backlot studio tours

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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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Fast forward to 2023 and the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is still great – but has been streamlined with even more unique experiences for visitors.

Buying Tickets And Starting The Studio Tour

The ticket buying process is simple – you can purchase them online and see right away which tours are still available. The studio has a paid parking garage which is immediately next to the entrance where you’ll start your tour.

You’ll begin the experience with a video presentation that lasts about ten minutes and gives a nice overview of the studio’s history, location, and what you can expect as the tour begins.

As you exit the theater, one of the tour guides will drive you around the backlot on a small tram that holds about 15 people. It’s not a crowded experience – each tour is quite intimate and you shouldn’t have any trouble at all hearing the trivia tidbits or seeing things they’ll point out along the way.

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour finally begins!

You’re likely to see some notable locations as you cruise around the lot. For fans of the show Friends , you’ll see where they filmed the introduction of the popular sitcom and splashed around in the “Friends fountain.” You also may spot the Tanner’s San Francisco home from Fuller House or the cafe featured in Shameless . Be on the lookout for the courthouse – it’s used in many films but notably was where Batman & Robin went to visit Commissioner Gordon in the 60s TV series Batman .

While you’re on the backlot tour you’ll likely stop to see one of the actual production sets for a current television show. Back in 2007 – I remember getting to visit the sets of The West Wing; ER; and Gilmore Girls. Since I don’t watch much television these days, I wasn’t really familiar with the sets we were able to see this time. The good news is – even if you don’t know the show, it’s still really interesting being on a sound stage and seeing how they produce television programs.

You’ll also likely visit some of the empty facades which line the streets of the backlot. It’s interesting to hear which classic films or shows previously used the same buildings – with different paint jobs or decorations. Warner Brothers is known for making good use of everything they already have built! It’s cool how many of these buildings you get to see during the Warner Brothers Studio Tour!

Dress Appropriately For The Tour!

The first part of the tour is almost completely outside (the tram has no doors or windows) and you’ll be subject to whatever the weather happens to be doing. Bring a light jacket in the winter months or prepare to be hot in the summer months.

Explore Warner Brothers Studio Tour Visitors Center

The second part of the tour takes place in a visitors center where you’re able to take as much time as you want to explore. You can even grab a bite to eat! It’s here where you are able to have some really interesting hands-on experiences and learn about the production process that takes place at Warner Brothers.

You’ll have a chance to try your hand at voiceovers and see how sound effects are produced for films. You’ll learn about the process for creating a musical soundtrack and how to creatively use camera angles. There are quite a few wardrobe pieces on display from notable films and even a section of drawing cartoons – like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.

See The Set of Friends and Big Bang Theory Set

The most popular attraction for guests at the visitors center is getting to see the Friends set. The iconic sitcom is still popular and people love getting the chance to sit on the Friends couch.

Personally, my favorite part of the Warner Brothers Studio Tour was having the chance to sit in Sheldon’s spot on the set of The Big Bang Theory. For no additional charge, you can have your photo taken while you visit the set Friends or see the Big Bang Theory set. (They also offer a paid version if you’d prefer a higher quality image. I just used my Iphone!)

Now on to the third and final part of the Warner Brothers Studio Tour – a tram whisks you away to another building that’s connected to where you started your tour. This building has memorabilia and artifacts from various Warner Brothers productions like Batman Returns, Superman, and Harry Potter. (I’ve honestly never seen Harry Potter – but if you read the books or watched the movies – this is something you’d probably really enjoy.)

Again – you’re allowed to take your time browsing and once you’re finished, you’ll exit back into the main lobby where you can go through the Warner Brothers Studio Tour gift shop or head back to your car in the garage.

Is Warner Brothers Studio Tour Worth It?

Overall, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a great bargain if you’re looking for the best backlot tour in Los Angeles. If you can find a southern California resident to tag along – the tickets are about $10 cheaper!

You can find tickets and tour times on their website . They also offer a “deluxe” tour experience for a much higher price – but for the average person – the general tour is going to be more than enough.

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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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• Hollywood’s original and most

  beloved Movie Studio, up-close!

