While Harry Potter fans are rejoicing about the opening of the Diagon Alley expansion at Wizarding World at Universal Studios Florida, fans of Jaws might feel sad. The attraction based on Steven Spielberg’s film has been around since the Orlando park opened in 1990. But, all good things must come to an end, and the ride was shuttered to make room for more Potter goodness. As someone who can’t wait to see Diagon Alley, I’m okay with the change, but I can respect the history attached to the Jaws attraction. Universal Studios Orlando can too, and they’ve worked in some tributes to Jaws throughout Diagon Alley.
Inside the Magic learned that designers tucked in references in at least a few places around the new Wizarding World area. For example: the London embankment outside the hidden entrance to Diagon Alley features a Record Store, and on the shelves you can see a record called “Here’s to Swimmin’ with Bow Legged Women” by The Quint Trio. The record title is from a quote by Robert Shaw’s character Quint in the 1975 movie.
If you head into Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour for butterbeer ice cream – and why wouldn’t you? – be sure to pause and look at the store windows next door for Mr. Mulpepper’s Apothecary. A shark’s jawbone is visible in one of the window displays as a nod to the terrifying giant fish. If you venture into Knockturn Alley, you might hear the shrunken heads singing a familiar tune from Jaws:
The original as sung by Chief Brody, Hooper, and Quint in the movie:
Will you be taking a moment to hunt for these Jaws easter eggs when you visiting Wizarding World? Let us know in the comments.
HT: Behind the Thrills, top photo by Ricky Brigante
Another Easter Egg: The little gold stars inside Wiseacres shop were made from parts of the Jaws ride track 🙂
I used to work on Jaws! I heard rumors it was going to be turned into a Transformers ride or some garbage, I’m glad it’s an extension of the Wizarding World instead. Though I must say, working at Jaws was the most fun you could have for a summer job…well, except for the flame dock in Florida summer heat I guess. But still, I miss it from time to time.
What is this blasphem? My best friend proposed to his wife at Universal Studios when Jaws popped out of the water. It was the most romantic thing I had ever heard of, except for this time my cousin Walter tried to smuggle a golden snitch on a flight back England. He wanted to bring it back for his then girlfriend, it was 18k gold so he didn’t want to claim it to the customs agents for fear of an unreasonable import tax. He made it back to the states undetected,but had such a hard time passing it he ended up passing out and nearly having an embolism in the airport bathroom while evacuating his chamber of secrets. When he came to he realized that the airport toilets had automatic flushes which had spirited away his prize. He spent the next two weeks searching a muck pond on the outskirts of the airport grounds every day. He smelled so bad his girlfriend dumped him. Freaking heartbreaking
You … I like. 😛
That’s beautiful, man….
I’m too poor now for amusement parks, but I remember the Jaws ride from when I was a kid. I was far too scared of it for what it was. Though not as scared as of King Kong, which also isn’t there anymore. Is the Terminator 2 ride still around?
Yeah, they’ve still managed to keep that showing running, which is surprising to me. Honestly, I think the only reason they haven’t trashed it is cos they don’t know what else to put in its place.
Damn I never even made it down to Orlando to see the actual jaws theme ride n that’s been my favorite movie since age 4 I’m 26 now dam. U Harry potter! :-/
But… I loved the Jaws ride! Mostly because it was so old and fake-looking, though. :/
I will now!