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Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates 60 years with this new Studio Tour experience

Universal Studios Hollywood reissues iconic Glamor Trams as the world-renowned Studio Tour celebrates a milestone 60 years. (Photo credit: Victoria Wall Harris/Universal Studios Hollywood)

LOS ANGELES - Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the Studio Tour's 60th anniversary this season with a new, "experiential" addition to their popular Los Angeles back lot tours. 

While guests are normally confined to keeping their arms and legs inside their vehicle during the tour, beginning April 26, Universal Studios Hollywood is flipping the script. The park invites guests to get off the tram to pose for photo opportunities in front of some legendary movie scenes, like Universal's "King Kong" and "Jaws" sets.

For a photo opportunity like never before, the anniversary event will also feature the first-ever original replica of the Hollywood Sign situated along the iconic back lot for guests to get up close to the iconic landmark.

Universal Studios Hollywood reissues iconic Glamor Trams as world-renowned Studio Tour celebrates a milestone 60 years. (Photo credit Victoria Wall Harris/Universal Studios Hollywood)

Other notable attractions include the renovated debut of Universal's "Earthquake – The Big One," which features a realistic 8.3-magnitude quake, and a large Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur display. The 60th-anniversary elements offer guests new ways to immerse themselves in Hollywood's most iconic scenes – and take the photos to prove it.

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"The Studio Tour is a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests," said Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Vice President and General Manager Scott Strobl. "We are thrilled and honored to share our enthusiasm for its historic relevance with guests both new to the experience as well as those who have journeyed with us along the way."

As part of the Studio Tour 60th anniversary celebration, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a selection of specially created, highly themed food and beverages, available from April 26-August 11, 2024. (Photo credit Victoria Wall Harris/Universal Studios Hollywood)

The anniversary celebration also includes new eatery options, including BBQ brisket sandwiches and BBQ chicken sandwiches from Hollywood & Dine, burgers and chili dogs from Mel's Diner, ice cream from Studio Scoops and cookie sandwiches from City Snack Shop.

Universal Studios Hollywood's 60th anniversary event runs from April 26 through August 11, 2024. Click here for more information and for tickets .

Universal Studios Hollywood

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Universal Studios Hollywood - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Universal Studios Hollywood General Admission Ticket (From $109.00)
• Los Angeles: City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour (From $49.00)
• Private and Small Group Universal Studios LA Tour from San Diego (From $500.00)
• Los Angeles Private Transfer to or from Universal Studios. (From $99.00)
• Hollywood Private Transfer to/from Universal Studios or Burbank. (From $39.00)
• (0.30 mi) Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City
• (0.39 mi) Sheraton Universal Hotel
• (1.04 mi) The Garland
• (0.68 mi) Blvd Hotel & Studios
• (1.16 mi) The Tangerine
• (0.05 mi) Three Broomsticks
• (0.09 mi) Lard Lad Donuts
• (0.15 mi) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
• (0.08 mi) Krusty Burger
• (0.10 mi) Starbucks
• (0.03 mi) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• (0.03 mi) Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods
• (0.03 mi) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• (0.15 mi) iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Hollywood
• (0.08 mi) Moe's Tavern

Today's Park Hours 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Visit CityWalk 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Get Ready for the Ultimate Hollywood Movie Experience!

Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling Theme Park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family.

Parking and Directions to Universal Studios Hollywood

Review our most updated information before your visit.

The World-Famous Studio Tour

Explore the largest and busiest motion picture and TV studio in the world. More movies and television shows have filmed on this lot than any other lot in the world.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle, and experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you into a world of magic and excitement.

Jurassic World – The Ride

Climb aboard an unforgettable journey with imposing prehistoric creatures that first roamed the earth more than 65 million years ago in our epic adventure.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Join Gru, his daughters and the mischievous Minions on a heartwarming and thrilling ride.

The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

Join Max, Duke, Gidget, Snowball and all your favorite Pets characters for a thrilling ride through the streets of New York City.

Experience a tidal wave of explosive action at WaterWorld – Universal Studios’ #1 rated show.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™

Enter through the towering castle gates and make your way down the familiar passageways and corridors of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

King Kong 360 3-D

Come face to face with King Kong 360 3-D created by Peter Jackson. It’s the world’s largest, most intense 3-D experience.

Fast & Furious - Supercharged!

Hold on tight for the grand finale of the Studio Tour, Fast & Furious – Supercharged!

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride

If you dare, face heart-pounding special effects and unexpected twists at every turn as you escape the Mummy’s revenge in life-like horror.

TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D

TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride 3D is an immersive, next generation thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

Springfield, U.S.A.

Enter the world of The Simpsons™ like never before and visit downtown Springfield, U.S.A.

