robbalvey Posted April 6, 2014 Posted April 6, 2014 (edited) On our recent Japan trip, we were able to once again experience Jaws which is pretty much an exact clone of the ride that was removed from Universal Studios Orlando in 2011. I personally LOVED Jaws and was really bummed that Orlando removed it in favor for more Potter, but young wizards probably make more money than sharks, which is a shame, but a harsh reality we all have to live with. Anyway, here's a look at Universal Studios Japan's Jaws ride, merchandise and the Amity area theming around it. Those of you who miss the ride in Orlando should at least feel good to know that a lot of the same theming still exists somewhere in the world. Although I will say that I worry with their new Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening up RIGHT NEXT to Jaws this year (and you can see Howart's Castle looming over Amity in some of the photos) that the same fate doesn't happen in Japan. At least I hope Jaws has a few more years left at that park... Enjoy! Edited April 6, 2014 by robbalvey
burningstroller Posted April 6, 2014 Posted April 6, 2014 3 weeks in Japan and that might have been my favorite day...taking probably 10 rides on Jaws. Such a superior animatronic compared to Orlando. And as a Jaws super fan, the theming and detail around the island was incredible and far better than the U.S. version. I wonder how many Japanese actually understand the references?
robbalvey Posted April 6, 2014 Author Posted April 6, 2014 ^ The reference as in the movie? I would imagine a lot of them as American movies are very popular in Japan.
Mrlittle Posted April 6, 2014 Posted April 6, 2014 Shark!!! Shark!!! I just need to get to Japan to ride JAWS again.
burningstroller Posted April 6, 2014 Posted April 6, 2014 ^ The reference as in the movie? I would imagine a lot of them as American movies are very popular in Japan. I meant as in the names and such in the village area. "Ellen's Ice Cream", The boat name from Jaws 4 "Neptunes Folly". I loved the sponsored ANA airlines map in the queue with the red line from Japan to Martha's Vineyard showing non stop flights from Osaka to Amity.
KBrylczyk Posted April 6, 2014 Posted April 6, 2014 Oh, Jaws, you are missed dearly. Why can't Universal go back to building practical rides rather than all these digital experiences now? Sure the new rides are fun but they're nowhere near as memorable as the likes of Jaws, Kongfrontation, Earthquake, Ghostbusters, etc.
Meteornotes Posted April 7, 2014 Posted April 7, 2014 SHARK SHARK SHARK SHARK SHARK SHARK SHARK SHARK SHARK SHARK! This makes me so happy. I really hope the attraction lasts for at least a few more years, as I'd love to ride it a couple more times. And buy more of that merchandise! dt
cfc Posted April 7, 2014 Posted April 7, 2014 The Jaws gift shop at Universal Japan is one of the coolest at any theme park--all kinds of bizarre stuff. Long Live Bruce the Shark!
Jew Posted April 7, 2014 Posted April 7, 2014 ^I agree. The nanoblock Jaws is proudly displayed on my desk at work!
Someotherguyuser Posted April 7, 2014 Posted April 7, 2014 Thanks for the photos! I REALLY missed that ride in Orlando. Although Diagon Alley/Escape from Gringotts will be pretty cool, it's a shame that one of the few remaining "animatronic heavy" rides is gone for more 3D. Hopefully I'll have the chance to be able to go on this soon.
Nrthwnd Posted April 7, 2014 Posted April 7, 2014 Yes, next time I'm there, I must check out all that JAWS stuff available. And ride JAWS again, of course.
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