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Epic's Future Part One: The Basics
Subject: (Popular myth) With Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Auto Show fast approaching the start of production at the Studios, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular will close. When it closes, they will tear out Epic and replace it with the Indy ride from California.
No thanks to those (And this is a rare time I say this) damn SOBs on the boats running from EPCOT to the Studios and their spiel about the new show and that Epic will close when the auto show opens, many people are starting to believe it (Because this day in age, guests believe anything without looking into it first). For about a year and a half to two years, the rumor has been a virus that won't die. Am I saying it won't happen? No. Anything is possible, but your chances of winning the jackpot or $500,000,000 is better than the chances of Epic closing.
There are a few things that many (and I mean 99.7%) of the people who hear this rumor who don't do their homework and simply pass it on over look.
1. Epic is huge. Epic is big. Epic is gigantic. Let me break it down for you (Take notes, there will be a test afterwards).
-The show has the LARGEST MOVING SETS (That being the three temple pieces and the two moveable Cairo sets) IN HISTORY. PERIOD. Each set weighs anywhere from 40-100 TONS. Removing this would be a major, major pain in the butt.
-For those non-cast members Ill give you a look at the backstage area behind Epic: DIRECTLY behind the area is our costuming department and main entrance for the cast members, separating the Epic area is a two-lane road (And literally the hill in scene three connects with the road). Coming back to the guest areas, if you look at the entrance of Epic, what do you see? (Yes, I know the stunt show.) You see to your left, The Outpost and the Prime Time 50s Cafe, to your right and down the road a little bit, the Backlot Express. Behind you is the dip site (Refreshments) two flights of stairs, and part of Echo Lake. (If not the lake and dip site, then the road for cast and relocate the cast entrance/costuming) Why do I mention these? Because you would need to remove all of these to make even the minimum room for the Indy ride.
Let's review:
Removing the Outpost, Prime Time, Backlot Express, Dip Site, Stairs and part of Echo Lake, or remove road for cast and cast entrance/costuming in place of DS, S and EL.
-The gas doesn't come from above ground you know. The next thing you'd have to remove is the gas lines...that's right, which are located UNDERGROUND. Not to mention, the pits built into the ground for storage and one scene. Next would be the communication lines in the ground that send the signals to the explosives. Yeah, and the tech. booth with all the computer equipment and the miles of cable for the audio system, and of course the audio system needs to be removed. Then comes the (room for) 3,000-5,000 guest benches. Then the overhang and the catwalks under those. Followed by the queue.
2. Next would be the biggest thing. The green, mullah, money. But it's Disney, they have the money! (Yeah just because we spent 100 million on Mission: SPACE doesn't mean a thing).
-Currently we have over a dozen refurbishment going on with another dozen coming up. Not to mention or attractions we're building right now: Stitch's Escape (Which replaced Alien Encounter, which was obviously removed to an extent at Magic Kingdom), Soarin (At EPCOT, Ride from California), Expedition: EVEREST: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (At Animal Kingdom) and the Auto Show (At the Studios). And all of this takes money. Simply put. We have too much money wrapped up in other things.
-Many cast members will agree with me (like those from EPIC) that Disney wouldn't put the money in to remove one of the 4 top attractions at the Studios. Plus, it is always 99.9% full...seriously, Disney wouldn't be dumb enough (Despite them being as dumb as they are) to remove a show when it still, after 10+ years, still packs a full house.
3. Ah ha! Contract! There ya go. Disney renewed the contract between Lucas and Disney for (I believe it was) another three years. PLUS the contract with the company that supplies the show with it's actors.
4. Indiana Jones is still one of the hottest items on the market. Period Even if you hate Indiana Jones (Why are you here on this site if you do?), you can't sit there and say the movie doesn't have "it" anymore. And there is no doubt in my mind that, if, part 4 ever comes out, Epic will definitely see what it saw back in it's early days.
5. On a money subject, saying they do remove the show for the ride: The ride itself (Be it Temple of the Forbidden Eye or Temple Du Peril) would cost more than the cost of taking Epic out.
6. While not such a big factor, if you look at the layout of Dinosaur (At Animal Kingdom) and Temple of the Forbidden Eye)...you'll see one thing, THE TRACKS ARE THE SAME AND THE CAR MOVEMENTS ARE THE SAME! Ask yourself this, what good is the same system at the parks. True we have four versions of the Rocket Ships (RS, Dumbo, Aladdin, and Triceri Spin or whatever it is), but these didn't cost that much, made for filling room more or less.
