Jaws
Universal Studios Florida · San Francisco
Overview
A boat tour through the fictional Amity Harbor, where a 32-foot animatronic great white shark repeatedly attacked the boat as it wound through the water, culminating in a fiery explosion finale. Skippers narrated each trip live, and the ride's notoriously temperamental animatronics meant no two trips played out quite the same way.
ParksLog Verdict
One of the most fondly remembered lost attractions in Universal Studios Florida's history — beloved despite (and sometimes because of) its unreliable animatronics and live-narration charm. Its replacement, Diagon Alley, is widely considered one of Universal's best lands, but Jaws still gets real nostalgia from anyone who rode it in its prime.
About this experience
Boat tour through Amity Harbor with appearances by the great white shark, explosions, and a fiery finale. Closed in 2012; replaced by The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Best For
- Guests who rode it before 2012
- Jaws film fans and theme park history buffs
- Anyone curious what stood on the Diagon Alley site before Harry Potter
Tips
- Its site became The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley in 2014, one of Universal's most acclaimed lands.
- Live skipper narration meant the experience varied ride to ride, unlike most fixed-track dark rides.
- It was notorious among fans for frequent animatronic breakdowns during its later years.
Details
History
Jaws opened with the park in 1990 and closed in 2012 after a long and famously troubled operational history, making way for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, which opened on the site in 2014.
Fun Facts
- Its 32-foot animatronic shark was one of the largest hydraulic animatronics built for a theme park ride at the time.
- Live skipper narration meant every ride-through played out a little differently.
- The site sat empty for about two years between Jaws' 2012 closure and Diagon Alley's 2014 opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Jaws take?
- The experience runs about 7 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is Jaws good for young children?
- Yes — Jaws is listed as kid-friendly on ParksLog. The experience is gentle enough for most young guests, though always consider a child's individual comfort with the ride type before queuing.
- How intense is Jaws?
- ParksLog rates this as moderate intensity — some speed, movement, or simulated effects. May not suit guests with strong motion sensitivity. Use your own judgement based on personal comfort and any health advisories posted at the entrance.
- When did Jaws open?
- Jaws opened at Universal Studios Florida in 1990.
- Is Jaws still operating?
- ParksLog marks this attraction as retired or no longer operating. Check Universal Studios Florida's official site for the current lineup.