universal studios hollywood backlot tour

Ultimate Guide: Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood is in my opinion one of the best attractions at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.

The World-Famous Studio Tour is a one-hour tour around the backlot at Universal. This is a real working movie studio, as such you’ll see sets from your favourite shows and movies as well as some of Hollywood’s most legendary filming locations.

This tour is suitable for the whole family (I recently did it with my wife and our 14-month-old little boy) and features two cinematic ride experiences; Fast & The Furious: Supercharged & King Kong 3D.

What Is The Universal Studio Tour?

The World-Famous Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes of a real film studio which has been the home to a number of movie and television shows since its inception over 50 years ago.

The tour is hosted by comedian Jimmy Fallon alongside a live guide who provides commentary throughout the duration of the tour.

Highlights Of The Studio Tour

During the tour, you will travel through different past various sound stages, and through movie sets. Throughout this time you’ll experience a variety of attractions including;

Bates Motel

This is perhaps the scariest part of the tour.

Here you’ll pull up to the Bates Motel from the epic thriller film Psycho just as Norman Bates himself is carrying a body from a room to place in the back of his truck.

As he does so, he spots you, a witness.

In an aim to cover his tracks, Norman will come towards you with a fake knife. Thankfully, the driver will begin to pull away just in time.

Norman gets closest to the back two carriages of the tram. As such I highly recommend sitting in the carriages closest to the front if you’re travelling with young children.

Plane Crash Wreckage

After escaping Norman Bates, you’ll enter the plane crash wreckage area of the tour. This features a commercial 747 aircraft which was purchased by the production company behind the hit 2005 film War of the Worlds, directed by Steven Spielberg.

The plane was chopped into pieces and transported to Universal where the full set has been left fully dressed as it was during filming.

Obviously, given how realistic this all is, it can be scary for younger guests.

Jupiter’s Claim

This new area of the backlot tour opened on July 22, 2022 (timed to open the same day as Jordan Peele’s movie Nope).

This is a drive-through area which has been rebuilt at Falls Lake (previously occupied by the Log Cabin) and features select theme park sets used in the sci-fi horror film.

Flash Flood Simulator

As you drive through the Mexcian Village, you’ll experience one of two flooding simulators that feature within the Universal Studios backlot tour.

This is one of the oldest parts of the backlot tour (in operation since 1968) and has appeared in countless films including Big Fat Liar and Fletch Lives.

In my opinion, this isn’t as scary as the other flash flood simulator which takes place as part of Earthquake: The Big One!

Earthquake: The Big One!

Earthquake: The Big One is the only split-level sound stage in the world, and has been in operation at Universal since 1969.

As the tram pulls into the subway area, an 8.4 Richter-level earthquake hits, causing a subway train to come off the tracks as it pulls into the station and flooding from the streets above to pour down into the underground.

Various scenes have been shot here including; Beverly Hills Cop III and Season 5, Episode 15 of the TV show Bones.

The Jaws portion of the Studio Tour dates back to 1967 and subsequently is one of the most nostalgic parts for long-time visitors.

As the tram approaches the water, the tension builds as the tour guide narrates the scene. Suddenly the giant animatronic shark jumps out of the water, jaws wide open.

King Kong 360 3-D

King Kong 360 3-D is one of two simulator-based rides on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour.

This simulator was created by Peter Jackson himself and is the world’s largest 3-D experience.

The film lasts just a couple of minutes and see’s you caught in the middle of a terrifying struggle between a 35-foot T-Rex and the 8th wonder of the world – King Kong.

Fast & The Furious Supercharged

This is another simulator-based ride situated on the back lot tour.

Once again you’ll put on your 3D glasses and experience a high-speed chase alongside Dom and the gang. This is far from my favourite part of the tour, but sadly it’s not optional. Thankfully, it only lasts a couple of minutes.

Where Is The Universal Studios Tour Located?

The World Famous Studio Tour is located in a dedicated lower lot area of Universal Studios Hollywood which can be accessed from Springfield, home of The Simpsons via a number of escalators.

This dedicated lower lot area is not to be confused with the lower lot escalators down to Jurassic World & Super Nintendo World.

If you’re unsure as to where to go for the Studio Tour be sure to ask one of the Universal Studios team members situated around the park, or the Universal Studios mobile app which features a map with GPS.

How Long Is The Universal Studio Tour?

The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood lasts between 40 minutes and one hour. During the ride, there are no stops and no toilet breaks.

While the ride itself is between 40 minutes and an hour, the standby wait line for the ride can be another hour (give or take) depending on how busy the park is during your visit.

This ride is eligible for the Universal Express Pass so, if you are upgrading to the Universal Express Pass then you will be able to skip the line here. We did this during our most recent visit and we walked straight on (the standby line at the time was around 20 mins – February 2022).

How Much Does The Universal Studio Tour Cost?

The Universal Studios Tour is free.

However, to go on the tour you will need a Universal Studios Hollywood park ticket.

Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are sold using a dynamic pricing model based on estimated demand.

As such quieter days or times of year often have lower ticket prices, while more popular days and seasons (Christmas, Halloween, Spring Break, Summer etc.) have higher ticket prices.

This dynamic pricing model also applies to Universal Express Pass tickets and tickets for the VIP Experience.

Do You Have To Book The Universal Studio Tour?

Sadly, you can not book your tour of the Universal Studios backlot in advance. Instead, spaces on each tram are on a first-come, first-served basis. Each tram roughly holds between 100 and 150 people split across 6 or so carriages.

