A SATURDAY SIX Tribute To Steven Spielberg (and His Impact On Theme Parks)

Jay Stein, Mark Woodbury, Charlie Gundacker, Bill Davis, Whoever Negotiated The Marvel Contract, Chef Steven Jayson, Theirry Coup, and Tom Williams among others. It would be extremely challenging to narrow down the list to just a top four, but one of the only people who is an actual lock to be featured – at least in my book – is director Steven Spielberg. Not only was Spielberg a key creative figure during the creation of Universal Studios Florida, but his unmatched track record as a fan favorite film director and producer has helped guide the entire resort over the following 35 years as it has expanded into the incredible experience that it is today.
Because of that legacy, we are going to look at Steven Spielberg’s impact on the theme parks as we know them, starting off with a recent entry to USF that inspired the creation of this very article…
# 6 – Spielberg Exhibit
In the Hollywood section of USF, located directly next to Schwab’s Pharmacy, Universal is offering some “limited time magic” (ending August 10th) for fans of Spielberg’s biggest films with an exhibit featuring official props and a ton of behind-the-scenes info for some of the most iconic movies in the history of cinema.
Spielberg Exhibit. (photos by Hedgehogs Corner)
Spielberg’s breakout film was Jaws (1975) and it was the movie that pretty much Changed Everything in Hollywood and directly led to the term Summer Blockbuster that we use regularly today.

The filming, editing, and release of Jaws contains so many incredible stories that a multitude of books and documentaries have been done on the subject. My must read is The Jaws Log by Carl Gottlieb and I love The Shark is Still Working doc. Jaws has also become so omnipresent in American culture that it has been referenced or parodied in countless movies and TV shows including Clerks, Airplane!, and Back to the Future II. My personal favorite moment is the out-of-nowhere Jaws tribute in Master of Disguise, a Five Star Moment in an otherwise unwatchable film.

The Spielberg exhibit at USF is packed with some pretty amazing items from Jaws including Lorraine Gary’s script that was personally annotated by Spielberg himself.

Many reading this could never comprehend the amount of merchandise that has been released for Jaws over the years, but the exhibit has a small taste of the items that have been released, including the absolutely awesome Jaws sipper that the Universal theme parks released last Summer to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movie.

Another Spielberg Summer Blockbuster that gets a spotlight in the exhibit is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982).

Those of a certain age will always remember the thrill of opening packs of cards like the E.T. ones below. Oh how I miss quickly shoving the rock hard stick of gum in my mouth and then riffling through the cards to see which ones I needed and which ones I could trade with friends.

In a time before “CGI,” characters like E.T. needed to be physical creations, and the exhibit gives a fascinating look at what it took behind-the-scenes to create such a memorable character for the screen.

These are the controls just for the individual fingers of E.T.’s hand.

Probably the most memorable moment of the E.T. film is when the kids fly on their bikes, and this exhibit has the bikes.

Our last major Spielberg Summer Blockbuster covered in the exhibit is Jurassic Park (1993) along with the Spielberg directed sequel The Lost World.

Loved this prop display featuring John Hammond’s cane with the mosquito-trapped-in-Amber top.

As a theme park merchandise guy, I was blown away by this action figure set featuring Spielberg himself. This apparently was a San Diego Comic Con exclusive during the 30th anniversary for Jurassic Park.

The exhibit also features a look at Spielberg’s upcoming film Disclosure Day, which I’m assuming Universal is hoping is going to be a 2026 Summer Blockbuster. Time will tell on that one, but I’m not seeing it with the movie’s trailers so far. Right now this reminds me of the time I was at the first ever showing of Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular back in 2012. That was a nighttime spectacular over USF’s lagoon that featured moments from “100 years of Universal films.” When the show made its debut, there was a spotlight on the film Battleship (starring Liam Neeson) that was coming out that Summer and was also expected to be a blockbuster. Long story short, the Battleship clips were completely removed from the show once the movie flopped.

# 5 – Jaws ride
The original pitch for Universal Studios Florida was that guests “could ride the movies” and the Jaws ride itself was a stand alone attraction that built off the Jaws section of the famous Studio Backlot Tour over in Universal Studios Hollywood.