Foreign Language Studio Tours

We offer Studio Tours in Spanish on select days. Please check digital boards located throughout the Park for tour times during your visit.

Explore where fun is always unexpected to experience movies like Hollywood directors, dining for every taste, shopping & entertainment that will surprise and delight.

• Black Out Calendars
• Calendar and Hours
• Getting to the Park

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Everything about tourist attractions

Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour – tickets, prices, discounts

The World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood is a 60-minute tram ride to explore a real working movie studio behind the scenes.

It is also known as Universal Studios Hollywood backlot tour or the studio tour.

During this tour, you will visit 13 city blocks of the studio (also known as the backlot), built with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg.

It is one of the most important experiences at the Los Angeles tourist attraction and is included with every  Universal Studios Hollywood ticket . 

This article covers everything you must know about the World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Top Universal Studios Hollywood Tours Tickets

# VIP Tour ticket # General Admission ticket # Express Ticket

Table of contents

King kong 360 3-d, fast & furious – supercharged, earthquake – the big one, flash flood, boeing 747 from war of the worlds, amity island’s jaws, bates hotel & mansion, celebrity guides of the studio tour, studio tour’s timings, how long does the studio tour last, best time to take the studio tour, vip backlot access, what to expect on the studio tour.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit for movie buffs, and the studio tour is the closest visitors get to movie-making. 

It takes you behind the scenes where movies are made and where Hollywood’s biggest stars work daily. 

During the world-famous studio tour, you will learn about Hollywood’s filmmaking secrets and see the world’s most extensive street movie set.

Buy tickets in advance The  General Admission ticket  helps you skip the ticket counter lines and save money. Select the Express Ticket  on the booking page if you want to skip both the ticket counter lines and the ride queues. Follow the link to find out more about Universal Hollywood Express Pass . If you are on a budget holiday, there are many ways to score discount tickets at Universal Hollywood .

Here are some of the highlights of the backlot tour –

The award-winning King Kong 360-3D created by Peter Jackson is the world’s most enormous 3-D experience and is included with every  Universal Studios ticket . 

During this experience, you will get caught in a terrifying struggle between a 35-foot T-Rex and King Kong.

During the Universal Studios Hollywood’s King Kong ride, your heart will pound, and you will be scared, but you will ask for more when it is over!

Fast & Furious – Supercharged At Universal Studios Hollywood is a 3-D immersive attraction that takes you into all the movie action.

You will ride along with the all-star cast from the hit movies on an exhilarating high-speed chase that exceeds 195 km (120 miles) per hour and catapult you into the world of fast cars and international crime cartels.

The length of the attraction is 247 meters (809 feet) — longer than two football fields – and uses cutting-edge, hyper-realistic special effects on the world’s most expansive 360-degree canvas.

The Fast and Furious ride, which you will experience during the World-Famous Studio Tour, is not a roller coaster.

Recommended Reading: Minimum height requirements at Universal rides

Universal Studio’s Earthquake experience is designed to look like an 8.3 Ritcher scale earthquake in a San Francisco subway station.

When the tram tour reaches Stage 50, the earthquake starts. 

The whole station starts shaking, a burning gasoline truck collapses through the roof; a subway train derails, and a flood of water rushes in. 

Even as there is chaos everywhere, your tram starts shaking. 

The attraction resets itself within just 15 seconds and gets ready to welcome the next studio tour tram.

Before booking your tickets, find out everything about the  different kinds of tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood .

Visual Story : 13 must-know tips before visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

The Flash Flood effect at Universal Studios happens on a winding street running through a Mexican village. 

Even as you are enjoying the ‘rain effect’ and ‘thunderstorm effect’ from your tram seat, the guide announces that there has been a flash flood and water is rushing down from the hill.

A wall of water (10,000 gallons!) rushes down the hill, scares the guests, and drains off. 

The massive Boeing 747 set used by Steven Spielberg for his movie  War of the Worlds  is next to the Psycho house (remember Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho?).

The outdoor set was erected at an exorbitant cost – US$60,000 for a decommissioned plane and US$200,000 to cut it into pieces and transport it to Universal Studios Hollywood.

It got used for three days of shooting in 2005 and is still available for guests to walk around and explore. 

Recommended Reading: Universal Hollywood to Disneyland Park

The Amity island set, used in  the Jaws  movie, got included in the Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Tour a year after Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film.

Guests see a moving shark animatronic from the film, which usually scares them.

The Jaws attraction is a recreation of a few buildings seen on Martha’s Vineyard, where the entire film was shot on location.

During the studio tour, you will see both the Psycho House and the Bates Motel.

Since Alfred Hitchcock wound Psycho’s shooting in 1960, the sets have been moved around the backlot a bit. 

