First Look: 50th Anniversary Jaws Merchandise Coming to Universal Parks

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Hey Universal Vacationers! Jaws is turning 50, and Universal Parks are celebrating this iconic film with a brand-new collection of anniversary-themed merchandise. If you’re a fan of the movie, get ready to grab some killer new 50th anniversary Jaws merchandise starting this May at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.

So, what can you expect? The lineup includes a new Jaws sipper, a bucket hat, a baseball cap, a crossbody bag, a cooler bag, and even more surprises. Whether you’re looking for something subtle or a bold statement piece, there’s something for every Jaws fan.

Jaws Experiences at Universal Parks

While you’re at Universal Orlando, don’t miss the chance to enjoy specialty food and drinks at Chez Alcatraz while snapping a photo with the legendary hanging great white shark. Over in Hollywood, visitors can experience Jaws during the world-famous Studio Tour, where Amity Island still comes to life.

The History of Jaws at Universal Orlando

Universal Studios Florida’s original Jaws attraction was inspired by the shark attack scene on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. The Hollywood version, which opened in 1976, is still running today, giving guests a thrilling encounter with the massive great white.

In Florida, the Jaws ride officially opened on June 7, 1990, but it had a rough start. The ride’s elaborate special effects caused frequent breakdowns, forcing Universal to shut it down and rebuild it with a new ride system, reopening in 1992.

The attraction faced more struggles, including a limited supply of petroleum needed for its effects, due to hurricanes. This led to the ride operating seasonally between January 2005 and February 2007. After reopening, it continued to require extensive maintenance, driving up costs.

On December 2, 2011, Universal Orlando Resort announced that Jaws and the entire Amity section of the park would close permanently to make way for an “exciting new experience”—the second phase of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The ride closed on January 2, 2012, with its final voyage captained by Michael “Skip” Skipper.

A Look Back at the Jaws Ride

The Jaws attraction at Universal Studios Florida was more than just a ride—it was an experience. Guests boarded a tour boat for what was supposed to be a relaxing cruise through the historic sites of Amity Island. But, of course, things took a terrifying turn when a massive great white shark attacked.

As the boat passed a lighthouse, a distress call from another tour guide turned into a scream of terror. Suddenly, the remains of the other tour boat appeared, and before guests could react, the infamous dorsal fin sliced through the water.

The skipper armed a grenade launcher, hoping to fend off the shark, but missed each shot. With nowhere to turn, the skipper steered the boat into a boathouse, only for the structure to shake violently as the shark slammed into it. Just when it seemed safe, the massive predator lunged at the boat, narrowly missing its passengers.

The adventure continued as the shark chased the boat, leading to a fiery explosion at a gas dock. In a final attempt to stop the beast, the skipper maneuvered the boat near a high-voltage cable. As the shark lunged, it bit into the power line and was electrocuted, sending a foul smell of burnt shark through the air.

With one final lunge, the charred shark tried to strike again, but this time, the skipper took a successful shot, finishing it off for good. Guests cheered as the tour returned safely to shore—an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to ride it before its closure.

The Legacy Lives On

Even though the ride is gone, Jaws still has a strong presence at Universal Parks. The new 50th-anniversary merchandise gives fans a way to celebrate this legendary film and its impact on theme park history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Jaws phenomenon, this is a perfect time to honor one of the greatest thrillers of all time.

Get ready to grab your favorite pieces when the collection drops in May—and don’t forget to snap a pic with the great white while you’re at it!