Jaws was an opening day attraction at Universal Studios Florida back in 1990, and like the film it was based on, the ride was subject to constant problems for years. In fact, at one point in 1991 they just completely shut the ride down and didn’t reopen until the next year.
In May of 1991 the queue was a Bar-B-Que restaurant. Note the Jaws sign at left with an “I’ll Be Back,” referencing The Terminator. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Here is the entrance circa 2012, complete with Universal Express signage.
Jaws Entrance. (photo by Thomas Wagner)
One thing that was great about the Jaws ride was that it was Universal’s version of an attraction I loved at Disney, The Jungle Cruise. In fact, boat rides may be my all time favorite type of attraction in any theme park. The storyline of the Jaws ride is that it takes place in the same universe that the Jaws film did, and we are several years removed from the infamous shark attacks. Amity’s tourism has dropped, and Captain Jake has opened up a charter business to take people to historic areas where the shark attacks took place and became famous because of the movie.
Orca boat. (photo by Thomas Wagner)
As with almost all of the best theme park rides, “something goes terribly wrong” and we find ourselves encountering a great white several times.
Shark attack. (photo by Thomas Wagner)
Like The Jungle Cruise, skippers on the boat had to both narrate the attraction and become part of the story.

Universal spared no expense, and many elements of the attraction were visually incredible. To this day the Jaws ride was a beloved experience for many Universal fans, however the ride (and Amity area it took place in) was eventually replaced with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley.
A burnt Bruce. (photo by Thomas Wagner)
Universal itself has never forgot about this iconic attraction, and even created a great photo-op for fans of the ride for the movie’s 50th anniversary.

You’ll often see the Jaws ride incorporated into seasonal overlays, such as this Christmas tree back in 2023.

The park has several Jaws-related Easter Eggs, including this can of Skipper Retro-Ride Oil. For more, check out this fun article looking at the Universal Studios Florida window tributes.
A closer look reveals silhouettes of classing USF ride vehicles including those for Jaws, BTTF: The Ride, and Kongfrontation. (photo by @HHNstagram)
# 4 – Men in Black: Alien Attack/BTTF
While Spielberg is one of the most well known directors in movie history, he is also one of the most successful producers of films, several of which have made their way into the Universal parks including Men in Black (1997).
Men In Black: Alien Attack. (photo by Brian Carey)
Steven Spielberg with Men in Black director Barry Sonnenfield.
One of the hardest Rumors and Innuendos for me to confirm over the years is a reference to Spielberg during the Alien Attack ride itself. But this character, wearing a Jurassic Park hat, was a direct nod to him.

More recently, Universal installed a new piece of artwork in the Men in Black gift shop. This amazing piece of art features references to spaceships from a wide variety of sci-fi films from over the years, several of which have a direct relationship to Spielberg himself.

These include the spacecraft from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial…

…and the time traveling DeLorean from Back to the Future (1985.)

That’s right, if you didn’t know, Spielberg was a producer on the Back to the Future films.
Steven Spielberg (R) sitting on top of a DeLorean with BTTF director Robert Zemeckis and star Michael J Fox.
Like Jaws, the Back to the Future ride at USF has a dedicated fan base to this very day.

It’s hard to deny that the DeLorean ride vehicle isn’t one of the Top Three theme park ride vehicles of all time.

Back to the Future: The Ride featured characters from the actual films, including Christopher Lloyd reprising his role as Doc Brown.

Back to the Future was replaced by The Simpsons Ride, but in a perfect tribute, the Simpsons Ride queue features the brilliant story of how Doc Brown lost the Institute of Future Technology to Krusty the Clown.
Doc Brown and the “Institute of Future Technology” (facade for Back to the Future: The Ride)
For the Back to the Future film’s 40th anniversary, Universal had a BTTF themed milkshake at Schwab’s Pharmacy.

In the queue for Fast and Furious – Supercharged, there is a fun reference to Doc Brown and the DeLorean.

Back to the Future has been part of Universal’s INCREDIBLE Tribute Stores over the years. These stores include references and Easter Eggs for the true fans, including this photo which shows a moment from the film that was taken during the time that actor Eric Stoltz was playing the character of Marty McFly (he was later replaced by Michael J. Fox.)