You will also see Norman Bates hanging around the motel if you are lucky. 

Occasionally he is moving around a dead body, and if he sees you seeing him, he chases your tram with a knife!

Is the Studio Tour scary? Some of the  rides at Universal Hollywood , such as Jurassic Park, Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey , and Revenge of the Mummy, can be terrifying for some. However, putting a scare quotient on the Studio Tour is difficult. During the studios’ backlot tour, you will be seated in a tram and exposed to loud sounds, intense shaking, extreme water, fire effects, etc., which can scare some kids and adults. 

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Comedian Jimmy Fallon, the star host of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” shares entertaining clips during your tour. 

He augments the live Studio Tour guide’s narration, and you can see him on the HD monitors in the trams.

Visitors love his jokes and laugh their hearts out during the tour. 

Occasionally, the tour has special guests who hop on and serve as a guide. 

Studio Tours are available in Spanish on special days. On the day of your visit, look for digital boards throughout the Park for tour times.

Backlot Tour at Night During the peak season, guests can go on a night tour of the studio’s backlot. If you visit during the peak summer, we recommend doing both the regular Studio and Nighttime tours. The  General Admission ticket  can also get you access to the nighttime tour.

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The Universal Studios Hollywood opens some days at 8 am; on some days, it begins at 10 am, and its closing time varies seasonally, from 6 pm in winter to 11 pm during peak summer. 

Check the daily hours in advance of your visit.

The World-Famous Studio Tour trams start an hour after the park opens and end an hour before the theme park shuts down for the day. 

The Universal Studios Hollywood tour lasts about 60 minutes, and you get a peek into the world of movies. 

The tram travels through the Front Lot, Backlot, and various attractions, passing sets and props from numerous movies.

Some tourists have claimed that their tours lasted only 45 to 50 minutes, which is possible during crowded days.

The best time to take the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour is late morning, afternoon, or early evening because the temperature increases and waiting times for the Universal rides are high .

It is better to go on the Studio Tour mid-way through your visit when you are tired and would prefer to sit down and enjoy the 60 minutes of the tram ride.

The World Famous Studio Tour trams stop before Universal Studios Hollywood closes, so don’t wait till the last tram departure.

Opt for  Universal Studios Hollywood’s VIP Tour , which includes exclusive access to the Universal Studios Backlot, if you want to get a closer look behind the scenes. 

You can access areas not available to regular ticket holders with the  VIP Tour ticket . 

You will tour the movie industry’s busiest sets in a special trolley and disembark to explore famous outdoor locations.

The VIP ticket also gets valet parking, light snacks, refreshments in the private VIP lounge, unlimited priority access to all rides and shows, and a gourmet meal in the private VIP dining room. 

Sources # Universalstudioshollywood.com # Wikipedia.org # Blog.discoveruniversal.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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Priyanka Dwivedi

Since she doesn't want to leave anything to chance, she prefers sightseeing with the assistance of a tour guide or a city map. She also prefers to visit one place during one holiday, and leave nothing unexplored. During her vacations, she takes long walks, pondering the most profound philosophies of life. Favorite Cities: Prague, Lisbon, Vienna, Munich, Nice

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Guide to Los Angeles' Studio Tours

 Universal Studios

Going on a studio tour in Los Angeles is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite TV and movie sets. As a tourgoer, you'll get to see some of the most iconic backdrops in town, from Monica's apartment on "Friends" to the RV from "Breaking Bad"—but access is limited and be aware that your favorite movie scenes might actually be just a bunch of warehouses full of lights, cables, and set pieces.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros.' studio tour in Burbank entails both walking and riding in a cart around to working sets (although rarely are there any actors around). It's the most expensive of the studio tours, but that's because it's a bigger studio and it's also home to some of the most familiar stages like "Friends," "Big Bang Theory," the Harry Potter series, and more. There's even a working Central Perk Café on-site. The regular tour takes three hours and there's also a deluxe version that takes six hours.

Paramount Studio Tour

TripSavvy / Kayte Deioma

Two-hour cart tours of the studio behind the famous Paramount Arches are offered several times a day. Here, you'll see the Bronson Gate, the New York Street Backlot (which is designed to look like NYC), and the Prop Warehouse. You might recognize things from "Forrest Gump" and "I Love Lucy." The VIP Paramount Studio Tour includes a gourmet lunch and talks with archivists and last four hours, 30 minutes long.

Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Michael Kovac / Getty Images

The two-hour guided walking tour of Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City includes photo opportunities on the "Jeopardy" set and in front of the mobile meth lab from "Breaking Bad." Tours are offered four times a day Monday through Friday, but they can get very busy—probably because this is one of the cheapest studio tours in town—so it's recommended to make a reservation beforehand.

