. The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! reopened to guests on June 10, 2000. Following a drop in attendance after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the number of times the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! was performed was dropped from 8 to 5. At this time a large number of actors were also laid off.