Kevin Perjurer discusses the history of the Jaws ride at Universal Studios Florida, which operated from 1990 to 2012. The ride was part of a larger competition between Universal and Disney, with Universal trying to create a unique experience to draw in tourists. However, the original ride was plagued by technical issues, including a robot shark that often malfunctioned and a finale that featured real shark teeth. After a lawsuit and a major redesign, the ride reopened in 1993 with a new storyline and updated special effects. Despite ongoing issues and disruptions, including environmental concerns and hurricanes, the ride remained popular until its eventual closure in 2012 to make way for the Diagon Alley attraction based on the Harry Potter franchise.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Jaws ride was located at Universal Studios Florida.
2. The ride operated from 1990 to 2012.
3. The original ride was designed by Ride and Show Engineering.
4. The ride cost $30 million to build, which is equivalent to a large amount of money today, adjusted for inflation.
5. The ride was plagued by technical issues, including a malfunctioning shark that would not lunge out of the water or would get stuck.
6. The ride was also the site of a lawsuit after a guest fell off the boat and into the water.
7. Universal Studios Florida reopened the ride in 1993 after a major refurbishment.
8. The ride was redesigned by Totally Fun Company, a company started by Peter Alexander.
9. The new ride featured a gas explosion and a high-voltage wire that would kill the shark.
10. The ride was still prone to technical issues, including a fire scene that would sometimes burn guests.
11. The main issue with the original attraction was with the water, which made it difficult for the robot sharks to function.
12. Ocean Air International, a company specializing in deep-sea exploration, built the new sharks for the ride.
13. The ride was tested extensively, with technicians taking multiple trips through the ride to witness minor changes.
14. The ride cost $40 million to refurbish.
15. The ride was eventually replaced by the Diagon Alley attraction, part of the Harry Potter franchise.
16. A version of the Jaws ride still operates at Universal Studios Japan.
17. A short scene from the Jaws ride is still part of the tram tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.
18. The ride was drained and refurbished every year to address environmental concerns.
19. The ride was closed temporarily due to high gas prices in 2004.
20. The ride was refurbished constantly from 2005 to 2007 to ensure it operated correctly.