Universal Studios Tour

Universal Studios Tours are unique in that they're actually part of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park . You'll have to pay theme park prices to take the tram tour, which includes special effects sets so you get to experience earthquakes, floods, car crashes, "King Kong" in 3D, and a "Fast and the Furious" simulation along the way. You'll also get to see outdoor backlot sets that have been used in TV shows and famous movies like "Psycho" and "War of the Worlds." The route is ever-changing depending on which sets are in use.

Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio & Museum

Rick R.1 / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in Newhall, north of Los Angeles, is a working set for everything from westerns to war movies. Its museum houses nine decades of movie memorabilia, including the famous "Dukes of Hazard" car. Tours of the 22-acre lot are only available for groups, but if you come in April, you might be able to attend the annual Cowboy Festival  (that is if it doesn't get relocated due to filming).

Paramount Ranch

Patrick Slaven / Flickr CC By-NC 2.0

In addition to the Paramount Studio Tour, you can also visit Paramount Ranch , located in the Santa Monica Mountains. This old western movie set was built back in 1927 and operated for 25 years. After that, it changed hands numerous times, until the National Park Service finally took it over. It is still available for use as a film set or for weddings, but it's open to the public, so you can sometimes watch filming from afar. The ranch is a hub for surrounding hiking and equestrian trails. Best of all, it's free to visit. 

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Hollywood Studio Tours

Which are the best.

This post covers the most enjoyable movie studio tours in and around Hollywood.

With so many historic studios in the area, it might be difficult to pick just one to visit.

Taking a studio tour is one of the top things to do in LA .

• Studio Tours
• Celebrity Homes Tours
• Ways to Save on Tours
• LA TV Show Tickets
• Things To Do in Hollywood
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

STUDIO TOURS

Interestingly enough, there are quite a few differences between the tours offered at each studio, and that should make it easier to figure out which tour best fits your expectations.

Ticket prices vary from $62 per person to literally thousands of dollars.

However, 3 of the tours, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios are included for free or at a lower cost in several tourist attraction passes. 

It's also worth noting that the length of these tours can run from roughly an hour to almost a week.

With all of that said, let's start talking about what each movie studio offers with their tours.

• Warner Bros.
• Sony Pictures
• Universal Studios
• Paramount Pictures
• Adventures by Disney: Disney Backstage

At the bottom of this post , we share some thoughts and opinions from members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook.

Our group comprises roughly 9,000 locals (like our tour guides), tourists, returning visitors, and newbies to LA.

You don't need to be a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

Below is a summary of our post on Warner Brothers Studio tours , where we also provide tips on planning your trip.

If you're in the market for a somewhat normal tour on the backlot, this might be one of your best bets.

In addition to seeing movie sets and sound stages from some of the most notable movies in film history, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a few specific activities.

  While on this movie studio tour, you'll be able to re-create a famous scene from the hit television show Friends , climb aboard Harry Potter 's broomstick, and even create your own Batmobile.

Warner Bros. even offers an interactive sound stage that explores the entire process of making a film from start to finish.

At three hours in length, this tour is probably the longest duration of all of the options in Hollywood.

• $70/adult | $60/child
• Availability: Thursday - Monday
• Hours: Every half hour from 9 am - 3:30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Available in both English and Spanish
• Click here for more information .

TIP: This tour is included for free with the purchase of the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Tourist Pass .

You can also combine this tour with the Universal Studios tour using the combo deal below!

With an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars , it's fair to say that this Hollywood studio tour is very well rated ( read reviews here ).

Some guests have gone so far as to suggest that this trip is worth every single penny.

Visitors were typically very happy with their tour guides, referring to them as both friendly and informative. 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

This might be the most affordable movie studio tour in Hollywood, and it's also one of the most historic. Do note, that is is a walking tour.

While on this tour, you'll see the sound stages where they recorded classics such as The Wizard of Oz and superhero flicks like Spider-man .

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see where Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are recorded.

Although they don't make any promises, there's always a chance that you'll run into someone famous on this active studio back lot!

They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store.

Tickets 

• $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour
• Availability: Monday – Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

Tip: Admission is usually included for free with the purchase of at least one Los Angeles tourist pass .

With an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's clear that this is a pretty popular Hollywood studio tour.

Customers really appreciated the opportunity to see several historic filming locations and learn a lot about the process of making a movie.

Although some reviewers were unhappy that this is a walking tour, others simply appreciated the opportunity to see where film history was made.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

This is where things get interesting, as Universal Studios has essentially made their tour one of the services offered at their amusement park.

In other words, you need to buy a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood in order to experience this studio tour.