7. The Studios is a "Working production theme park" meaning that shows for TV and movies are constantly made on site. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (As you can see by the script and what I've said over the years) takes you BEHIND THE SCENES AT HOW THE SCENES WERE FILMED. There is only one show like that, which is Epic. Practically everything else is either a straight show or ride. Indy is a production in progress. The Studios has recently gone under the beginnings of many changes to bring the park back to that "Working production theme park." The Auto show will only add to that.
8. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: A look behind the scenes at how some of the greatest scenes in Raiders of the Lost Ark were coreographed, practiced and shot.
Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Auto Show: A look behind the scenes at how the industry creates many of the car, bike and water chases in moves.
Ask yourself this, Why is it, that people believe that this Auto show will be the end of Indy? The most common reason behind this given by the "uneducated on the subject" or those who just want to jump on the bandwagon is that it's pointless to have TWO Stunt shows at the same park. People believe that the park should'nt have two of the same type of shows. Really? True that Indy and the Auto show are both STUNT SHOWS, but they are COMPLETELY different.
1. Indy is based off an actual movie using actual scenes from the movie to show how it was made.
2. The Auto show won't have any ground based movies to work off of like Indy (But it might show scenes that are similar to those in movies, but it's unknown at this time....either way). Yes, it will have a very well done plot but it's a plot that was made up solely to give the show more balance instead of sitting around for 45 mins watching them do the stunts.
All in all, Epic could be shut down. Obviously, with the success that the auto production has had in Paris, it will be double in the USA (Trust me). But more than likely, it will live on forever. If you want your temple ride, fine, mirror it and stick it in Adventureland where all the other Indy rides belong. The Studios needs more "production in progress" shows and less Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster.
Time, as they say, will only tell. For now, we'll have to sit back and wait to see what happens.
Here's a question: How many actually took notes down and thought there would be a test?
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November 13th, 2004:
Epic's Future Part Two: Talk with the Cast
By now you must realize that while I defend the stunt show like a tiger protecting it's young, the inevitable part about all of this is that sooner or later, the words "That's a wrap" will likely ring out through the Epic Theater. I managed to talk to a long time friend from Epic about a month ago and what he told me is what many have thought for a while (Including myself):
Quote: Half of our cast got 6 month contracts instead of 1 year.. There's been no definite statement, but it looks very likely within a year (An official statment about the fate of the show). They are definitely replacing the show with the Indy ride within the next few years. And the stage physically won't last that long.
Now while many of you will instantly say "Told you", what you have to realize is that even though this is coming from someone who is in the show, this doesn't mean that it will, without a doubt, happen. The old saying "Things change" comes to mind. But let's break the quote down shall we.
1. Half of our cast got 6 month contracts instead of 1 year..
This could mean a number of things. One being that the company that produces the show and the actors for the show could be looking to bring in fresh talent as many of the actors on the current crew have been around for at least six years, and even some since it's beginning. This could also mean that the company is taking it step by step because they, just like Disney, are uncertain as to what will happen. It would seem better to give a cut down contract for now then add to it later once the future is definate.
2. There's been no definite statement, but it looks very likely within a year (An official statment about the fate of the show).
What can be said, anything can happen here. It could happen within a month, it could happen within a year or even three, we just don't know, period. Chances are, we won't know until Disney and the company that produces the actors says, "Ok, let's go public with this."
3. They are definitely replacing the show with the Indy ride within the next few years.
Replace, possible. Add, possible. I've covered this already in the last article, and I can't think of anything else to add.
4. And the stage physically won't last that long.
While I'm not going to say anything against it, I don't see this one as clear as he does. The sets take more of a hellacious beating than the stage, but they just recently rehabbed them to bring them up to date in 2000. True the concrete is very, very expensive to replace (Because of the sheer size and the parts of the concrete that are specially designed for certain scenes like the trap door, fire cones, ect).
Now I know it's not that big of a follow up, but not much has surfaced in the two months between the last article. Anyway, that's it for now. Will there be a part 3? Chances are yes. But for now, we'll have to keep digging and hoping that we'll find the key to figuring out what in the world will happen to one of the greatest stage shows in Disney History.
