JAWS at Universal Studios

Though I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been on Jaws it’s still been my favorite ride since I was a kid. I recently went to Universal Studios to check out the new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and could not leave without getting on the Jaws ride. My favorite thing about the Jaws ride is the great photo opportunity you get to take with the massive replica of the 25 foot 3 ton shark, which is always swarmed with a species of humans we Floridians like to call ‘tourists’ who always seem to come up with the goofiest poses – which can get pretty entertaining. The best part of the Line at Jaws is that it’s shaded and beautifully decorated and there is a short video going on which is pretty funny if you pay attention to it. When entering the boat you can see some water on the seat and people’s faces start to change, but as long as you sit in the middle you won’t feel more than a mist. The ride makes you feel like you are going on a tour and as you begin to make it around a lighthouse you hear a distress call on the radio and see a ship sinking in the water. The skipper is confused about what is going on and as soon as he begins to think large grey dorsal fins submerge out of the water, that’s when the shark makes his first appearance, it’s also when the skipper makes his first shot, and his second and misses twice. You then head into a boathouse as the only light is the skippers flash light and all of a sudden boats start to fall into the water so you are guided out. This begins my favorite part, as you are guided out you pass several oil tanks, and electricity lines the skipper shoots (and misses) again but this time he hits the Oil tanks causing a huge explosion where you feel the heat of the flames on your entire body. The shark becomes more aggressive and rocks the boat, and finally biting an electrical wire and electrocuting itself then exposing it’s burned face to the boat as the shooter shoots it once (and once again) to make sure it’s dead. You then sail back to the dock and go on with your life. Again, even though this has probably been the millionth time I’ve been on JAWS and basically lipped every word that was said by the skipper it is my all time favorite ride at Universal Studios.