How Long Is The Wait For The Universal Studios Tour?

The wait time for the World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and season.

During quieter times at the park, you can wait as little as 10 or 20 minutes to board the tram. However, during peak periods such as holidays or weekends, wait times can be in excess of one hour.

Can You Use A Universal Express Ticket For The Universal Studio Tour?

A Universal Express ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood can be used for the Studio Tour, as well as for many of the other popular attractions and rides in the park.

The Universal Express ticket gives guests priority access to select attractions, allowing them to bypass the regular standby line and experience the attraction with a shorter wait time.

Best Time To Go On The Universal Studios Tour?

Generally, speaking the best time to go on the tour is in the morning when the park first opens.

During this time the crowds are typically smaller and the lines are shorter, allowing visitors to enjoy the tour with minimal wait times.

On the flip side, the worst time to go on the tour is usually in the early afternoon, just after lunchtime as most people get to this area of the park at this time of day.

Is The Universal Studios Tour Scary?

Certain areas and attractions within the World-Famous Universal Studio Tour may be scary to younger children. However, none of them last long (maximum of four minutes).

If you’re looking for thrill rides then this tour isn’t it!

Is The Universal Studios Tour Suitable For Babies & Toddlers?

The Universal Studios Tour is suitable for babies and toddlers.

However, you will be on the tram ride for up to an hour so be sure to bring any supplies you may need for that duration of time with you.

It’s also worth noting that children must remain seated throughout the duration of the tour for health and safety reasons. So if you have a restless little one consider bringing a book, toy or iPad.

There is an extensive stroller parking lot available in the Lower Lot area from where the tour departs, this is covered so if it does start raining while you’re out on the tour then your stroller should be protected.

Are There Any Height Or Weight Restrictions For The Studio Tour?

Unlike other rides at Universal Studios Hollywood there are no weight or height restrictions on the World-Famous Studio Tour.

Can You Take Photographs & Videos During The Studio Tour?

Visitors are permitted to take photographs and videos during The World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.

However, flash photography is not permitted during the tours 3D cinema experiences (King Kong 360 & Fast and Furious: Supercharged).

Is The Studio Tour At Universal Studios Hollywood Worth It?

While going on the Studio Tour takes up a significant portion of your day at Universal Studios Hollywood park. I believe it’s a worthwhile time investment.

This tour provides a unique insight into how scenes from your favourite movies and TV shows are made while the expert tour guide provides some incredible Hollywood secrets.

Can You See Celebrities On The Universal Studios Hollywood Tour?

There is always the possibility of seeing celebrities on the World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, as the tour takes visitors through active movie and television sets where productions are often being filmed.

However, there is no guarantee.

I’ve been on this tour more than ten times over the past couple of years, and the only person I’ve seen is Mario Lopez who was filming at the entrance of the theme park.

Does Universal Studios Orlando Have A Backlot Tour?

Sadly, Universal Studios in Orlando does not have a backlot tour since it is a dedicated theme park, rather than a film studio.

The Universal Orlando Resort does, however, have a VIP Experience (which is also available at Universal Studios Hollywood).

The VIP Experience is a full-day tour of the Universal Studios park with a dedicated Universal guide. The ratio of guests to guide is roughly 8:1 so it’s a very personal experience in which you’ll skip the line on every ride in the park, go behind the scenes and learn park secrets.

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2024 ULTIMATE Guide to the Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Studio Tour: Secrets, Photos and Tips!

Are you ready to take a ride on the World-Famous Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Studio Tour?

Going to Hollywood, California is a big deal for those who visit!

Our eyes tend to be full of stardust, waiting to run into a glamorous celebrity while dining or visiting a set of your favorite movie.

As someone who is really into films from the golden age of Hollywood , visiting Hollywood just has that certain charm to it.

But the best way to really get the full immersive experience, is to do a Backlot Studio Tour.

There are many options like the Warner Bros Studio Tour, Sony Pictures, Adventures By Disney: Disney Backstage and Paramount Pictures.

But my personal favorite is the one we will be doing a deep dive of today, The World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Iconic Scenes: Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Studio Tour

When it comes to a walkthrough, because the tour can change so frequently that you may not see the same thing every time.

However, there are certain staples that you will guarantee to see unless under refurbishment.

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Time to Start the Tour

Before you take your seat on the tram, you are asked to pick up a pair of 3D glasses , which the tour guide will let you know when to put on throughout the tour.

As you go off, you will take a drive down the hill to the lots and get some insight on the history of the studio.

The start of the tour goes the the studio hits with a combination of the tour guide giving insight and Jimmy Fallon hosting on the screens in the tram.

You’ll also see movie posters on either side with the debut year.

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The Soundstages

Along the tour you will pass various working soundstages along with some of the current and past films and shows that filmed there.

Stage 12 is the busiest and biggest with over 29,000 square feet.

It was home to films like Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, all three Jurassic Park movies and Back to the Future.

Soundstage 12 was also home to the iconic NBC tv series, “The Voice.”

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Residential Streets

You will come across various general-purpose sets like residential streets, Main Street Squares and more where films like:

• Desperate Housewives
• The Good Place
• The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
• Nacho Libre
• Back to the Future

Along the tour, you will experience various special effects demonstrations and staged events. Here is what you can see, with it being subject to availability:

Jupiter’s Claim

The most recent addition to the studio tour is the Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s “Nope.”