Clocking in at only one hour in length, this is definitely the shortest studio tour available. Check out this video of Stephen Spielberg giving a tour of the site.

In addition to seeing the back lot, you'll also experience attractions such as the Jaws ride, King Kong 360 in 3D, Bates Motel and Fast & The Furious : Supercharged.

Although it will cost more to take this tour, it's worth noting that your ticket lasts all day and guarantees access to all of the rides. 

• $119-$139/adult | $109-$129/child
• Availability: Daily from 8 am - 6 pm
• Duration: 1 hour
• Click here for ticket information .

TIP:   Universal Studios Hollywood is included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass. Read about all the opportunities for deals in our full post .

Despite the higher price tag, this movie studio tour has still received quite excellent ratings ( read reviews here ). The overall Universal Studios Hollywood experience has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars .

A few visitors have even suggested that this trip around the studio is worth the price of admission.

Although most customers feel that the ticket price is a bit high, even the critics can't deny that they had a blast. 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Unlike the other movie studios, Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours.

The main tour is 2 hours long and covers quite a lot of ground on the backlot.

However, if you want to experience more, their VIP tour lasts for 4 ½ hours and includes access to several additional areas.

The VIP tour also provides a gourmet lunch at a unique location in the studio.

Alternatively, you can also choose a 2 ½ hour night tour that reveals a lot of historic locations such as notable theaters and original film vaults.

No matter which option you choose, you'll learn a lot about the history of Paramount.

• $65 for the studio tour | $215 for the VIP tour
• Availability of Studio tour: Mon-Fri, every half hour from 9 AM - 3:30 PM
• Availability of VIP tour: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 AM
• Duration of Studio tour: 2 hours
• Duration of VIP tour: 4 ½ hours
• Click here for additional information .

Reviews for the Paramount Pictures Studio tours are very positive, averaging a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. 

Some visitors referred to the excursion as a movie buff's dream, while others were just impressed with how much they learned and discovered.

Some reviewers indicated that Paramount alters the tour slightly depending on the season, ensuring a nice variety of topics and locations to cover no matter when you decide to buy a ticket.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: DISNEY BACKSTAGE

You had to figure that Disney was going to be a little more expensive, but the actual cost of this week-long experience might shock you.

To be fair, the package includes meals and accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This Disney backstage adventure includes a tour of the Walt Disney Studios & Archives, an Imagineering tour, a Hollywood walking tour, and a tour of the Jim Henson Company.

Most of these tours are only available via this week-long package. The entire itinerary takes six days to complete, and it will keep you busy with plenty of fun activities from start to finish. 

• $4,999 for Adults | $4,749 for Children
• Availability: 2-4 times per month
• Duration: 6 days
• Hotel accommodation included
• 11 Meals included
• VIP Disneyland ticket included

As you can probably imagine, the testimonials for this experience are quite positive ( read reviews here ).

Some guests even noted that they made friends with their tour guides and continue to stay in touch with them to this very day.

Additionally, customers also appreciated the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes areas that bring the history of Walt Disney to life.

One visitor even suggested that this trip allowed them to become kids again as they explored secret and wonderful locations at the happiest place on earth.

COMBO DEALS

If you're looking for a better price on these tours and other activities in Hollywood, you might want to consider one of the following combo packages.

Studios like Warner Bros. and Universal often work with tour companies to provide their services at lower prices.

There are several options to mull over, and almost all of them provide additional tours and services.

If you plan on spending more than one day in Hollywood, these combo deals are definitely worth a look.

GO CITY LOS ANGELES ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS

There's a reason that this is one of the premier attraction passes in Los Angeles.

In addition to offering access to a variety of notable locations, they also provide admission to some studio tours.

In particular, you can enjoy the Universal Studios tour, the Warner Bros. Studio tour and (sometimes) the Sony Pictures Studio tour with one version of this pass or another.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour is currently only offered with their Explorer Pass, and you'll need to purchase at least a 3-Day All-Inclusive pass to get admission to the Universal Studios tour .

Given that this tourist pass also supplies tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, it's fair to say that the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass could be a real bargain.

• $109 for 1-day pass
• $164 for 2-day pass
• $284 for 3-day pass
• $344 for 4-day pass
• $374 for 5-day pass
• $434 for 7-day pass
• $99 for 2 choices
• $119 for 3 choices
• $144 for 4 choices
• $154 for 5 choices
• $189 for 7 choices
• This attraction pass is available every day of the week
• Includes up to 3 movie studio tours

Read our post comparing the different tourist attraction passes available in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking for transportation to and from each movie studio tour, the following services are available.

The advantage of these combo deals is that you won't have to pay for parking, gas, or car rental in order to visit each location.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with each package.