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December 23rd, 2004:
Epic's Future Part Three: Disney's "Safety is First" Idea and Amount of Space
The problem with removing the Epic Theater isn't the only one. While they could remove Prime Time Cafe or the Backlot Express they won't.
The Prime Time Cafe is so well themed and one of the most loved resturants that they simply don't want to remove it.
The Backlot Express, while it may seem pointless to keep this one open, they will. When the Auto show opens in May, this side of the park is going to see a major hike in the amount of people and with only one fast food area in this side of the park, the Backlot Express will stay put to help ease the crowd at the other counter service area.
The walkways in front of Epic have to stay there in order to keep the traffic evened out and to give those who don't wish to watch the parades at the Studios to by pass it and get around the parades.
Behind Epic itself is the Cast Member area and what they call "Perimeter Road", the backbone of the Studios Operations Teams. By STATE AND LOCAL LAW, Not even Disney can repave the road to make it go in a different direction (They can repave the asphalt but they CAN NOT set it up to go in a different direction or area). This road is also used for an emergency evacuation for the Studios, Medical and various other vehicles.
The problem that comes with this is that neither Forbidden Eye or the Crystal Skull buildings would fit in the space they have to work with. The same goes for Temple du Peril. They could build the ride here yes, but in a much smaller, less entertaining form.
The Studios was built too quickly in general. The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and EPCOT all have one thing that the Studios doesn't, the abundence of space to expand. True there are a lot of small building attractions at the Studios (Compaired to other attractions at the neighboring Disney Parks), but Epic just won't give them enough space to do anything (Heck, You could fit the Epic Theater inside the new Auto Stunt Show theater area with room to spare).
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Feb. 4th, 2005:
Epic's Future Part Four: What's Next?
Ok, by now we know the inevitable. Epic will close. End of story. But what next? What adventure awaits the archaeologist? Well that's what I'm going to try and pin point this time around.
What do we have? We have the Forbidden Eye in California and Temple du Peril in Paris (I don't really count Tokyo since this one and Forbidden Eye are one in the same essentially).
Situation: I have talked to plenty of people and brought up the question, "Should Epic close, what Indiana Jones attraction would you want as a replacement?" Now I will tell you that 98% of the answers are the Forbidden Eye at California.
Problem with the situation: For all point of arguments, we already have the Forbidden Eye attraction in the form of Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom. (True different theme, however, the cars and track are EXACTLY the same).
Now don't get me wrong, Forbidden Eye is a great ride, however, should they place it here at the Studios, it would make it the third version of it, which I don't think they need (I know, each park as some form of an attraction, such as Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion). Now at the same time, we also have Temple du Peril, which is hands down my favorite Indy attraction aside from Epic (come on, a ride featuring Indy and it goes backwards at times?) and is also my pick for the replacement should they decide to stick with the Indy franchise and theme.
Another problem that arises however is the space. As you'll recall from my layout of the area in my last report (if not, go back and read that part), it will come down to sacrificing one of the two restaurants (The Backlot Express or the Prime Time Cafe, my choice is the Express) and a re-routing of the backstage road just to accommodate a majority of it. However, once they do remove all of the Epic area, they will have room for the Temple du Peril, but in a much smaller form (They will still have the room for the loop, which is needed if they should bring the ride here to the States).
With the removal of this area however, the surrounding area will need changes (The walkways, planters and carts around it). As many of you Disney fanatics know, Disney is known for blending the areas in so that as you leave one area, you enter the next without realizing it until later. True the Epic area looks like a jungle in a way now, but if they bring either Forbidden Eye or Temple du Peril here, they will still need to rethink the area and set it up to be a super dense foliage area.
Possible scenario: The Indiana Jones theme is dropped and something else is brought in.
The only thing that I see being a worthy replacement would be another stunt show. What better than the original idea for the Epic theater than James Bond (Yes, believe it or not folks, before Indy became a household name, James Bond was set to have his own stunt show).
Why this? Well one, Disney is about saving money whenever they can. You might be able to figure this one out but the theater will already be there ready for it, all they need to do is revamp it to make it look more "Bond" and change the area around it a bit and there you have it, the replacement.