This is the actual western theme park set from the film that was disassembled during pre-production and debuted during the tour the same day as the film’s opening.

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King Kong: 360 3D

With your 3D glasses, you will enter Skull Island and go through a harrowing adventure, encountering various twists, turns and creatures not seen since days of dinosaurs.

And yes, you will encounter Kong!

If you have ridden the Kong attraction at Universal Islands of Adventure, its almost shot for shot the same experience.

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Fast and Furious: Supercharged

This is another 3D experience within the tour that takes you through the streets with Dom Torretto and the cast of the Fast and Furious Franchise.

It is an exact copy of the attraction at Universal Studios Florida.

Pyscho: Bates Mansion & Bates Motel

One of the biggest draws for the studio tour is the Bates Motel and Mansion.

At the mansion, you will pass by the mansion with Norman awaiting you on the porch. As you leave, you will narrowly escape his attack as he approaches with a rubber knife.

At the hotel, you will come across Norman carrying what seems to be his most recent victim and putting them in the trunk.

Once spotted, he slowly comes for the tram with a rubber knife.

Disaster Zone

Here you’ll journey through the disastrous wreckage of the Boeing 747 from Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds.

It’s one of the most amazing, yet terrifying set pieces on the whole tour!

If you do the Universal VIP Experience , you’ll be able to get even closer and walkthrough the actual wreckage.

Flash Flood

During your tour, you will stop in the street of a Mexican Village and a storm will quickly roll in.

Suddenly, you will be caught in the midst of a flash flood, watching as the storm waters rush towards you from down the village hills.

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Graveyard of Movie Cars

Here you’ll get to see some of the most famous cars from your favorite movies such as the Harry Potter Films, the Flintstones, Jurassic World and more!

This is one of my favorite scenes on the Hollywood Studio Tour.

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Jurassic Park

The Tram tour continues through the Isla Nubar set , encountering some silly dinosaurs along the way.

Along the way, you will get to see props and pieces from the Jurassic Park films.

Another extremely popular staged event during the tram tour is encountering Bruce.

As you drive through the harbor area , everything is peaceful and serene.

But if you have seen the film, you know it’s not all it seems. Bruce eventually makes a shocking appearance!

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The tram tour enters a San Francisco Subway Station underground when a sudden 8.3 earthquake hits.

This effect is achieved with a hot set, in which certain props stay in place and won’t move.

The hot set features flooding water, a derailed subway train, a gasoline truck crashing through the roof with fire and spark effects.

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History of the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

For context, Universal Studios Hollywood is still a working film studio.

It’s on top of being a theme park nestled within the glimmering San Fernando Valley hills of Universal City.

To this day, it is still one of the oldest film studios to exist to this very day.

While some like myself also visit to enjoy the shows and attractions that the theme park side offers, one should ALWAYS make time to enjoy the studio tour.

In fact, this is how Universal Studios Hollywood started its roots as a theme park!

The Early Days of Universal Studios Hollywood

Back in 1914, Carl Laemmele purchased a ranch in the San Fernando Valley and Universal City was born!

It included the studio itself, a working zoo, its own police force and mayor, along with Native Americans living on the land.

On March 14, 1915, Universal Studios had a two-day grand unveiling with approximately 10,000 guests in attendance.

Later on, for the price of 5 cents (about $1.50 in today’s money), visitors could come and see everything that went on inside the huge studio while it was cranking out movies.

At the time, Universal City was still rural, and visitors were able to purchase fresh produce.

Their admission included a boxed lunch with chicken as well!

However, because of the rise of “talkies” or Movies with sound in 1927 and the fact that sets were not yet soundproof, the tour was ended in 1930.

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Once MCA (Music Corporation of America) took over in 1962, it was suggested that the tour be reopened once again to increase revenue.

The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour was revitalized on July 15, 1964, and technically that is the day the theme park was born.

Upon its return, it featured dressing room walkthroughs, peeks at productions and later down the line, staged events.

One of the early issues was giving things for younger children to do.

Earlier parts of the tour included the Ark Park petting zoo, which was an expanded version of the zoo already on site.

It boasted 200 animals and birds representing over 30 different species.

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The Flash Flood Scene is Added to the Studio Tour

In 1968, the Flash Flood scene was added due to a screen actors guild rule that stated that visitors couldn’t visit soundstages.

This meant they couldn’t show as much of the real experience and improvised with these special effects addition.

It proved extremely successful with 20,000 gallons of water rushing down the street of a Mexican Village.

In 1970, the Animal Actors Stage School was opened, which sadly recently closed to make way for the rumored Fast and Furious roller coaster.

Many things have come and gone with the tour such as a King Kong Encounter, a Battlestar Galactica laser battle, a rockslide and a collapsing bridge.

Today, the tour still remains one of the most popular attractions at the park, featuring tour guides, some who would later become celebrities in their own right.

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What to Know Before You Go to Universal Studios Hollywood

Now that you know what to expect on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, let’s go over a few of the most commonly asked questions.

How much does the Universal Hollywood Studio tour cost?

The tour is included in the price of your Universal Studios Hollywood admission ticket.

Is the Universal Studios Tram Tour accessible?

Yes, there is accessibility seating and other options available for you on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour.

How long does the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood last?

The tram tour can last anywhere between 45 mins to an hour so make sure you use the restroom before you get in line.

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What time does the tram tour run at Universal Studios Hollywood?

