Jaws, Universal Studios Florida
One of the most popular attractions at Universal Studios in Florida is Jaws the ride, considering its age its still drawing huge crowds.
Offically opened in 1990 the attraction suffered some serious mechanical problems which took almost 3 years to iron out.
The ride was redesigned during this time and following a soft opening in September 1993 it offically reopened in 1994. The ride was opened by two of the films stars Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) and Brody’s wife (Lorraine Gray)
Out of all the rides and attraction at Universal Studios Jaws is one of those rides I had most looked forward to visiting. Im a huge fan of the Jaws films especially the first one and can still recall with anorak accuracy some of the most famous lines from the film.
As you have probably guessed Jaws is a boat ride around the make believe Island called Amity, home to Chief Brody.
The theming as you would expect from Universal is fantastic. I’ll start this look at the attraction from the outside, queue line and then a trip on one of the Amity Boats.
One of the most popular images from the film, the bill board advertising the 4th July annual regatta.
The Queueline.
Lots of props.
The island and theming.
One of the many tour boats.
The ride itself goes completely around the Island and back into the loading bay. Along the route you come across various fishy/sharky scares along the way and its almost a guarantee that you will get splashed if you sit on either side of the boat. Although for me the left side was the worst.
Previous tour boat or shark attack.
Our first encounter with Jaws.
Were gonna need a bigger boat.
To avoid further attacks we take shelter in a salvage shed.
Flames/gas and electrical cables, never a good combination.
Here’s Jaws for a bit more action and the final attack on the boat.
Poor Jaws. but he doesn’t give in.
The trip back into the station.
My opinion on this.
Well for what its worth it is showing it’s age but I still feel its a great attraction that the whole family can enjoy. Initially my children were a bit bothered in case it came near the boat.. but if you have kids and they are slightly nervous just sit them in the middle of the boat.
I sat on the left hand side facing the driver and you seem to get more visibility of Jaws and more action on this side.
I purposely missed out some bits of the ride and the running commentary by the guides, I dont want to spoil this for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to ride this.
If you want to use any photographs on this blog please get in touch paul@ridemad.com im quite happy to share and have high resolution copies of everything used, to see the complete gallery visit the Ridemad Gallery
They dont have it anymore, you may need a trip further south to pick it up ;-) 
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Comment by Harker on 1 May 2008:
I worked at the park when this attraction was built its changed allot since. good photographs
Comment by Nasha on 25 July 2008:
Hello,
I love the pictures. I live in england and am considering visiting america. This has shown me an atraction i can visit
Thank You.
Comment by Tori on 7 September 2008:
Some brill photos there =]
i went to Universal this summer. This is one of my fave rides. The robotics are very clever.
Comment by laura on 29 December 2008:
hi i love love love the movie jaws my favorite jaws movie is jaws 3-d
I love the photo graphs their amazing. I would love to go on this ride but I will probaly crap in my pants!
Comment by mako on 10 June 2009:
Great pictures, good decision on the spoilers too.
I remember when I visited Universal Studios and went on this ride.. how could one forget ?
Huge fan of the movie and the ride was the most awesome in the whole park.. not that the others were bad, they were all great – but Jaws is Jaws.
This was at the time when King Kong had a ride there too, I don’t know maybe it’s still there ?
Comment by dessyxxx on 21 February 2011:
i lov thoughs pictures I am commming to visit in augest the 2nd i so can’t wait to get on the ride today I’m goin to get a suit case so love to see all the charicters so see you there
dessy xxxx
p.s
i lov the pics you chosen
Comment by Jlover on 25 February 2011:
i love jaws. I LOVE JAWS I LOVE J-A-W-S. IT LOOKS SCARY ( THE RIDE I MEAN ). I WANT TO GO THERE SOME DAY WITHOUT ALMOST GETTING A HEART ATTACK AND NOT TO WORRY OR THINK THAT IM GOING TO FALL IN THE WATER. CAUSE I KNOW THAT THAT WOULD BE HELLA SCARY. RIGHT? LANDIN ON TOP OF BOTH THE REGULAR SHARK AND THEN THE BURNT SHARK. WHAT IF YOU FELL IN THE WATER AND YOU SAW ALL THE ELECTRONICS AND WIRES, WHILE THE SHAKS AND EVERYTHING ARE LIKE MOVING.