Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

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18 May 2005: Jetskis make appearance (thanks to ScottJ)

The Jetskis that were missing from most of the soft opening period (and missing from the show in Paris) are now making regular appearances in the show.

 

5 May 2005: NASCAR driver Kyle Petty at Lights, Motors, Action!

NASCAR driver Kyle Petty (right) talks with Disney stunt drivers Kurt Hockenberry (left) and James Cheek (center) about the differences in his stock car and their stunt cars on the set of "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" at the Disney-MGM Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Petty was Disney's special guest for the opening of the new stunt show, which made its official debut yesterday.


COPYRIGHT 2005 THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

5 May 2005: The Lights, Motors, Action! press event (Thanks to KingdomKonsulants)

Preparations for the VIP arrival area, and Kyle Petty, one of the guests for the gala performance.

 

2 May 2005: Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Crew

Ronald Fox - Age: 40 - Hometown: Waynesville, North Carolina -- A stuntman for more than 10 years, Ronald has performed stunts in live shows throughout the United States and Europe. A former stocks and commodities trader, Ronald began his transition to film work through classical and improv. theater. He has performed in more than 30 film and television projects including blockbuster films like 2 Fast 2 Furious and Armageddon. His theater career has seen him portray famous character roles including Cyrano De Bergerac, Hamlet and Brad from Rocky Horror Picture Show. Ronald is also an author and has penned an historical fiction book, Oaken Rings. He is currently working on a screenplay adaptation of the book. In his free time, he likes to garden.
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
   
Tim Bell - Age: 37 - Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan -- Tim has worked as a stuntman and with stage combat in live theater for approximately 15 years. He performed stunts in the soon-to-be-released feature film The Transporter 2 and also as a precision driver in the hit film 2 Fast 2 Furious. Growing up watching the Smokey and the Bandit films and dreaming of performing jumps and two-wheeled driving stunts, Tim's dreams have come true. Tim also is accomplished with the use of swords, and performing sword combat for stage and screen.
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
   
James "Cheeks" Cheek - Age: 38 Hometown: Riverside, California -- A stunt performer in film, live theater, commercial and television roles, James - or "Cheeks" as he's known - has performed in the hit film 2 Fast 2 Furious and many commercials for major car manufacturers. Soon, audiences will be able to see his stunt work on the silver screen in Into the Blue, which stars Paul Walker (star of 2 Fast 2 Furious) and Jessica Alba (from television's Dark Angel). In addition, Cheeks is working as a stunt performer in the creation of a stunt-themed video game that will soon be released for major home video game systems. In his free time, Cheeks likes to bass fish with his father and spend time with his dog, a Husky named "Justice."
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
   
Kurt Hockenberry - Age: 35 -Hometown: Clayton, Ohio -- A former gymnast and stunt performer in the "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" show at the Disney-MGM Studios, Kurt has performed as a stunt driver for film and television projects. His work has been seen on ABC's Good Morning America as well as the HBO series From the Earth to the Moon. He has also performed aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Disneyland Paris. In addition to his precision driving talents, Kurt is certified in SCUBA and has stunt experience with high falls, rappelling, gymnastics, precision boat driving and sword fighting. He has performed stunts professionally for more than 11 years. In his free time, Kurt enjoys carpentry and working with motorcycles.
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
   
Alan D'Antoni - Age: 29 - Hometown: Miami, Florida -- Alan became a stunt performer while attending Miami Dade Community College in Miami, Fla. He auditioned and was chosen to be a member of the stunt team at "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" at the Disney-MGM Studios. What he thought at the time was a summer job ended up turning into more than eight years of performing for theme park guests. His driving experience in feature films includes the 2005 Vin Diesel film, The Pacifier, as well as live stunt performances for the DVD release of Disney's hit film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and acting work in Instinct, the 1999 film that starred Anthony Hopkins and Cuba Gooding, Jr. Alan lists Ronin and The Italian Job as two of the greatest stunt-filled films he has seen. Alan and his wife, Natalia, just celebrated the birth of a baby girl, Abigail Grace.
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
   