The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood runs from park open to an hour before park close.

Am I allowed to take photos and videos on the Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Tour?

Yes, you are welcome to film unless otherwise stated by the tour guide.

Does the tour stop for breaks or to walk around?

The tram tour does not stop until it returns to the station where you loaded in.

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Can I use an Express Pass for the Universal Hollywood Studio Tour?

Yes, you can use the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass for this attraction.

Is this attraction suitable for children?

There may be certain sequences that may scare children so I would recommend using your judgment and knowledge of your child ultimately to determine if its appropriate.

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7 Beginner Tips for Riding the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

• Try to make the tour one of the very first things you do for the day as the line gets longer once the park opens.
• The best place to sit on the tram depends on what specifically you wish to see. My favorite is in the middle on the right side.
• Be mindful to go to the bathroom prior to boarding as the tour will not stop.
• Before entering down the walkway entrance, to your left hand side on the building wall is a board that will tell you everything that is filming that day and what you may see on your tour.
• Make sure to eat something and bring water with you just in case.
• The tour ends about 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to park close so plan accordingly.
• Best time to do the tour is first thing in the morning, lunchtime between noon and 1 p.m. or close to park close.

My Final Thoughts and Review on the Universal Studios Backlot Tour

The Universal Studio Hollywood Studio Tour is not only one of the most favored attractions at the park, but a favorite amongst the studio tours in the city.

It has a storied history and is fun, exciting and puts you right in the middle of some of your favorite past and present television and film productions.

And as mentioned before, it is the reason why the park exists today.

It’s a great way to take a break from the excitement of other attractions from the day.

Plus, it truly will leave you with stars in your eyes saying “Hooray for Hollywood!”

Let us know if you have done the Universal Hollywood Studio Tour and what you liked about it in the comments section below!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.

She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.

She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.

(Original Article Date: July 10, 2023/Updated by Editor on March 2, 2024)

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Guide to the Studio Tour 60th Anniversary Celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood

Happy 60th Anniversary to the World-Famous Studio Tour! This beloved attraction isn’t just a fan favorite; it kicked off a series of innovations that completely reshaped the themed entertainment industry. To honor this game-changing tram tour, Universal Studio Hollywood has a whole bunch of vintage-inspired fun in store from April 26 to August 11, 2024 .

A (very) quick history lesson: The Studio Tour began in 1964 as Universal Studios’ humble effort to get tourists onto the lot to pay for lunch at the commissary. Guests paid $2.50, hopped aboard a candy-striped “GlamorTram,” and got to peek at film sets, a stunt show, a makeup demonstration and a costume show. In doing so, Universal effectively demystified the movie-making process, as film sets had until then been largely closed off to the public. But beyond that, the Universal Studio Tour birthed a series of innovations that changed entertainment forever. Showcasing practical effects on the Studio Tour led to creating thrill rides based on beloved movies, which led to…well, what Universal Studios Hollywood is today. 

Six decades and over 200 million guests later, the Studio Tour basically invented the modern theme park. So how could Universal not throw a party for it? Here’s everything you need to know about the celebrations for the 60 th Anniversary of the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood .

A Special Edition Studio Tour 

Even if you’ve been on the Studio Tour before, you’ve definitely never experienced what the 60 th Anniversary of the Studio Tour has to offer. Naturally, the biggest Studio Tour celebrations are happening on the attraction itself. The whole tour is getting a makeover for its anniversary, including updated decor, new scripts for the tour guides, and new media content (featuring new celebrity cameos) you’ll watch on the tour.

The trams themselves are getting in on the fun, too: several will be made up to look like old school, candy-striped Glamor Trams, just like those from the 1960s. Plus, new (and oh-so quiet) electric trams will take guests cruising through the past in modern style. 

Step Onto an Iconic Movie Set 

The 60th Anniversary Studio Tour is so much more than a makeover. For the first time in decades, guests will get to step off the Studio Tour trams and experience the studio backlot by foot! Once the tram reaches a certain well-known movie set, you’ll get to deboard for some extra special photo ops. Not only will you get an opportunity to get up close and personal with an old-school Glamor Tram, but you’ll get unique photo ops inspired by some of Universal’s most adored blockbusters. Some of those include special, cinematic AR filters, but we’ll keep that as a fun surprise. 

And, just a heads up, you are on one of the creepiest sets in movie history. Keep an eye out for a certain someone lurking around the set. He just might be amenable to a selfie — if you’re lucky. 

Experience Historic Studio Tour Moments

The World-Famous Studio Tour is always a fun history lesson, but this special version will really relish in the legacy of this iconic attraction. Several iterations of the Studio Tour have traversed the studio backlot. That means celebrated experiences have come and gone, including the Parting of the Red Sea, the Ice Tunnel, and so many more. This year’s gussied-up tour will give you a taste of those retired moments: as you pass the location of an erstwhile Studio Tour moment, the tram screens will display what Classic Moment used to be there. For history nerds like me, this is huge.

Even better, though: one of those Classic Moments is returning to the World-Famous Studio Tour for this celebratory event! The Runaway Train , which originally ran from 1974-1985, will be in the backlot for the 60 th Anniversary of the Studio Tour. (An archival photo of the original is shown above.) If you want to see an old-school attraction up close, you’ll definitely need to take a spin on the Studio Tour this summer. 

