Jaws, Universal Studios Attraction, To Close Permanently In January

After scaring millions of visitors and children for 21 years, Universal Orlando is closing its much-beloved JAWS ride come January 2, the Baltimore Sun reports.

The ride, based on the 1975 Academy Award-winning film "Jaws", will close "to make room for a new attraction", Universal Orlando announced on Friday. It was one of the original attractions at the park, which opened in 1990.

"Jaws has been an amazing attraction and an important part of our history. We know that Jaws holds a special place in the hearts of our guests," spokesman Tom Schroder told The Sun. "But we always have to look to the future and dedicate ourselves to providing new, innovative entertainment experiences for our guests.

On their Facebook page, Universal wrote an ode to the popular (and terrifying) attraction, saying:

We know you love JAWS! and we do too. It has been an amazing attraction and after terrorizing the waters of Amity here at Universal Orlando for 20 years, it's a VERY important part of our history. So, we've got a couple things planned to ensure we always remember and honor it. We know it's hard to say goodbye, but we can't express how EXCITED we are about the new, innovative & amazing experience we’re going to be bringing you.

JAWS and the surrounding Amity area will close at 9 p.m. on January 2, Tampa Bay Online reports.

Flickr: bea&txm

Comments

[moscowmotors]

03:51 AM on 02/04/2012

If they had a park with all the rides they shut down in both Disney World and Universal, it would make a great park. I know I would love to see them again.

[jcs977]

07:51 AM on 12/04/2011

thats garbage thats the best ride and one of the best movies every made dont close this ride thats horrible, hooper, broddy, quint what a movie man, god bless the u.s. red white and blue

[Ted Cantu]

12:41 AM on 12/04/2011

Make way for the Kardashian Sisters in 3D -- this ride will take you through a media collapse and an emotional breakdown. You will get hounded by papparazzi, and get cornered in the spotlight all while having absolutely nothing to offer your public. Over and all, a very boring ride but timely for todays headlines. Enjoy that.

[Mamee]

12:21 AM on 12/04/2011

From this report I am wondering if there are 2 - "JAWS" rides?? I have been to the 1 at Universal Orlando 3 times or more but have never been to California and this report doesn't match up. The written report says the ride closing is in ORLANDO Fla. yet the Video speaks of HOLLYWOOD Cali....so which ride is closing? BOTH??? What a poorly done report!!

[Al Sez]

03:00 PM on 02/03/2012

The ride in Orlando is the one that is closing. The video is a "related" video, not a video of the story we're reading here. I can see how it could be confusing.

[Joe Pinner]

10:09 PM on 12/03/2011

Enjoyed "Jaws" at Universal...however still think of it when surf casting at Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head and don't venture too far out in the water! "Psycho" had a similar lasting effect. Both cleverly designed to "get your attention!"! Brilliant screenwriters/directors! Is it me or was there a sly promotion of Bud Lite Beer when they named the "toy" Buzz Light Year?????? My disgust at those who let beer rule their lives and the grief that over-indulgence creates makes me suspect of promoters and producers of this "demon rum". Oh now, I do enjoy a glass of wine with a meal at home perhaps two or three times a month if that often...so I'm not a complete teetotler just never want anything to control me...other than my wife, of course.

[Al Sez]

02:56 PM on 02/03/2012

How many glasses of wine did you enjoy before you wrote this? You're all over the road!

[buminthesun421]

09:19 PM on 12/03/2011

They should replace it with an airport security ride. It terrorizes you from the moment you get on line.

[beardmanxxx]

08:35 PM on 12/03/2011

Where do sharks go when they retire? Leisure Sea World?

[BillyRI]

01:18 PM on 12/03/2011

Strong objection to this decision has been voiced by the membership of Justice Asked for White Sharks.

[O K Ali]

01:09 PM on 12/03/2011

Aw man, that's the one ride I never got to experience.

[Jane Michaels]

05:25 PM on 12/03/2011

You didn't miss anything.

[maryls]

08:52 PM on 12/03/2011

Not true. I went on this ride at Universal Studios in California in ~1977 and still remember some old woman getting so scared by the shark that she threw her purse into the moat. We all had to wait in the tram car while the park crew fished out her stuff. Too funny.

[Coyote Blond]

11:43 PM on 12/03/2011

It was fun. Not spectacular but glad we did it twice over the years.

[Wingsweaver]

01:08 PM on 12/03/2011

Was there last July and had a blast. Unfortunately Jaws was down that day and I've never ridden it before, looks like I'll never get the chance.

[thereisonlyoneparty]

01:07 PM on 12/03/2011

It had quite a run.

Nothing compared to Earthquake though.  No one had watched Earthquake (1974? -- I am not researching Earthquake)  for 20 years prior to its replacement in 2007.

People are still watching Jaws (1975).

Also, what style guide quotes film titles?

[SecularJoe]

12:50 PM on 12/03/2011

The new Buzz Lightyear ride that replaces it will be awesome!

[jsduwilco]

08:51 PM on 12/03/2011

I Think Buzz Lightyear might be Disney.

[satorii1s]

09:10 PM on 12/03/2011

It is Disney, you are correct.

[MobahoJoe]

12:33 PM on 12/03/2011

NO Way. That is the best attraction ever.

[Shred of Decency]

12:21 PM on 12/03/2011

dump bump dump bump dump bump dump bump, da da da !, da da da !,

[Lisa1129]

11:14 PM on 12/03/2011

You`re gonna need a bigger boat.

[love4life]

12:13 PM on 12/03/2011

Awe. RIP jaws. saw it in '06.