Now by this point, some of you are saying "No. Not another show. We want more attractions!" True the Studios could use another ride (Aside from the Five key attractions out of the 10-13 attractions), it needs just one more show before they start going after anything else, case in point, the old James Bond idea. However, think of it this way, The original concept of the Studios was to be a "Behind-the-Scenes look at the movie industry". Over the years, this has fallen by the wayside with attractions such as Rock n Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror. By now, you should know about Lights! Motors! Action! (If not, what rock have you been under?), the new stunt show coming into the Studios. The whole point of this attraction (Aside from the Studios not having a new attraction in a while), is to set the Studios up for its return to the original idea of the behind the scenes look.
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March 14th, 2005:
Epic's Future Part 5: A New Ride's Placement
So what now? Where do we go from here? Well, an adventure into the other parks (Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, The Magic Kingdom) to find a location where Indy's next find might be located.
Animal Kingdom: They say "It's many things. But there's one thing it's not, NATAZU!" (All right shut up. It's a very complexe zoo with Disney's magic thrown around to make it look like it's not a zoo). I'm sorry but unless Indiana wants to go after some mystical animal, let's rule this park out rigt now.
EPCOT: (Every Paycheck Comes On Thursday to cast members) We're getting warmer. Future World? No, not a chance of the ride going here, however, there is the World Showcase. Now let's see, The World Showcase features contries from around the world, and we're dealing with a globe trotting Archaeologist. This could work as some of the countries wouldn't mind getting a new or updated attraction (However, I don't see it going in Germany for some reason). Now if you've been to the World Showcase, out of all the attractions, name the one you didn't have to go on to know that right when you walked it you would instantly start sleeping, right, the ride in Mexico. Either way, it still seems like a pretty good idea to maybe add Indy here in some sort of way.
The Magic Kingdom: Well, we find ourselves here now. At Disneyland California (The birthplace of Indy attractions), they have their Indy ride (Temple of the Forbidden Eye) in Adventureland, and what do you know, we also have an Adventureland. The only problem that I see here is space in that area. There is one area that they have enough room, but it's still not all the room they need. The attraction, like it's Disneyland counterpart would be a perfect fit for the area, a jungle-like setting, adventure around every turn, lions and tigers and tiki birds (Sorry, got carried away, WDW fans know what I mean though).
Over all, while I don't see Indy searching the globe for a golden, all knowing monkey in Animal Kingdom, I see a future for the series in EPCOT or Magic Kingdom. As I have said in the past, a replacement for Epic would have to be another show. While the Studios is desperately trying to go "Old school" with their "Production in progress" feel of the park (A fine idea they are pulling off after seeing Epic's so called death in Lights, Motors, Action! which is a very good show I might add), another RIDE would hamper that idea. After they put in another stage show of some sort, then maybe I'll buy the idea of seeing an Indy ride. But for now, I'm putting my bets on them saying "That's A Wrap!" in the Studios and going on to find a temple in Adventureland.
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November 3rd, 2005:
I had the chance to sit down with Theron, the lead Imagineer for the show aspect of attractions and shows for the Disney/MGM Studios today. After years of rumors and "official news" we can finally know the future of the show...
IJ: What is the situation with the rumor of Epic closing and bringing in the Adventure ride from California or some version of it?
Theron: Epic is staying. Period. There are no plans to take out Epic and place an Indy ride in it's place. While the Adventure ride is my favorite ride of all Disney rides, it's just not happening. Epic is, to me, the classic of the Studios. It has stood the test of time and even after sixteen years of the show being the exact same thing with the same stunts, performed the same way it still draws in a full house every single time no matter what time of year it is.
IJ: Now from your stand point, how was this handled in the way of deciding on keeping the two?
Theron: We were talking about this situation with Epic and Lights! Motors! Action! being two stunt shows in the same park but one is heavy on car stunts while one is heavy on fighting, fast paced foot work. We saw no reason to get rid of one because of another stunt show coming in. Adding to that, we just rehabbed Epic a few years back so there was simply no way, even if we had plans to take out Epic for the ride, it wouldn't happen for at least another five to seven years.
IJ: With Indy 4 finally coming to life, are there any plans to tie the movie into the show such as a way to show the trailers for the movie, short "making of" featurettes about the movie, ect.?
Theron: Anything is possible. We are looking into additions to tie the two together. Either way, it'll start happening when the fourth movie is near completion, if it gets that far. Let's face it, while I love Harrison Ford, he's not going to be able to do his own stunts when he's old enough and needs a wheelchair to get around.
So there you have it folks, Epic's future, for now and years to come, it secure.
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