A New Look For a Beloved Classic 

One beloved Studio Tour moment has a whole new look for 2024. “Earthquake – The Big One” which replicates an 8.3 Richter scale seismic shift inside a 1989 San Francisco BART station, has been revamped as a modern subway stop, complete with electric bikes and sleek white tiles. Don’t worry, “Earthquake – The Big One” hasn’t lost any of the thrills its namesake promises. Complete with a fire, a ceiling crashing in, a gas tank sliding into the station, a flood — all fabricated with practical effects, of course – the 21st century spin on the crowd favorite won’t disappoint. 

Celebratory Food and Beverage Offerings

What’s a celebration without party food, right? Throughout the festivities, Universal will have special, retro-inspired eats, drinks and desserts available throughout the park. Here’s what you can expect on the food and beverage front:

Special Edition Popcorn Bucket

Great news for collectors: for the 60 th Anniversary of the Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood is rolling out one of its more adorable popcorn buckets ever. Classic Universal cartoon character Woody Woodpecker helms the Studio Tour on this delightful snack vessel. Woody might not actually drive the Glamor Tram in real life, but let us dream, OK?

Festive Drinks

The park has two celebratory drinks on tap to honor the 60th. And they are both, in a word, extra — in the very best way. First is the non-alcoholic Lava Lamp , a swirl of Sprite, alcohol-free blue Curaçao, grenadine and sparkling cranberry juice, topped with blue raspberry Pop Rocks. 

For the 21+ crowd, there’s the Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend , a vodka hibiscus lemonade; the Shark Bite , a tequila-based drink with tropical vibes and a shark lollipop; the Old Hollywood , with whiskey, a root beer liqueur and cream soda; and the rum-based Kong Tiki which, appropriately, uses banana and other fruit flavors. When I said extra , I meant it. 

Celebratory Snacks

Guests can enjoy 60th Anniversary snacks on-the-go, too. City Snack Shop , a to-go stand flanking Production Plaza on the Upper Lot, is offering giant pretzels shaped like the number 60, special edition Banana Breath Popcorn (that’s caramel + banana chips), and a whole lineup of commemorative sugar cookies — including one shaped like a candy-striped Glamor Tram. Just don’t forget to Instagram it before you take a bite!

Nostalgic Meals

You’ll find the bulk of the Studio Tour 60th Anniversary offerings at Hollywood & Dine and Mel’s , two eateries located on the Upper Lot. Hollywood & Dine will boast a drool-worthy slate of sandwiches — smoked brisket, BBQ cheeseburger, BBQ pulled pork, and BBQ grilled chicken — all on adorable Woody Woodpecker buns. Over at Mel’s, guests will nosh on fried chicken and meatloaf served on throwback combo trays. It’s just so charmingly ‘60s, isn’t it? 

Delightful Desserts

If you’re a can’t-skip-dessert person like me, you’ll be particularly amped for the Studio Tour 60th anniversary. Over at Hollywood & Dine, guests can dig into sweets inspired by Woody Woodpecker’s pal Chilly Willy: the Chilly Willy Funnel Cake, and the Chilly Willy snowball. Film Reel Cookie Sandwich, which is a sugar cookie with cream filling shaped, yes, like a film reel. Lights! Camera! Dig in! 

Down on the Lower Lot, Studio Scoop has whipped up some throwback treats for the festivities, too. You might need a buddy to dig into Kong’s Ice Cream Sundae, a gigantic banana split topped with strawberry, chocolate, waffle cone chunks, candy bananas, whipped cream, banana chips and a 60th Anniversary cookie. If you don’t have a Kong-sized appetite, try the Glam Tram Cone: vanilla soft serve with a strawberry flavor swirl, also topped with a 60th Anniversary cookie. 

And don’t miss out on the big daddy of ‘em all: the 60th Donut. It’s technically two donuts covered in blue icing and candy pearls, because we’re just that serious about celebrating. 

PRO TIP: In-between sundaes and donuts, keep your eyes peeled for blue signs reading HERE BACK THEN all throughout the theme park. When you scan the QR code, you’ll get a look at the retired attractions or shows that used to stand in that same spot. 

Limited-Edition Throwback Merch

The Studio Tour 60th aesthetic is looking cute . Inspired by the red and white stripes on the original Glamor Trams, these shirts, jackets, hats, mugs, cups and so much more will be available at Universal Studio Store at CityWalk , Universal Studio Store (inside the theme park) and Production Central (also inside the theme park) all celebration long. Because we all want a piece of history all to ourselves, right? 

That’s what’s on the docket for the Studio Tour 60th Anniversary celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood! What’s your favorite part of the backlot tour? Let us know in the comments below. 

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Grace Perry

Senior Editor, Universal Studios Hollywood. Lisa sun, Smithers rising, Disco Stu moon.

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14 comments.

The Studio Tour has always been mine and my husbands favorite ride! It’s so much fun, with so must nostalgia and love for the movies. I absolutely love the back lot tour, the king kong ride, the jaws drive-through, the old Western flooding sequence, and the war of the worlds set. The fact that you can get on with food and drinks too is such a great bonus! I hope they repurpose the fast and furious section (due to making it a ride in the park) into something else. I also which there was more to the “Nope” attraction. Overall – it’s always a highlight of our days in the park and a must-see ride everytime we’re there.

We love to hear about how much you enjoy The World-Famous Studio Tour, Elise! Can’t wait to see you again!

