Image: LMA Family

The last day of Lights, Motors, Action! on April 2, 2016 came with three shows and an unpredictable weather forecast. I attended the 11:00 and the 4:00 shows on the last day, and thankfully the weather turned around just in time for the last performance.  

While the first show was a bit rainy, the crowd did not let the weather get to them, and the cast and crew were all geared up to put on the last couple of shows for the guests. In some respects, the first show of the day felt like the last because so many fans had made it a point to attend the morning show in case the final show did end up being cancelled for weather. Each show of the day was marked with touching moments between the cast and crew, and multiple standing ovations from the audience. The weather miraculously turned around, and the sun actually came out in full force for the last performance.

Image: LMA FamilyPrior to the final show of the day, all of the drivers took to the stage where the audience cheered them on and showed their appreciation for all that they do. With the audience still cheering, the drivers who were not performing in the final show joined guests in the stands, where they were able to watch the show from the deck of the tech booth. 

Much of the show went on as it usually does, with a few emotional introductions and extra standing ovations from the crowd. The director and assistant director's heartfelt yet excited attitudes kept the audience actively engaged with the rest of the cast, and helped to make for a very touching final show. 

Image: Brittany DiCologero

While the show rightfully remained true to its original style, other unique moments took place throughout the final performance: As some of the drivers were introduced to the audience, they were recognized for their hard work and dedication to their careers—many of the drivers also work on stunts for movies, and had been driving at Lights Motors Action since the beginning, and their achievements were recognized throughout. The kids who were selected to drive the Hero 3 car for the last day of shows were able to shake the hands of all of the drivers in the stands. The burning man showed a less serious side than usual, dancing, waving, and blowing the audience kisses all while being engulfed in flames. For the show's final sequence, the Hero car drove through the doors before going up the ramp for the last jump through a wall of flames.  

When the finale was over, and everyone was gearing up to say their final goodbyes, the drivers exited their cars and joined the rest of the cast and crew on stage for a few final words from the director: "Walt Disney said, 'it's kind of fun to do the impossible,' and we've done the impossible for eleven years... They say don't be sad when something fantastic, or something great goes away, just be happy and grateful that it existed, and we are happy and so grateful that this existed..." 

The end of an era 

Image: Brittany DiCologero

With one last standing ovation, Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show had officially come to an end, and the stands slowly began to empty out. The guests who did stay after the show eventually made their way onto Camera Alley, and gathered around the canal at the front of the stage. From there, the standing ovation continued, as onlookers watched the drivers share a few final moments onstage with the friends who had turned into family over the eleven years of the show's run. One of the best parts of being at the last performance of LMA was being able to see firsthand how the drivers had truly become a family, and how the show was a huge part of their lives. Similar to myself, and the other operations cast members, the drivers, along with the rest of the cast and crew were clearly extremely grateful for the opportunity they had to bring magic to guests watching the show day after day.

Image: LMA FamilyAs the stands were then clear of all guests, and anyone remaining essentially surrounded the drivers on Camera Alley, it appeared that the only guests left were friends and family of the drivers or other cast members. Since it was the last show, the drivers then engaged in the well-known tradition of jumping into the canal. Jumping into the canal was a tradition among the drivers for when one of their own left the show to move on to another career endeavor, however since this was the last show for all of the drivers, they all ended up in the canal together. Even in the fairly limited amount of time that I spent working at LMA, it was easy for me to understand how much those final moments meant to the drivers. This tradition was something that had brought them all together over the years, and it was something they would remember forever as a tradition that lasted until the final performance.

Image: Brittany DiCologero

One of my favorite moments for everyone who stayed after the last show was when the remaining guests were able to walk onstage, and get up close to the cars, motorcycles, and other props. While I have had numerous opportunities to see the cars up close, it was definitely a nice moment for other guests who had never experienced the feeling of being on the stage of one of their favorite Disney shows. It was also yet another moment where the cast of the show and guests were really able to relate to each other in the mutual love that everyone had felt towards LMA.

Image: Brittany DiCologero

The operations cast members, including myself, attended an after party at a nearby restaurant, where we were able to reminisce with current and former cast about our time working at the show. While everyone was obviously sad about one of our work locations closing, it was great to have everyone together and give the show a nice send off, complete with food, good company, and a signature drink called "the LMA Blue" (after the color of our shirts). The after party was especially nice for myself and other college program participants, who had not seen many of the other cast members since we worked there during our programs.  

Image: LMA Family

Even though Lights Motors Action had long been rumored to close soon, I never would have guessed that this one show would have had such an impact on me before I started working there. It will definitely be a strange feeling in years to come when we can no longer walk down the Streets of America, and hear the cars revving up for the next show. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity I had to work at Lights Motors Action, even if only for such a brief time, and I wish all of the cast and crew the best of luck in whatever the future holds for them. The director's final words in the last show put it best: "On behalf of the entire cast and crew, thank you for being here, thank you for supporting us over the years. I can now officially say 'cut!' that officially is a wrap. Enjoy the future of Disney's Hollywood Studios, and remember, drive safely!"