Laurence Chavez - Age: 32 - Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico -- A veteran of the popular "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" show at the Disney-MGM Studios (he performed for seven years as the show's stunt captain), Laurence's background began in gymnastics. A gymnast since the age of six, he was a member of the 1991 NCAA National Championship gymnastics team. His training and skills led to his career in stunts and he has since performed high falls, stage combat, sword fighting and trampoline work. As a stunt driver in "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show," Laurence says he enjoys the precision in which the stunts are performed and how they are finely tuned for theme park guests. He lists the final sequence in the Matt Damon hit film The Bourne Supremacy as his favorite stunt-driving scene of all time.
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
   
Trent Brya - Age: 37 - Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan -- Many guests to the Disney-MGM Studios have seen Trent's previous stunt performances as the stunt double for the Indiana Jones character in the theme park's popular "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" show. While dodging mystical spears and being chased by giant boulders, he wowed audiences with falls, rappelling and stunt whip work and combat. He has also performed in live stunt shows in California and Belgium. In addition to Trent's precision driving skills seen by guests during "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show," he also is an accomplished fire breather and juggler.
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
 
   
Kirsten Banka - Age: 19 - Hometown: Sanford, Florida -- The youngest precision driver on the "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" stunt team, Kirsten grew up in a family of motocross riders. A specialist with the new stunt show's motorcycle stunts, she is an award-winning motocross competitor and has competed in races since age 16. She lists the stunt sequences in the hit feature films based on the Charlie's Angels television series as her favorite driving and stunt scenes.
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

17 April 2005: Facade replacement (Thanks to GoofyFan13)

The recently installed San Francisco facade next to the Stunt Show entrance has been removed and being replaced with a new version. The new version has a more realistic look to it, as the photos show below (left is the new version, right is the old version).

 

17 April 2005: American Chopper visits Lights Motors Action (Thanks to GoofyFan13)

Mikey from American Chopper (The Discovery Channel TV Show) made an appearance at Lights Motors Action yesterday. Parts of his appearance will be featured on an upcoming episode of American Chopper.

 

7 April 2005: Full Show Video

Lights Motors Action Widescreen Video
(Right click the link above, and select SAVE TARGET AS..)
(WDWMAGICPass Required)
WMV, 35mins duration, 150MB

18 March 2005: Preview photos

These photos (thanks to David Manning) were taken during the first round of previews.

The opening sequence of the show features bikes and cars in a close, precision synchronised routine.

 

As well as near-misses, and precision manoeuvres, the show features stunts, such as jumps through glass, wall of flames, and high falls.

 

Later in the show, other modified vehicles make an appearance. The show reveals many of the movie industries tricks of the trade such as remote control, and hidden driver positions.

 

 

The spectacular finale features are jump through flames showered in pyro effects.

13 March 2005: Soft openings underway!

As expected, soft openings began yesterday. Look for the show to continue soft openings daily. Remember though, until officially opening, there is no guarantee the show will be running.

11 March 2005: Soft openings

As mentioned in the Feb 12th update below, soft openings are likely this weekend.

27 February 2005: Rehearsals continue (Thanks to Touti333)

With around 2 weeks to go until the first soft openings, rehearsals for the show continue.

 

 

 

17 February 2005: Latest photos (Thanks to SeanR)

Cars are now on display infront of the attraction, pending the imminent soft opening.

 

Work is still ongoing along the Streets of America.

 

12 February 2005: Soft Opening

The show is currently aiming to begin soft openings on March 13th 2005. Remember, this is not officially released information, and there  is no guarantee that you will be able to see the show that day.

14 January 2005: Arena details

A few other details have been recently revealed. The arena will seat 5000 guests, and in total is a 177,000-square-foot facility.

