Jay Stein, the innovator who revolutionized Universal Studios with attractions that would rival Disney's offerings, has died at 87. According to Boardwalk Times, his aggressive and brash approach to theme park entertainment left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping the Universal Studios Theme Park into a destination for thrilling experiences.
Stein climbed the ranks at Universal throughout the '50s and '60s, and by '67, was at the helm of the Studio Tram Tour, a tour through a working film studio that earned extra revenue for Universal. The concept of the tram tour evolved under Stein's leadership, adding scenarios such as flash floods and shark attacks inspired by pop culture hits like "Jaws," which in turn significantly increased its popularity, as reported by WESH.
Hollywood's success prompted Stein to expand to Florida in the mid-80s, but the move was shadowed by Disney-MGM Studios vying for the same audience. Undeterred, Stein partnered with filmmaker Steven Spielberg to launch Universal Studios Florida, effectively coining a new term in theme park entertainment. "Ride the Movies!" captured the maverick spirit of Universal's theme parks and directly challenged the family-friendly tenor set by Disney's parks, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite films.
Stein leaves behind his wife, brother, daughter, and a legacy of innovation that reshaped the landscape of theme parks.