Biff Tannen’s Mad Dog Tequilla, along with it’s “Don’t Be a Chicken” tagline, are a direct reference to the BTTF films.
Some of the joke bottles at the bar in Ton Ton’s Roadhouse. The 2026 Mardi Gras Tribute Store. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
The train from Back to the Future III along with the time traveling DeLorean are surely two of the most photographed items inside the park.

Doc Brown is always one of the most fun characters to interact with in any park, and he can still be found walking around USF.
Doc Brown. (photo by Michael Carelli)
The breadth of Spielberg’s producing credits is amazing, and other films he was involved with led to Transformers – The Ride 3D and Twister…RIDE IT OUT! Some may not remember, but the Dreamworks animation company was originally created as Dreamworks SKG. The S in that name referred to Spielberg, while K and G referred to Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen. Dreamworks is responsible for Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Trolls, all of which can also be seen at USF.
# 3 – Jurassic Park
Okay, let’s head back to a film Spielberg directed himself. This movie was so legendary that it didn’t just get a theme park ride. NAY NAY. It created an entire theme park land.
Jurassic Park. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Jurassic Park is pound-for-pound one of my favorite lands in any theme park, loaded with fun rides, great food options, and even the best kid’s play area anywhere.
Jurassic Park River Adventure. (photo by Michael Carelli)
River Adventure’s T-Rex moment right before the big drop may be the all time best for any flume ride.
Jurassic Park River Adventure T-Rex. (photo by Jeff Kyle)

We can not heap enough praise on The VelociCoaster. 10 out of 10 experience.
VelociCoaster. (photo by Michael Carelli)
The VelociCoaster even brought back Mr. DNA, straight from Spielberg’s original Jurassic Park film.
Mr. DNA. (photo by Bret @Schmoofy Taggart)
One of the attractions that has since left Jurassic Park was the Triceratops Encounter. This was based on a memorable moment from Spielberg’s film. While the Triceratops have left the park, they have gone to a good home: Give Kids the World Village.
Triceratops back at USF, on loan from GKTW. (photo by Brandon Glover)
# 2 – E.T. Adventure
While Disney fans may be used to theme park attractions lasting the test of time, Universal Parks operate under a more “what have you done for me lately approach.” For example, Disney’s Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 and still has a bunch of opening day attractions still running, including the Jungle Cruise, it’s a small world and Dumbo. Universal Studios Florida opened almost 20 years later, and yet today only has one attraction remaining from the 1990 Grand Opening: E.T. Adventure.
E.T. Adventure. (photos by Hedgehogs Corner)
The pre-show for E.T. Adventure even features Steven Spielberg himself!

Steven interacts with E.T., explains the backstory of the ride, and let’s guests know what to expect during the attraction.

E.T. Adventure has a wall dedicated with behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of the movie.

The queue for E.T. Adventure is one of the greatest of all time.

It is filled with fun references…

…along with direct nods to the actual E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial film.

We even have Botanicus, one of E.T.’s friends.

The ride itself takes us to E.T.’s home, the Green Planet.

Here we meet even more of E.T.’s friends. The entire third act of the ride is like some sort of fever dream and makes one realize “it’s probably a good idea Spielberg never made a sequel to E.T.”

# 1 – Parade, Nighttime Spectacular and MORE!
Let’s close by checking out some of the more memorable things Universal has done over the years involving movies made by Spielberg. This includes Jaws being involved in the Mega Movie Parade…
Jaws unit. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
…along with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
Flying with E.T. in the new Universal Mega Movie parade. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
The parade features recognizable items from the films, which we’ve seen featured in the attractions and even the Summer Movie Blockbuster exhibit.
E.T. float. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
But the floats also have details just for the real fans, like this pizza box for E.T. Those who know, know.
Pizza box on E.T. float. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
The Cinemagic Spectacular was replaced by CineSational, and the new show does an incredible job incorporating a wide variety of effects, including water screens…
Jaws. (photo by Thomas Wagner)
…and drones!
Optimus Prime and the Jaws shark during CineSational. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
E.T. (photo by Thomas Wagner)
E.T. (photo by Thomas Wagner)
A theme seen in CineSational a few times is flowing musical notes. Seen here with Jurassic Park. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
There have been several Tribute Stores dedicated to Spielberg’s films over the years.
Tribute Store. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)

Earl with Jaws in Holiday Tribute Market. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Jaws merchandise is always being sold in the parks in the form of shirts, cups, keychains, and plush.
Jaws Ugly Christmas Sweater. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
To this day I can’t believe the amount of themed candy bars that Universal has released, and several of them are for Spielberg related films.