14 January 2005: Sponsorship announced

It was announced today that Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney-MGM Studios will be sponsored by Brawny® paper towels, in a wide reaching 10 year sponsorship deal with Georgia-Pacific. Besides the stunt show sponsorship, GP will also be sponsoring Mickey’s Backyard BBQ pavilion and Chip n Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground with it's Dixie® brand.

14 January 2005: Stunt show testing photos

Thanks to foxfire for the photos below.

 

 

 

 

9 January 2005: Update

This unusual shot of one of the stunt cars being moved around the resort was shot from the monorail. Thanks to aquallama.

Stunt Car video
10MB, DIVX AVI

12 December 2004: Latest construction photos

 
Above: The FASTPASS machines are now installed just inside the entrance area and appear to be ready for imminent action.


Above: The entrance to the queue area is divided into the familiar FASTPASS and Standby entrances. The building that you can see just behind the overhead FASTPASS signs is the garage area where the cars are maintained. Large glass windows will allow guests to view inside the garage whilst queuing for the showing.

10 December 2004: New concept art

23 September 2004: Signage now complete (Thanks TimJ)

21 September 2004: Latest construction photos (Thanks to  Jeffs10)

As the photos below show, the vast majority of the sets are now complete. With training well underway, this show cant be that far away from opening.

 

21 September 2004: San Francisco facade (Thanks to Jeffs10)

Nearby to the Stunt Show entrance, the new forced perspective facade is looking very effective.

18 September 2004: Official attraction name

The official name for the attraction is to be: "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show"

13 September 2004: Signage going vertical (Thanks to Sean R)

The signage infront of the attraction is now being installed.

5 August 2004:  Construction update (Thanks to SeanR)

The Golden Gate bridge is now being installed in front of the new San Francisco facade.

26 June 2004: Osborne Lights dates

The displaced Osborne Lights are now confirmed with dates for the 2004 Christmas period!

Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights (Nov. 24-Jan. 2) returns to Disney-MGM Studios -- lighting a whole new area of the park -- the backlot cityscape -- with millions of sparkling lights. With Jennings Osborne's lights and a little Disney magic, the big city will come alive in glowing color as snow falls overhead. The dazzling spectacle is included with Disney-MGM Studios admission.

23 June 2004: Construction Update (Thanks to Bwanabob)

Construction work on the set is nearing completion, as is the stadium. One of the GM cars to be used in the show is also on display on the back of a trailer outside the statdium.

 

 

17 June 2004: Construction Update (Thanks to KevinP)

Progress continues on the new Big City Street, just outside the entrance area to the new Stunt Show.

 

 

 

 

24 May 2004: Construction update (thanks Cavin)


Click above for a BIG panoramic view of the entrance area to the new show.

 
Above Left: The view back towards New York Street from the entrance to the new show.
Above Right: Work continues on the stadium for the show.

24 May 2004: Construction update (thanks Sean R)

The San Francisco facade area has added some new elements to its facade.

3 May 2004: Construction update (Thanks Orlpassholder)

The large standing sets for the show are now approaching completion. Work continues on the huge stadium that will house the guests for the show.

 

 

 

20 April 2004: Testing underway

Training and testing of vehicles and stunt drivers is now underway at WDW. Driver training is happening daily in a backstage resort area near to MGM. Some of the vehicles are also being worked on in the Studios shops area.

20 April 2004: Construction update (thanks Sean R)

The San Francisco facade area has been receiving some attention. Its unclear if this large mural is permanent or a test fixture. This is attached to the former Hunchback Theatre, as part of the new Big City streets area near the Stunt Show redevelopment.

23  March 2004: Update

The construction wall has now been pushed back, and the restrooms opened to guests.  The restrooms are HUGE, similar to the legendry old Millennium Village restrooms at Epcot. The tram tour also now takes a route directly in front of the Stunt Show area (in the location of the previous Archway).

For previous information click here


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