• Discover the Studio's rich history at

  the new Tour Center and

  Prop Warehouse

• Explore iconic filming locations:

  New York Backlot, Bronson Gate,

  Soundstages, and more

• Walk among Industry Talent,

  Producers, and Crew that call

  Paramount home

• 2 hours, daily

• True, behind-the-scenes,

  "insider" experience

• Exclusive VIP Studio access to

  Paramount's Archives and Backlot

• Meet Archivists and Backlot

  Tradesmen as they share

  their craft

• Private gourmet breakfast, lunch, or

  afternoon hors d’oeuvres in a

  unique Studio location

• 4 ½ hours, weekdays

Explore over a century of Hollywood history and witness

more in the making. During your visit, you’ll see where some

of the most celebrated motion pictures and TV shows are made.

You'll arrive a welcomed guest and leave a true industry insider.

• An intimate look behind Paramount's

  iconic gates

• Discover the Studio's rich history and

  explore iconic filming locations at the

  Tour Center, Prop Warehouse,

  and more!

• 3 hours, weekdays

© 2 024 Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

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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. Learn more about the history of the Studio Tour right here .

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. 

PRO TIP: So many classics were shot in Courthouse Square, but “Back to the Future” fans know the set best as downtown Hill Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for a familiar scientist (and vehicle!) once your tram reaches this memorable locale. 

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 Cosmic Pop , 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 Glitz and Glamour , 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 Banana 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. 

Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

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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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The Backlot at Universal is full of memories and history. Every corner you turn on the Studio Tour trams reveals another familiar view. Below you can find more in-depth information than the tour guides have time to give.

Copyright 2011 by J. Kilmer and Lucid Star Media

Aerial Photos

• Above Falls Lake (Set Storage Area)
• Bates Motel
• Brownstone Street
• Chicken Ranch
• Colonial Street / Wisteria Lane
• Court of Miracles
• Courthouse Square
• Denver Street
• Hollywood Terrace
• Home and Family House
• Little Europe
• Mediterranean Square
• Mexican Street
• New York Street
• Psycho House
• Singapore Lake
• Six Points Texas
• The Appian Way
• Train Station
• Wilderness Road
• 1957 Backlot Fire
• VIP Tram Fire
• Blue Parrot Hotel / Monkey Bar / Boragora
• Colonial Mansion
• Colonial Street – Church
• Colonial Street – Schoolhouse
• Dabney House
• Freeway Park
• Georgetown Avenue
• Hubbard House
• Industrial Street
• Kramer Park
• Marnie House
• San Francisco Street
• Square of Warriors / Spartacus Square
• Sting Alley
• To Kill A Mockingbird Street
• Tower of London
• Uncle Tom’s Cabin / River Road House
• Warehouse Street
• Western Street 1964 to 1967

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.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

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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Updated May 14, 2021

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Universal Studios Tram Crash 'Propels' 11-Year-Old 'Violently Into Plexiglass Wall' But Family Won't Sue

A tram crashed at Universal Studios Hollywood and left more than a dozen people injured, including an 11-year-old girl. That family’s attorney is now speaking on their behalf.

The backlot tour at the California theme park is one of the most popular attractions on the property. Guests who go on the tour will experience behind-the-scenes elements, such as animatronics, sound stages, special effects, and more.

On Saturday, April 20, one of the backlot trams crashed into a metal guardrail, ejecting multiple people from the vehicle. Fifteen passengers were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Universal Studios Backlot Tram Crashes Into Metal Guardrail

The Murrieta family was aboard the tram that crashed last weekend, and they claim park officials are not being honest about how bad the crash was. 

“There was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries, confirmed by the LA County Fire Dept,” a Universal Studios spokesperson told KTLA at the time of the crash. “We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident.”

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but authorities have ruled out the involvement of alcohol and drugs.

“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," Universal Hollywood said in another statement, per AP News . "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."

11-Year-Old Girl ‘Propelled’ From Universal Studios Backlot Tram

The Murrieta family’s attorney is speaking on their behalf.

“He indicated it was incredibly dark at the scene,” Steven Dhillon, the family’s attorney, said. “Many victims were holding up their flashlights, trying to locate other victims, everybody was screaming. It was mass hysteria.”

