The San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida has been transformed into “Little Amity,” a small temporary “Jaws” land for the film’s 50th anniversary. The area was once a full-sized Amity Island, but was replaced by The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. The overlay extends into San Francisco Candy Company, where guests can purchase “Jaws” 50th anniversary merchandise.
Amity Island
Amity Island is the fictional setting of the “Jaws” Franchise. In celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary, a large billboard with “Amity Island Welcomes You” is posted to welcome guests into the temporarily re-themed San Francisco area.
The fictional town is celebrating the Fourth of July weekend, when the original film takes place.
Several set pieces, including this red truck hauling Coca-Cola, have been added to the area to make the environment feel more like a Forth of July Celebration on Amity Island.
The truck is set up with planters and Coca-Cola coolers sitting around it.
Along with crates, nets, and other nautical-themed items are several “No Swimming, Hazardous Area, Beach Closed” warning signs, ordered by the Amity Police Department.
New “Jaws” 50th anniversary food booths are also coming soon. This one has a directional sign just outside that labels different locations around Amity Island.
Directionals for Amity Avenue, Sengekontacket Pond, Amity Circle, East Chop Drive, South Beach, and Davis Lane are located on this side of the sign.
Menemsha Harbor and Aquinnah Circle directionals are located opposite those above.
Around the directional sign is more nautical equipment and crates. Several benches with red and white shade umbrellas are located around the area, as well.
Another of the future anniversary food booths has yellow siding and green trim.
Other details include barrels, nets, and traps along with TNT crates and “No Swimming Due to Hazardous Conditions” signs staged around the area.
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 “Paula Marie.”
An orange “warning” label true to the attraction is posted inside the photo-op.
Additional retro-themed Universal Studios Florida items are meant to look like they were left in the boat.
The boat also has a few interactive elements that guests can use in their photos.
San Francisco Candy Factory
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 “Jaws” 50th Anniversary sign and several merchandise examples.
Behind the display is a wrecked replica of “The Orca,” the boat designed to seek out and catch sharks in the film.
A set of large doors resembling the Captain Jake’s Amity Boat Tours, Dauntless Boatworks entrance from the ride are on display in the store.
Several pieces of merchandise are on display throughout the candy store, including t-shirts, cooler bags, caps, and more.
In the spaces above the candy shelves, there are several other nods to the film.
Along with necessary nautical items, there are signs for the Amity Boat Tours and Amity’s World Famous Fried Chicken.
On one of the paneled walls are advertisements for events taking place during the 4th of July weekend celebrations. Marine Biologist Matthew Hooper is advertised as a speaker for “The Stillness in the Water,” an informational seminar. The town’s festivities poster is also included.
A Universal Studios Florida postcard featuring Bruce attacking boat riders is posted along with the advertisements.
More Boat Tour signs, including one stating “closed” are in other alcoves near the ceiling of the candy factory. Another of the metal signs gives details about the population of Amity Village year round and seasonal, the former much lower than seasonal. The elevation is also listed.
Along with an additional postcard and TIME magazine from the film’s 40th anniversary are some more film Easter eggs. A pricing guide for Amity Boat Tour charters and mayoral posters for Larry Vaughn are pasted up on the wall.
Nods to the facade of the former Stevens Cannery and Hey There Amity show are featured behind the pastry case.
Additional signage including those warning for possible shark activity and the closure of Captain Jake’s Boat Tours are posted on the columns and walls.
A funny “Skipper of the Month” poster features individuals believed to be Team Members dubbed with the title.
In the corner next to the Richter’s Burger Co. entry are even more details, such as a “Quint’s Surf Shack” surfboard, “Danger High Voltage | UnderwaterCable Crossing,” and another Boat Tours ad.
On the chalkboard is a business card for Amity Chief of Police, Martin C. Brody, and duplicates of the event ads and Larry Vaughn for Mayor posters.
No area of the location seems to be lacking small details, as even the Coca-Cola cooler and Team Member Exit have nods to the film. The sign on the Team Member door says, “Amity Boat Tours Crew Members Only.”
Other “Jaws” offerings at Universal Studios Florida include a host of new merchandise, an annual passholder “Jaws” magnet, and a “Jaws” sipper coming soon. Also check out Alamo Drafthouse’s “Jaws” popcorn bucket.
Over at Universal Studios Hollywood, they are celebrating with new surprises on the world famous Studio Tour, including a special summer-long July 4th celebration at the Jaws Lake attraction. There will also be “Jaws” 50th anniversary merchandise and special food items.
Are you a fan of “Jaws?” Let us know in the comments.
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