Take your time and enjoy the studio tour without having to worry about anything else!

• Not currently available as of January 2024

CELEBRITY HOMES TOUR COMBO PACKAGES

These combo deals provide both a celebrity home tour and a movie studio tour.

Each option includes transportation not only around Hollywood but also to and from the studios.

While some of these services use a mini-bus, others drive you around town in a luxury sedan or an SUV.

Each company offers both hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expect these outings to last for between 6-8 hours on average.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Movie Star Homes Tour (Starline Tours) - $119/Adults | $99/Children
• Alternatively, we offer our own self-guided celebrity homes tour .

This might be a good way to save even more money if you don't mind doing a bit of driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we provide the details of what each tour offers, costs, and other information, here you can see what members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook have to say.

There are plenty of fans of the Warner Brothers tour.

And some enjoyed Paramount as well.

If you have to choose only one, between Warners or Paramount, these members’ insight may help.

Universal Studios received mixed reviews. Some people felt it was a waste of time and money.

On the other hand, Issa had a fantastic time, so much so that she wrote a very long post detailing her time there and how to make the most of your visit.

Take a look at our Los Angeles Travel Tips group for more recommendations, opinions and advice.

You don't need to join to read comments, but if you do join you can post a question regarding the studios!

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Top 5 Studio Tours in Los Angeles

The new year is here, and we’re all about bringing you the best things to do in LA, whether you are homegrown and live here full time, or if you have friends and family visiting and would love to show all that our beautiful city has to offer. One of the best ways to gain insider access to Hollywood’s glitz and glamour is through studio tours. The four major studio tours in LA provide a chance to get up close and personal with celebrities and production teams as they create movie magic and TV history. You’ll also get to go deeper into some of the classic films and see just how imaginative and resourceful studios can be when it comes to getting the perfect sound, visuals and storyline. If you’re lucky, you also may see a dreamy movie star or TV actor buzzing by you in their golf cart on their way to set. Here are four of the main studio tours in LA, plus an extra special behind the scenes tour of what is widely considered the happiest place on earth. 

Pro Tip: The studio tours can fill up quite quickly, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. Also, each studio lot has their own parking procedures and some are cash only, so be sure to have that information on hand before you go. Finally, the studio tours can vary in both price and time, and you can follow our guide below to get clear on which experience is right for you! 

photo by: Warner Bros Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Location: Burbank 

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is our first pick for many reasons. First, from the time you enter the parking garage to the time your tram takes off on the lot, you are given movie star treatment. We love that although the tour can be quite large in the number of attendees, it feels like your own private experience with only 10-12 guests at a time on the tour. The Warner Bros. Tour has a great mix of both driving by numerous outdoor sets and sound stages and ample opportunity to wander around on your own. At just under three hours, this tour was the longest one we went on, and we still were left with wanting more. Our highlights included the new Storytelling Showcase highlighting nearly 100 years of Warner Bros. The new grand finale delights fans of the DC Universe and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts with recreated sets, authentic props, costumes, and memorable photo opportunities. Gilmore Girls fans will also delight in getting to walk around some very familiar scenes, and there are some great photo ops at ‘Central Perk’ and in front of the iconic Friends fountain! For the fashion lover, you can marvel at some of the original costumes and outfits worn by stars like Lady Gaga in A Star is Born and the cast of Crazy Rich Asians.  Get tickets here !

  Bonus: A fter you work up an appetite walking around the studio, head to The Smokehouse in Burbank for a martini, steak, or just to admire the many old Hollywood stars that frequented the joint. Legend has it that The Smokehouse was also George Clooney’s go-to restaurant for many years while filming ER. 

Photo by Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Tour

Location: Universal Studios, Universal City 

This tour is SO much fun and packs so much within the 60 minute run time. The studio tour is included with park admission, so you can spend the whole day going on rides and then hop on the tour for a nice relaxing break. Comedian and The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon makes a (pre-recorded) appearance as you get to travel throughout one of the world’s biggest TV and movie production lots. We loved the exclusive behind the scenes look of the Jupiter’s Claim set on Jordan Peele’s latest horror movie, NOPE. We don’t want to give away all the twists and turns on the ride, but let’s just say there are some jaw dropping moments that will leave you quaking with delight. 

Photo By Time Out

Paramount Studios Tour 

Location: Hollywood 

If you’re a movie buff looking for a classic Hollywood tour, look no further than the Paramount Studios Tour. From seeing the original Forrest Gump bench to the “little New York” city, Paramount has a large part in Hollywood’s history and future. Make sure to download their Paramount Studio Tour app, as it provides a fun extra bonus to see how the props in front of you were actually used in their respective movies. We loved the insider glimpse into Hollywood’s top TV shows like I Love Lucy and films like the original King Kong. Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours, and while their main tour is just about 2 hours long and covers much ground, the VIP also offers some extra perks including a gourmet lunch. 