Each bar has a unique flavor, but also a fun creative element imprinted as well.

My favorite of all the bars, and is a Must Get every time I’m in the park, is the version for E.T.

For the Jaws 50th Anniversary, Universal had several Amity-themed outdoor kitchens with themed items.
Bucket of Bait. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
How can you not love the Jaws themed plush that you could win at the skill game booths?!!
Jaws skill game prizes. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Honorable Mention – Portofino Bay
We’ve established that Steven Spielberg can be considered one of the main “architects” of the entire Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Studios Florida, the park that started it all, heavily depends on films that Spielberg either directed (Jaws, E.T.) or was a producer on (Back to the Future, Transformers). While the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the current draw to Islands of Adventure, it’s Spielberg’s Jurassic Park that sits directly in the middle. It was only natural that when Universal was putting together Islands of Adventure that they would pick Spielberg’s brain about ideas for the new onsite hotel they would also be developing.
Spielberg’s suggestion was for the new hotel to be inspired by the classic feel of Portofino, Italy. Loews took that idea and ran with it, faithfully recreating a classic Mediterranean fishing village by the lagoon, as well as representing the luxury of many high end Italian hotels on the inside of the resort. In many ways, Portofino Bay can be considered the flagship resort of Loews at Universal.

Double Secret Honorable Mention – Disney!
Because Spielberg has such a large influence over the Universal parks, you’re not going to see much of his output represented over at Disney. However, that’s not to say you don’t see anything, because Steven Spielberg directed the first four Indiana Jones films. At DHS, you’ll see the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, which pays homages to several moments from the very first Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Indy and Golden Idol. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. (photo by Brandon Glover)
There is also an Indiana Jones-inspired restaurant at Disney Springs with Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. Jock Lindsey was a side character in Raiders of the Lost Ark, rescuing Indy from an Amazon jungle.

The Hangar Bar is filled with references to the Indiana Jones movies, including the golden idol from Raiders of the Lost Ark (in the top right of the photo below.)

Voodoo dolls from the Spielberg directed Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. (photo by Brandon Glover)
And one great nod to the Spielberg directed Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. (photo by Brandon Glover)
So there you have it: A Tribute to Steven Spielberg! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out the THEME PARK ENJOYMENT INDEX, giving a monthly recap of all the theme park news you need to know (and a lot more you don’t need to know, but we’re gonna tell you anyway). You can also follow Your Humble Author on BlueSky (@derekburgan).
If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following:
Theme Park Turkeys of the Year Archives
The SATURDAY SIX Celebrates 10 Years of @bioreconstruct
SATURDAY SIX Tribute to Josh easyWDW
SATURDAY SIX Tribute to Ian Barritt
TPEI Tribute to Bret Taggart (AKA @Schmoofy)
Special Thanks to The Elite Brandon Glover, Digital Maestro Scott Walker, the bio-est of all reconstructs @bioreconstruct, Captain Cruiseline Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog, my personal protege Hunter “Elvey” Underwood, artist @SonderQuest, the mighty maven of merchandise Hedgehog’s Corner, the SAT SIX Fun Squad of Parkscope Joe and “the Dadalorian” Nick, hot shot Michael Carelli, charter member of the Universal Four @Nitro230, the permit princess Alicia Stella, master cartographer Tommy Hawkins, and Hermione Granger’s tutor Megan Thickey for their invaluable assistance with this article. Absolutely no help was added by SeaWorld Influencer @SuperWeenieHtJr. The SAT SIX is inspired each week by goofballs Aengus Mackenzie and LitemAndHide.

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