We’ve been to Universal Hollywood before, but I never went on the Studio Tour that time (I was in a different section of the park while the rest of my family went on it). I hope to check it out for the 1st time when we go there again in June. Of course I also hope the “Fast & Furious” section of the tour becomes something different by then.

Not to mention I’ll most likely buy one of the limited merchandise, considering that I’m a fan of Woody Woodpecker.

Awe we will be there April 25th and miss it by a day. Is there a chance the current studio tour will be closed at all in preparation for this event?

Does the special 60th tour come with the tram lot tour or is this an extra price?

Hi Jamie! The 60th Anniversary celebration is included with valid theme park admission.

Universal Studios is our, husband and my, favorite amusement park! We often have annual tickets. We always go on the tram tour. Each time it’s different. Each time it’s awesome. The most fun is bringing others along to enjoy what we love. Sharing is caring. I’m not going to miss this event. See you soon!

We can’t wait to see you!

That’s excellent as coming from Australia and when I got my tickets was yet to be announced. Something to look forward to that’s for sure. See you guys there from the 3rd of May. Will be my 8th visit.

We can’t wait to see you there, Brett!

I had a Celebrity Annual Pass for the tour every year starting around 1981 (I was eleven) when it was about fifteen bucks and went each spring & summer break over and over and over again — until I finally auditioned to be a guide in 1987, which started my entire career. So this stuff hits me in a very happy place.

I want one of those popcorn buckets — and I love that they’re adding video content of the tour history on-board. And the return of the Runaway Train!!!

The Popcorn Bucket is a must-purchase!

Can’t wait to see the new Earthquake!

Can’t wait to see you, Jennifer!

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Universal Studios tram crashes, injuring 15 riders

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Rebecca Miller was prepared for a killer shark, King Kong and other make-believe frights when she joined the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot tour Saturday evening with her family — what she wasn’t expecting was the intrusion of some real-life drama.

Miller, her husband and two children got on one of the park’s last trams of the night and were behind a four-car tram that crashed and injured 15 people, who were taken to hospitals with non life-threatening injuries, authorities said. Her family’s tram, which they boarded close to 8:30 p.m., had passed the King Kong and T. rex attraction and had just made it to a display of famous movie vehicles when it suddenly stopped.

“We’re like, ‘Ok, maybe they are having technical difficulties,’” recalled Miller, 39, of Victorville, who was in the first car of her tram train along with park employees. “And then as it went on, it was like, this is a little odd. Then their radios started getting messages and we noticed a whole change in their demeanor.”

The Los Angeles County Fire Department received an emergency call from the park shortly after 9 p.m. and responded to the scene.

The last car on the tram ahead of Miller’s struck a rail when it was traveling down a hill near a parking structure, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Maria Abal said Saturday evening. “There was some type of issue with the brakes. We don’t exactly know what yet,” he said.

The park’s tram can hold more than 100 people, Abal said, but it was unclear how many were onboard at the time of the incident. The collision caused several passengers to fall out of the car, according to the Sheriff’s Department, which provides security at the park.

Universal Studios said Sunday that it understood from authorities that the injuries were minor and it was working with the California Highway Patrol and other agencies to review the accident. It said “safety remains a top priority” and it has resumed the tour with a “modified route” and the reinforcement of “operational and safety protocols.”

The Highway Patrol did not provide an update Sunday.

Miller said her family was at the park for an event that drew thousands of Girl Scouts from around the region who were top sellers of cookies in the Scouts’ fundraiser, including her 8-year-old daughter Alanna.

She said her family was stuck on the tram until about 10:15 p.m. and stayed at the park, which remained open for the Girls Scouts event.

A passenger on an earlier tram that evening said their vehicle was stopped about 8 p.m. because of smoke and a noxious odor apparently emanating from brake pads. The passengers were transferred to another tram, according to an email sent to The Times.

The Universal Studios tram tour, called the World-Famous Studio Tour, is a signature attraction at the theme park. The park is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the ride beginning next week.

The tour goes behind the scenes of movie sets, including those of “Jaws” and Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” and offers a look into the last 50 years of Universal films.

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Tram crash at Universal Studios Hollywood leaves over a dozen injured. What happened?

A tram crashed at a Universal Studios theme park in Southern California on Saturday night, leaving 15 people injured.

Several passengers fell off the tram in the crash, which unfolded during a studio tour, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office told USA TODAY in a statement.

The theme park confirmed in a separate statement that the “tram incident” had resulted in “multiple minor injuries.”

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“We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident,” the theme park said.

What happened in the tram crash?

The crash came during the World-Famous Studio Tour of the Universal backlot. The four-car tram had just passed a "Jurassic Park" exhibit and was negotiating a turn when the last car collided with a metal guardrail, "causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers," the California Highway Patrol said in a crash report.

“There was some type of issue with the brakes,” Sheriff's Lt. Maria Abal told the Los Angeles Times. “We don’t exactly know what yet.”

An emergency call around 9 p.m. Saturday summoned rescuers to the park, which is part of the Universal Studios complex in Universal City in San Fernando Valley.

Fifteen tram passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment of "minor to moderate injuries," the Highway Patrol said, adding that drugs and alcohol were not considered to be factors. The agency will continue to investigate.

Aerial footage from KCAL-TV in Los Angeles showed paramedics treating several injured patrons and removing at least one on a stretcher.

A tram at the theme park can hold more than 100 people, Abal told the Times. She did not know how many people were on board at the time of the crash.

