Dun dun… Dun dun… From May 23 through July 6, guests can celebrate the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s JAWS with limited-time merchandise, themed food and drinks, and special photo ops at Universal Studios Florida. This celebration is a can’t-miss tribute to the film that made everyone think twice before going back in the water.
JAWS & Universal Studios Florida: A Brief History
Released by Universal Pictures on June 20, 1975, JAWS sank its teeth into pop culture and never let go. Centered on a great white shark terrorizing a New England beach town, the film became an instant classic and a box office phenomenon, earning the title of highest-grossing film of all time (until Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope took the crown two years later). Its unforgettable two-note theme by John Williams became the sound of cinematic suspense and is still instantly recognizable to this day.
The film’s success led to three sequels and an opening-day ride at Universal Studios Florida. Guests could board Captain Jake’s Amity Boat Tours, a company cashing in on the 1974 shark attacks that inspired Spielberg’s blockbuster. Skippers assured guests there was nothing to fear. After all, no sharks had been seen in the area for years. But as any attraction fan knows, things rarely go according to plan.
While this ride thrilled guests for decades, it officially closed on January 2, 2012, to make way for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Today, a lone shark photo op remains as a nod to the theme park’s lore.
JAWS 50th Anniversary Food Menu at Universal Studios Florida
Near Chez Alcatraz in the San Francisco area of the park, you’ll find two limited-time food and beverage booths serving up themed bites and drinks inspired by the classic film, including Narragansett beer, just like the one Quint famously cracks open on screen.
Captain Quint’s Boardwalk Snacks
Food
Bucket of Bait – $14.99
Crispy pieces of clams, shrimp, and oysters, sitting on a bed of fries with lemon and sriracha ketchup
Lobster Taiyaki – $14.99
Savory taiyaki filled with a lobster salad
Beverages
Amity Island Iced Tea
20 oz. Souvenir Cup – $16.50
20 oz. Souvenir Cup Refill – $13.50
12 oz. Single Serve – $13.50
New Amsterdam Vodka, BACARDI Superior Rum, Cuervo Tradicional Blanco Tequila, Bols Apricot Brandy, lemon juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup, Sprite
Amity Island Iced Tea Mocktail – $9.00
Cranberry juice, stone fruit syrup, and Sprite
Narragansett – $10.50
Select Coca-Cola Beverages – $4.99
Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Sprite
Smartwater – $6.00
The Midway Grill
Food
Nathan’s Hot Dog – $9.49
100% beef dog with your choice of condiments
Funnel Cake – $7.99
Fresh funnel cake with your choice of powdered sugar or strawberry topping
Beverages
Frenzy Fizz
20 oz. Souvenir Cup – $16.50
20 oz. Souvenir Cup Refill – $13.50
12 oz. Single Serve – $13.50
Mocktail – $9.00
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, raspberry purée, stone fruit syrup, and Coca-Cola Orange Cream
Narragansett – $10.50
Select Coca-Cola Beverages – $4.99
Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Sprite
Smartwater – $6.00
JAWS 50th Anniversary Merchandise
Commemorate five decades of JAWS with exclusive 50th anniversary merchandise, available at both San Francisco Candy Factory inside the park and the Universal Studios Store at Universal CityWalk.
Guests can shop a variety of items, including t-shirts, tank tops, hats, lanyards, mugs, bags, and more. Plus, each location features a unique display showcasing the full collection.
Here’s a look at what’s available:
- Blue Hat – $27
- Yellow Hat – $27
- Shark Plush – $22
- Bucket Hat – $30
- Drink Lanyard – $16
- Pins – $11
- Crossbody Bag – $50
- Yellow Tee – $37
- Tank Top – $37
- Mug – $20
- Wallet – $35
- Blue Tee – $27
- Lanyard – $16
- Spoon – $20
- Keychain – $20
- Drink Cooler – $40
- Throw Blanket – $40
- Travel Mug – $25
Guests can also stay refreshed with a limited-edition JAWS Coca-Cola Freestyle cup—perfect for hydrating and celebrating all day long!
JAWS 50th Anniversary Photo Ops at Universal Studios Florida
Strike a pose with special photo ops around the San Francisco area of the park! Guests can take photos in front of the Amity Island welcome sign or step into the action by pretending to drive one of the boats from Captain Jake’s Amity Boat Tours. Keep an eye out for other fun nods to the film, including a “Beach Closed” sign and a festive Amity 4th of July Celebration banner.
The JAWS 50th Anniversary Celebration at Universal Studios Florida runs from May 23 through July 6. Score discounted Universal Orlando Resort tickets through Orlando Informer here and experience it all yourself!
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