The San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida has been transformed into “Little Amity,” a small temporary Jaws land for the summer.
Amity Island
This once full-sized Amity Island was replaced by The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. It’s returning again from last year, though there are some differences and upgrades.
Amity Island is the fictional setting of the “Jaws” Franchise. A large billboard with “Amity Island Welcomes You” is posted to welcome guests into the temporarily re-themed San Francisco area. A speech bubble reads “Help!!! Shark.”
The fictional town is celebrating the Fourth of July weekend, when the original film takes place. A sign with “Quint’s Bait Shop” is surrounding with props and flowers. Quint is the seasoned shark hunter in the movie.
Several set pieces, including this yellow police vehicle, have been added to the area to make the environment feel more like a Fourth of July Celebration on Amity Island.
The truck is set up with planters, barrels, and more sitting around it.
A giant mural outside Ritcher’s Burger Co features a large shark and other scenes.
Banners hang from the facade of the candy factory.
Directionals for Amity Avenue, Sengekontacket Pond, Amity Circle, East Chop Drive, South Beach, Davis Lane, Menemsha Harbor, and Aquinnah Circle are on the sign outside.
The outdoor seating area has barrels, posters, traps, oars, buoys, and other props placed throughout the space.
The outdoor menu notes that these burgers are “off the charts.”
San Francisco’s favorite photo-op, Bruce the Shark, is still hanging up in his rightful place.
Captain Jake’s Amity Boat Tours, a.k.a Jaws, the attraction, was open in Unviersal Studios Florida from 1990 to 2012. A photo-op tribute for the former ride is available.
The bow of the photo op boat resembles that of the former ride vehicles and stands out against an Amity Island backdrop. This particular boat is named the “Ellie Jane.”
The boat also has a few interactive elements that guests can use in their photos.
There is another photo op nearby, featuring Orca, the fishing boat captained by Quint in Jaws.
The San Francisco Candy Factory has also been taken over by “Jaws” theming and merchandise.
The San Francisco Candy Factory is currently home to more film memorabilia and Easter Eggs along with some merch. Upon entry, guests are greeted with a large shark display and other props.
Along the tops of the shelves are Coca-Cola props. Coca-Cola was used as product placement in the original 1975 movie. In the other spaces above the candy shelves, there are several other nods to the film.
Two shirts are available: a green “Shark Attack” shirt and a “Jawsome Dad” shirt for Father’s Day.
Near some of the merch is a prop display.
These appear to be real props from the movie: a denim jacket that may have been worn by Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), a fishing pole, and ropes and images from the set.
An old-school newspaper dispenser in between the San Francisco Candy Factory and Richter’s Burger Co. for the Amity Gazette featuring the headline “Killer Shark Caught” stands in the corner.
Richter’s Burger Co. also has thematic elements on display in the space to continue with Amity’s Fourth of July celebrations.
Menu items include “We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat” burger and the “Shake Attack” milkshake.
Posters line the walls, banners drop down from the ceiling, and a yellow and red sign inviting guests to visit Amity Island hangs out near the counter.
No area of the location seems to be lacking in small details. It truly does feel as if you’ve stepped into the town of Amity.
There is even a large banner welcoming you to Amity’s 4th of July celebration.
Various corners of the restaurant have yellow barrels, posters with movie scenes, and other fun props on the marble statues.
Up on the railings of the second floor is a large pool inflatable that looks like a shark. There is also netting.
There are even original storyboard sketches from the movie.
Guests can dine at the table in the corner where they sang “Show Me the Way to go Home” on the Orca, as pictured above. This is a fun detail that did not go unnoticed!
Enter the jaws of the shark leading from one dining area to another.
Pictured above is another dining room, which has more movie artwork in addition to the nautical theming.
A stairway has included more theming, with Amity Village statistics, a “Danger High Voltage” sign, and a warning to not go swimming due to hazardous conditions.
Another corner display has Jaws collectibles.
There are t-shirts, cups, magazines, and other memorabilia out on display.
On top of the replica of the actual Louis Agassiz statue that was turned upside down during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake is another inflatable shark pool toy and some netting.
Chef Alcatrez
Chef Alcatraz, the outdoor bar in the area, has some special summer drinks:
20 oz. The Great White Souvenir – $16
New Amsterdam Vodka, Lemon Juice, Elderflower Syrup, and Sprite. Refills are available for $15.
The Great White Mocktail – $9
Lemon Juice, Elderflower Syrup, and Sprite
20 oz. Amity Island Ice Tea Souvenir – $15
New Amsterdam Vodka, Bacardi Superior Rum, Cuervo Tradicional Blanco Tequila, Bols Apricot Brandy, Lemon Juice, Cranberry Juice, Simple Syrup, and Sprite. Refills are available for for $14.
Amity Island Tea Mocktail – $9
Cranberry Juice, Stonefruit Syrup, and Sprite.
Are you a fan of Jaws? Let us know in the comments.
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