The tram tour is a top-drawer attraction at the theme park, according to its  website . The park is celebrating the ride’s 60 th  anniversary. The tram takes patrons behind the curtain on iconic movie sets, including “Jaws,” “King Kong” and “Fast & Furious.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tram crash at Universal Studios Hollywood leaves over a dozen injured. What happened?

Psycho House

See also Bates Motel

The Psycho House, from Inside Universal 1968

From the Universal Studios Hollywood website, 1999 ‘For one particular Alfred Hitchock thriller, the script called for Janet Leigh’s character, Marion Crane, to drive up a long and lonely road on a dark, rainy night, and search for a place to stay. Ms. Leigh found more than she bargained for when she stopped at a tiny motel with twelve rooms and twelve vacancies, run by a very odd man named Norman Bates. Of course the film was Psycho, and the house that Norman lived in above the motel has become one of the most recognizable in Hollywood.’

As you approach the front steps of the house and take a close-up look you will be struck by the fact that, unlike many of the one-sided sets or facades on the Backlot, the Psycho house actually has four sides and a roof.

And, if you look really carefully, you may still be able to spot Norman’s mother peering out of the upstairs bedroom window, still rocking in her chair.

The Psycho house was one of the big draws of the Universal Tram Tour back in 1964, and continues to be the subject of much interest even now. Over the years the house has been through a number of alterations and has even completely moved location twice after construction.

Psycho House Locations

‘Why is it on Universal’s lot? Isn’t Psycho a Paramount film? Psycho was the last film Alfred Hitchcock made for Paramount. By the time principal photography started, Hitchcock had moved his offices to the Universal lot and that was where the film was shot.

Design: The Psycho house was built from a number of Universal’s stock units to save money. The front of the house and the distinctive tower was the same as that used in the “Harvey” house on Colonial Street.

Originally it consisted of just the left wall and the front of the house. In 1963 (photos below), the other side wall was added, and then in 1983, the rear of the house was added.

The house set has been moved three times since it was originally built.

Psycho House 1970s

Location #1: 1959-1980 (approximate dates) The house appeared as above, on the hill above Singapore Lake (now the home of the Jaws attraction) and adjacent to Laramie Street . Until 1963, the house consisted only of two sides. In 1963, the other side of the house was added for it’s appearance in Invitation of a Gunfighter – originally the house was a shell with just two sides (front and left side) as that was all that was seen in the movie. The Psycho house was one of the main attractions of the early days of the tour.

Location #1a: 1980 – 1982 In December 1980, the Psycho House set was seen being dismantled. It next appeared painted pink in the 1981 Chevy Chase comedy ‘Modern Problems’ where the house appeared to have been transported to the beach. During 1981 major earthworks were in progress on the backlot to level the hill tops to create CityWalk and the new Upper Lot, along with the new Colonial Street and Falls Lake locations.

In 1982 the Psycho House appeared in ‘Coming Soon’ with Jamie Lee Curtis, directed by John Landis, looking back at 50 years of Universal horror movies. The house set appeared to be setup outside the Studio Mill building (above).

Location #2: 1982 – ?1986 – The house was moved to a more remote location in the pre-production period for Psycho II (1983). The area by Singapore Lake / Jaws Lake then became the site for The Chicken Ranch when it was moved onto the backlot following production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982). The reconstructed Psycho House set had a back section added, and around 30 feet of the Bates Motel was built for the movie. The rest of the motel (and the area beyond it) was done as a matte painting.

The new Psycho House location was on a plateau at the south end of Falls Lake (before the log cabin was built). The photo above is from the Halloween Knight episode of Knight Rider (1984) and shows a hazy Psycho House at the end of Falls Lake.

Location #3: ?1986 – present – Adjacent to Old Falls Lake (where the swamp scenes were filmed in the original movie) the house and motel have been recently restored. The house was in this position in 1986 when the Falls Lake backdrop was being built, and it’s likely it was moved when this construction work started.

Interior Sets

The interiors for the Psycho House (for the original Psycho movie) were shot on Stage 28 at Universal.

Photo Gallery

Mother Attacks the Tram

A well-known actor while shooting a big movie on the Universal lot back in 1999 dressed up as “mother” and leapt out from behind the Psycho house with an axe scaring the bejeesus out of everyone on the tram, including the guides. The movie was Man on the Moon and the actor was Jim Carrey. Tram operators spoke to the film crew for an explanation and they said he was just trying to channel the creative energy of Andy Kaufman (the comedian he played in that movie). He wanted to repeat the stunt some years later in full Grinch make-up but the studio publicity department refused as the make-up was being kept under wraps until nearer the release date. He finally succeeded in repeating the stunt (albeit in a more rehearsed way) on the Conan O’Brien show in 2009.

Mother Prop Head

The prop head made for Psycho was given to the Cinemathique Francaise museum in Paris by Hitchcock in 1961. It can be seen there to this day. Thanks to UniversalDreamer for the information and the following photos.

The Psycho House on Screen

As well as it’s debut appearance in Hitchcock’s Psycho in 1960, the house has appeared in many other movies. Although the modern TV series ‘Bates Motel’ features the iconic characters, the show is filmed in Canada, so the Universal backlot version of the house is not featured. However, actor Freddie Highmore (who plays Norman Bates) paid the Psycho House a visit, in this video clip produced for Comic-Con in 2013:

• Bates Motel
• War of the Worlds

Seen on Screen: Universal Studios Hollywood [Psycho_House]

Universal Studios Tram Tour Crashes Into Guardrail, 15 People Hospitalized With Minor Injuries

No one was seriously hurt when the last car of the backlot tour hit a guardrail and ejected riders, fire officials say

The calamity was real this time for riders of the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour over the weekend as one of the cars hit a guardrail, sending 15 people to the hospital with minor injuries, Los Angeles fire officials said.