Photo By Sony Pictures Studios

Sony Pictures Tour

Location: Culver City

The Sony Pictures Tour is our choice for when you’re in the mood to explore on foot, as this two-hour guided walking tour gives you the close up experience of a working studio. Create some great Vision Board pics by holding an Oscar and an Emmy Award, and visit sound stages once used for giant films like The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black and Spider-Man . Swing by smash-hit games shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune . Our favorite was the scoring stage and we left having a deeper appreciation for the labor intensive process of making a movie and all the integral parts within production from start to finish.

Photo by Disneyland

Adventures By Disney Backstage Tour 

Neighborhood: Hollywood and Disneyland, CA 

Okay, we’ve done the movie thing and now we’re ready to celebrate in the land of the Magic Castle and Mickey! If you really want to go big with plenty of activities and a week long excursion of fun and magic, the Disney Backstage Adventure is six fun-filled days long days and includes a tour of Walt Disney Studios & Archives, a Hollywood walking tour, and tour of Jim Henson Company. The tour is on the lux side coming in just over $4000 per ticket for adults, but it also includes a bevy of amenities including coverage for most of your meals over 6 days, a VIP Disneyland ticket with your own private Disney Adventure guide, and hotel accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

Whatever tour you choose, we wish you a wonderful experience and have a feeling it will make you fall in love with La-La Land a little bit more. 

Here are more activities to do in LA and they’re F-R-E-E!

Meryl Klemow

Meryl is a performer, writer, podcaster, and animal lover! You can catch her across town producing her MIsh Mosh Comedy Shows and doing stand-up, listen to the chart-topping weekly comedy Campfire Sht Show podcast, and hopefully be not too offended from her apparel brand, Pre-Canceled. Meryl is friendly and would love to see photos of your dogs!

Universal Studio Tour in Los Angeles

A streetcar tour at universal studios hollywood.

The Universal Studio Tour is perhaps the main signature draw of Universal City, Los Angeles. Some know it as the Backlot Tour because it whisks you from the metropolis of glitz and glamor into the very movie sets where famous Hollywood flicks are made.

The whole thing lasts 45-60 minutes and takes place on a streetcar, which navigates the vast Universal Studios complex. You'll encounter some of the most iconic props and backdrops in movie theater history, not to mention lesser-known stages where A-listers work their magic. They include UFO-inhabited Sci-Fi sets and make-believe Mexican towns, dinosaur-ravaged jungles and shark-snapping water tanks.

Universal Studio Tour in Los Angeles - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles and 9 TV and Movie Moments in Los Angeles (Read all about Los Angeles here)

A short history of the Universal Studio Tour

The Universal Studio Tour has been the centerpiece of Universal Studios Hollywood since the attraction first opened its gates back in 1915. It's changed a lot over the last century or so. In fact, it began with spectators coming to see early movie sets on the site of a rustic ranch in the depths of the San Fernando Valley.

The 1960s saw the addition of nifty streetcars. Later again, hi-tech audio-visual experiences were dropped in to make it a whole load more immersive and exciting. That's what you get today, along with voiceover guides from Jimmy Fallon, Whoopie Goldberg and others.  

What are the highlights of the Universal Studio Tour?

There are plenty of highlights during the Universal Studio Tour. First off, you're standing on hallowed ground in the world of movie theater. The tour takes you to the beating heart of the Universal Studios Backlot. It's a place where big-name blockbusters aplenty have been acted out and made, with a history going back to the early 1900s.

You'll even get to see some sets in action. Take the Metropolitan Neighborhood. It's gotten a recreation of Midtown New York that's hosted the filming for Bruce Almighty and Austin Powers . Next, you could be lost down Wisteria Lane – the backdrop for Desperate Housewives. Then, it's a spine-tingling trip to the Bates Motel from Hitchcock's Psycho , if you dare.

Some spots will get the adrenaline pumping. An encounter with the great white's snapping teeth from the Spielberg mainstay Jaws comes to mind. So does the post-apocalyptic scenery of the War of the Worlds section.

Also, keep watch for live events. They're a special part of the Universal Studio Tour that transportation visitors behind the silver screen. Events change regularly but include the likes of festive shows by the Whos of Whoville, a close encounter with King Kong, or wobbling tectonics courtesy of the Earthquake set.

Good to know about the Universal Studio Tour

The Universal Studio Tour takes place in Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the biggest theme parks in Los Angeles. Find it on the Red Line of the LA metro. The entrance to the Universal Studios itself sits atop the hill close to the station. Don't worry, there's a free streetcar to whisk you straight there.

