Celebrate the Jaws 50th anniversary at Universal Studios Florida with themed props, photo ops, and tributes to the iconic ride and 1975 blockbuster.
In recent years, Universal Studios Florida has housed a Summer Tribute Store. We know that this summer, that will not be true. However, guests can visit the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida to relive and celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” hitting theatres.
In the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida theme park near Chez Alcatraz, several photo opportunities and props nodding to the “Jaws” movie and the former attraction at the theme park have been set up for guests to enjoy.
Former Jaws Ride at Universal Studios Florida
The Jaws ride at Universal Studios Florida, an adored attraction since the theme park opened in 1990, permanently closed on January 2, 2012, to make way for the expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley. Inspired by Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film, the ride took guests on a thrilling boat tour through the fictional Amity Island, featuring encounters with the infamous great white shark. Despite its popularity, the ride faced operational challenges over the years, including maintenance issues and high operational costs.
Following its closure, the Amity area was transformed into Diagon Alley, officially opening on July 8, 2014. This immersive Harry Potter-themed land features iconic locations such as Gringotts Bank, home to the multi-dimensional ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and King’s Cross Station, where guests can board the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade. The transformation marked a significant shift in the park’s offerings, catering to the growing fan base of the Harry Potter franchise.
While the Jaws ride no longer exists in Florida, its legacy lives on in park-goers’ memories and through tributes within the park. Notably, a replica of the shark, affectionately known as “Bruce,” can still be found in the San Francisco area of the park, serving as a nostalgic nod to the classic attraction.
“Jaws” 50th Anniversary Celebration at Universal Studios Florida
Guests visiting the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida can enjoy photo opportunities, see “Jaws” props, and imagine they are on the former attraction.
We visited on May 13 for the details of this tribute to Jaws 50th Anniversary. Some more details have been added since then. We suspect this Amity Island July 4th Celebration will be enhanced as the summer approaches. Below are some of the things that guests can expect to see…
Celebrating Jaws 50th Anniversary
In 2025, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the groundbreaking thriller that forever changed the landscape of cinema. Directed by a young Steven Spielberg and released in the summer of 1975, “Jaws” was more than just a film about a great white shark terrorizing a beach town. In fact, it was a cultural phenomenon. It pioneered the summer blockbuster, introducing a new film distribution and marketing model that still shapes Hollywood today.
“Jaws” terrified audiences with its suspenseful storytelling, iconic score by John Williams, and memorable performances from Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw. Spielberg’s masterful use of suggestion, primarily due to the malfunctioning mechanical shark, amplified the fear factor, showing that what isn’t seen can be even scarier than what is. The film’s influence extended beyond cinema, sparking a wave of interest (and fear) in sharks and igniting discussions about marine conservation and the portrayal of nature in the media.
Fifty years later, “Jaws” remains a cinematic triumph and a touchstone in film history. Its legacy is felt in thrillers, horror films, and even in how studios approach high-stakes filmmaking. Whether revisiting Amity Island or experiencing the terror for the first time, “Jaws” still reminds us that what lurks beneath the surface sometimes leaves the most profound impression.
At this point, we do not know how long this Jaws 50th Anniversary tribute will run. However, we expect it to last through July. With Halloween Horror Nights construction taking priority in August, this area will most likely change to accommodate the anticipated scare zone in the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida.
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