The Saturday night theme park ride – which over the years has simulated for tourists everything from earthquakes and floods to a shark attack and a plane crash – got real when the trailing car clipped a guardrail, tilted and ejected some of its passengers, according to a social media post from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

No one was seriously injured. Fifteen of those who were hurt were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“The tram had just passed the Jurassic Park Cars and was making a turn to head northbound on Avenue M. Due to unknown reasons, while negotiating the turn onto Avenue M, the last car of the tram collided with a metal guardrail on the right side of the roadway causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers from the tram,” police said in a subsequent statement.

TRAM ACCIDENT | FS51 | 3900 Lankershim Blvd #StudioCity | #LACoFD at 9:05 units were dispatched to a tram accident where 15 patients were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. CHP will be the lead investigatory agency for all further inquiries. #StudioIC — L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) April 21, 2024

The statement said the crash was still being investigated, and that drugs or alcohol are not suspected to be a factor.

“Saturday night on the Studio Tour, a tram collided with a guardrail while making a left turn,” Universal said in a statement to multiple media outlets. “Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor. We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority. We have resumed Studio Tour operations with a modified route and are reinforcing our operational and safety protocols.”

The tram tour is among Universal Studios’ most visited attractions. The slow-moving multi-car tram takes riders through the backlot and includes multiple stops, including famed movie sets and sophisticated simulations like King Kong- and “Fast & Furious”-themed special-affects sequences.

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Universal studios tram crash, injuries minor and tour resumes, universal studios hollywood backlot tour tram crash ... ejected guests' injuries minor, tours resume.

4/22 9:33 AM PT -- The CHP says the tram was making a turn when the last car collided with a guardrail, causing it to "tilt and eject multiple passengers."

While initial reports claimed one passenger suffered critical injuries ... Universal says that based on agency reports, the "injuries sustained by guests were minor."

They continued, "We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority."

Park officials also stated tours have now resumed with a modified route.

A tram crashed during one of Universal Studios Hollywood's world-famous studio tours, with 15 park-goers taken to local hospitals.

The LACFD responded to the theme park just after 9 PM ... and while details about the incident are sketchy, authorities say most people suffered only minor injuries, but one person's was critical.

The L.A. Times reports the last car in a four-car tram hit a rail while traveling down one of the hills, and there was "some type of issue with the brakes," according to LACS Lt. Maria Abal .

CHP is investigating the crash.

A spokesperson with Universal told THR , "There was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries, confirmed by the LA County Fire Dept."

The statement continued, "We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident.”

The tour, which debuted in 1964, takes guests on a tour of the backlot to see where many famous film and television shows were filmed over the years -- including "Jaws" and Jordan Peele 's "Nope."

Originally Published -- 4/21 5:35 AM PT

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15 people injured in universal studios hollywood tram crash, authorities say.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

By Carly Thomas

Carly Thomas

Associate Editor

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Fifteen people were injured when a tram crashed at Universal Studios Hollywood on Saturday night, according to authorities.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department shared on social media that it responded to the theme park just after 9 p.m. for reports of a crash.

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“Fifteen passengers were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment and evaluations with minor to moderate injuries,” the statement added. “The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not considered to be a factor in this crash.”

A spokesperson with Universal Studios Hollywood shared in a statement to THR Saturday night, “There was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries, confirmed by the LA County Fire Dept. We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident.”

Late Sunday afternoon, a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson shared an updated statement: “Saturday night on the Studio Tour, a tram collided with a guardrail while making a left turn. Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor. We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority. We have resumed Studio Tour operations with a modified route and are reinforcing our operational and safety protocols.”

Starting next week, Universal Studios Hollywood is also celebrating the 60th anniversary of the ride, which they called the “World-Famous Studio Tour,” after its debut in 1964.

April 21, 11:41 a.m.: Updated with statement from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

April 21, 5:25 p.m.: Updated with new statement from Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Universal Studios tram ejects ‘multiple passengers’ after crashing into guardrail; 15 people taken to hospital with minor injuries

More than a dozen people suffered mostly minor injuries when a tram used for tours crashed into a railing at Universal Studios Hollywood near Los Angeles, authorities and the company said.

Los Angeles County Fire Department units responded shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday to the theme park in Universal City, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of downtown LA, the agency said in a social media post.

The California Highway Patrol said that while the tram was negotiating a turn, its last car collided with a metal guardrail, “causing it to tilt and eject .”

The fire department said 15 people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. The highway patrol’s statement on Sunday said some of the injuries were moderate, but didn’t specify a number.

A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson confirmed in an email to The Associated Press that there were “multiple minor injuries” but didn’t provide details on the accident.

Sheriff’s Lt. Maria Abal said the four-car tram used for movie studio backlot tours might have experienced an issue with its brakes.

The highway patrol is leading the investigation. The agency said alcohol and drugs were not considered a factor.

The tram circuit, called the World-Famous Studio Tour, offers a glimpse behind the scenes of Universal movies including “Jaws” and Jordan Peele’s “Nope.” The theme park will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tour starting Friday.

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