Orlando may be known as the theme park capital of the world, but it’s also the destination for movies, television, and commercial production. So, it’s no surprise you may have spotted The City Beautiful in a classic or new Hollywood Blockbuster.
The underwater tunnel can be spotted in “Jaws 3.”
Photo by Abujoy via Wikimedia Commons
Movies
“Jaws 3" (1983) | Welcome to SeaWorld. If you’re a fan of theme parks, many scenes in this film should look familiar. The third installment of the Jaws films takes place in and around the aquatic theme park.
Fun fact: While the larger-than-life shark in Jaws may not be real, consider taking a stroll through the underwater tunnels in the Shark Encounter exhibit to see some real fish.
“Parenthood” (1989) | While the movie is set in St. Louis, MO, many scenes were shot around Orlando — including the historic Tinker Field, the College Park neighborhood, and a softball field at Delaney Park.
Editor’s note: Due to renovations on the Citrus Bowl stadium in 2015, the grandstands and buildings were removed from Tinker Field, now memorialized by Tinker Field History Plaza.
“Problem Child 2" (1991) | Despite Ben and Junior moving to Oregon from Illinois in the film, the movie was shot primarily at Universal Studios and across Maitland, FL.
“My Girl” (1991) | Set in Pennsylvania, fans of this tear-jerking classic can check out the “Sultenfuss Funeral Parlor” along East Stanford Street in nearby Bartow, FL. Other filming locations included Mirror Lake in Clermont, FL, Plant City High School, and Lake Apopka.
“Lethal Weapon 3" (1992) | The film starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover is set primarily in Los Angeles, CA, but the film’s opening scene features the massive explosion of the old Orlando City Hall.
The Citrus Bowl was renamed to Camping World Stadium in April 2016.
Photo by Johntex~commonswiki via Wikimedia Commons
“The Waterboy” (1998) | That’s high-quality H20. This Adam Sandler/Happy Madison classic was filmed across Central Florida, including Stetson University, St. Cloud, and Lakeland (Hey, LALtoday). The Camping World Stadium (formerly known as the Citrus Bowl) was used to represent the University of Louisiana Cougars’ stadium + was the site of the film’s “Bourbon Bowl.”
“Monster” (2003) | Actress Charlize Theron won her first Academy Award portraying a serial killer who moved to Florida to try and start a new life. Floridians are no strangers to the sites used in the film, including Orlando’s South John Young Parkway and Semoran Skateway, the roller skating rink at Casselberry.
“Dueling Dragons” operated at Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure from 1999 to 2010, before being renamed and integrated into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Photo by Killioughtta via Wikimedia Commons
“Bring it On: In It To Win It” (2007) | Loosely based on “West Side Story,” two cheer squads battle it out across Universal Studios’ expansive park. The OG thrill-seekers will catch a glimpse of the Hard Rock Hotel and the former “Jaws” ride + can reminisce about Dueling Dragons, referred to as “Double Dragons.”
Fun fact: Cheer squads from across Central Florida were used as extras in the film.
Shows
“The Golden Girls” (1985-1992) | Thank you for being a friend. The classic sitcom may take place in Miami, FL, but it was filmed across four cities, including Orlando, at a replica of the house built at Disney’s MGM Studios — which was later demolished.
Nickelodeon Studios in Orlando was the backdrop for early episodes of the comedy show “All That.”
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
“What Would You Do?” (1991-1993) | The 30-minute game show filmed at Nickelodeon Studios featured an audience vote of outcomes from unusual situations, filled with special guests and silly stunts.
“All That” (Seasons 1-2) | Early episodes of the comedy show “All That” were taped at the studios at Universal Orlando before being moved to Hollywood, CA.
“The Bachelorette” (Season 14) | This one’s a bummer. Season 14 contestant Gabby Windey went on a hometown date in nearby Northpalm Beach but, unfortunately, it wasn’t caught on camera. See the full list of locations.
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” | Several episodes of the popular nighttime talk show have been filmed at Universal Studios Orlando, leading up to the grand opening of the “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