It's always a good idea to pre-book tickets for the tour – this is one of LA's bucket-list activities. Bring your own water and try not to come hungry. The journey through the star-studded Backlot takes about 1 hour and there's nowhere to stop for food. Thankfully, the ride is all in sun-shaded streetcars and there's an audio-visual guide to help you make sense of the attractions as you go.

Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA

Open: Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm, Sunday–Friday from 10 am to 6 pm

Phone: +1 800-864-8377

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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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.”

“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.”

Universal Studios tram crash: 15 people injured when tour vehicle hit guardrail

• Published: Apr. 21, 2024, 4:17 p.m.

FILE - The Universal Studios Hollywood officially reopens to the public at 25% capacity with COVID-19 protocols in place in Los Angeles, on April 16, 2021. A tram accident at Universal Studios in Los Angeles injured multiple people Saturday night, April 20, 2024, authorities and the company said. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) AP

• The Associated Press

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — 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 multiple passengers.”

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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Universal Studios theme park tram crash leaves 15 injured

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A tram accident at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles injured 15 people Saturday night, authorities and the company said.

Los Angeles County Fire Department units were dipatched to the theme park on Lankershim Boulevard shortly after 9 pm, the department said in a social media post.

The victims taken to area hospitals had minor injuries, the department said.

A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson emailed a statement to The Associated Press confirming there were “multiple minor injuries” from an accident involving a tram at the theme park.

The details of the accident were not immediately available.

The California Highway Patrol will lead the investigation, the fire department said.

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15 people injured in Universal Studios Hollywood tour tram crash

At least one person reportedly sustained critical injuries.

Lester Fabian Brathwaite is a staff writer at Entertainment Weekly , where he covers breaking news, all things Real Housewives , and a rich cornucopia of popular culture. Formerly a senior editor at Out magazine, his work has appeared on NewNowNext , Queerty , Rolling Stone , and The New Yorker . He was also the first author signed to Phoebe Robinson's Tiny Reparations imprint. He met Oprah once.

15 people were injured in a tram crash at Universal Studios Hollywood Saturday evening.

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the victims were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. KTLA, however, reported at least one person sustained critical injuries.

According to a statement from the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, "deputies responded to the lower parking lot of Universal Studios Hollywood regarding a tour tram collision. The collision caused several passengers to fall out of the vehicle."

The trams are used in the theme park's signature Studio Tour, transporting guests through iconic Hollywood film sets. It's unclear what caused the crash, or if any other vehicles were involved but LASD tells Entertainment Weekly that the "cause of the accident is still under investigation and there is no further information at this time."

The LACFD Public Information Office confirmed the incident in a tweet , writing "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."

“There was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries, confirmed by the LA County Fire Dept," a spokesperson for Universal Studios said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly . "We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident.”

Earlier this month, Universal Studios Hollywood was hit with a lawsuit stemming from a 2022 incident in which passengers claim they were stranded while riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an attraction that takes guests through notable locations in  J.K. Rowling 's Wizarding World, including the Great Hall, the grounds of Hogwarts, and the Quidditch pitch.

Want more movie news? Sign up for  Entertainment Weekly's  free newsletter  to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

Related content:

• Passengers 'stranded' on Harry Potter ride for over an hour sue Universal Studios, claiming 'severe injuries'
• Videos from Universal Studios tour go viral amid L.A. floods from Tropical Storm Hilary
• Universal Orlando hides Kenan Thompson in concept art for new theme park land

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15 injured in tram accident at Universal Studios

A group of amusement park visitors were injured Saturday evening after a Universal Studios tram accident in Los Angeles, California.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department was dispatched to the scene shortly after 9 p.m. P.T. Saturday night and transferred 15 patients to local hospitals with minor injuries.

According to California Highway Patrol, a studio tour was underway and the tram was making a turn following the "Jurassic Park Cars" attraction.

"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," the state agency said.

The injuries were evaluated as "minor to moderate," according to California Highway Patrol. Neither drugs nor alcohol are being considered as a factor for the accident.

A spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed the accident in a statement but provided no details to the circumstances.

"We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident," the spokesperson said.

Universal Studios is owned by NBC News’ parent company, NBCUniversal.

According to the park’s website, the tram tour is set to celebrate it’s 60th anniversary on Friday.

The Universal Studios Tour offers park visitors a chance to ride a tram through behind-the-scenes locations of some of the studios famed films while tour guides impart some of the history of the lot.

Many of the locations are still utilized for filming so the locations may change. One popular attraction on the tour that has been consistent includes recreations of scenes such as a "Jaws"-style shark attack.

Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.

Emilie Dorn is an NBC News assignment editor.