According to KTLA, the California Highway Patrol, the backlot tram was passing the Jurassic Park exhibit when the last tram car hit a metal guardrail. Several people were injured as they fell out and onto the road. 15 people were transported to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

One of those injured in the accident was 11-year-old Sophia, who was ejected from the tram. “She was propelled so violently into the plexiglass wall in front of her,” Dhillon said. “It impacted her brain so much that it started to bleed. She’s been experiencing headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation. The list goes on and on.”

Sophia’s father also sustained injuries to his leg, back and shoulder. Her mom was also severely injured.

Universal Studios Hollywood Releases Statement

While Universal Studios claims they “are thankful that, based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor,” the Murrieta family’s attorney says otherwise. 

“The guard walls that come down on the tram were so weak that they gave out and allowed the individuals to be hurled outside of the tram,” Dhillon said. “This was by no means a minor accident with minor injuries. You don’t transport a dozen individuals to the hospital for minor injuries.”

The family does not plan to sue Universal Studios, but they hope officials will “step up and do the right thing.”

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Iconic Backlot Tour

The backlot tour takes Guests “behind the scenes and see where some of your favorite films and television shows were – and are – filmed. Now you can see the original Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s latest horror epic, ‘NOPE,’” per the Universal Studios website .

“This legit journey through the actual sets of some of your favorite movies and television shows is mixed with exhilarating attractions and entertaining insights, making it an educational thrill ride unlike anything you can experience anywhere else,” Universal Studios Hollywood added.

Celebrate 60 Years Of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Tour

When the backlot tour crash occurred, the park was prepping for its 60th anniversary celebration of the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, which kicked off Friday, April 26. 

“Don’t miss the all-new experience that lets you step off the classic tram and onto the studio backlot for a limited time,” Universal Hollywood said. “Explore an iconic film set, take part in immersive photo-ops, experience tour enhancements, and enjoy new themed food with collectible merchandise.”

Anyone with information on the incident can call CHP Investigating Officer L. Hawkins at 213-744-2331.

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Family’s attorney claims there was ‘mass hysteria’ after Universal Studios tram crash

A family recalls the fear they felt when the studio tram they were riding in crashed at Universal Studios Hollywood, leaving 15 people injured.

Since the incident, the Murrieta family claims park officials have downplayed the severity of the crash and the victims’ injuries.

“He indicated it was incredibly dark at the scene,” said Steven Dhillon, the family’s attorney. “Many victims were holding up their flashlights, trying to locate other victims, everybody was screaming. It was mass hysteria.”

Emergency crews responded to the park on April 20 just after 9 p.m., after reports of a crash taking place during the studio backlot tour attraction.

The tram was passing the Jurassic Park exhibit when, while making a left turn, the last tram car struck a metal guardrail on the right-hand side, according to California Highway Patrol.

The maneuver tilted the vehicle, causing passengers to fall out and onto the road. Emergency crews transported 15 people to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

One family visiting from Murrieta was injured in the crash, including 11-year-old Sophia who was celebrating her birthday at the theme park.

Sophia was ejected from the tram and her father suffered leg, back and shoulder injuries. The girl’s mother, however, was the most injured in the family.

“She was propelled so violently into the plexiglass wall in front of her,” Dhillon said. “It impacted her brain so much that it started to bleed. She’s been experiencing headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation. The list goes on and on.”

All three injured family members were treated at a local hospital and later released.

Universal Studios released a statement after the crash saying, “We are thankful that, based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor.”

However, Dhillon believes the tram was traveling unusually fast that night and that the windows and walls of the tram were not strong enough to protect riders.

“The guard walls that come down on the tram were so weak that they gave out and allowed the individuals to be hurled outside of the tram,” Dhillon said. “This was by no means a minor accident with minor injuries. You don’t transport a dozen individuals to the hospital for minor injuries.”

Although the family said they do not plan to sue Universal Studios, they are hoping park officials will “step up and do the right thing.”

The studio trams can hold over 100 people and typically travel at low speeds. It’s unclear how many people were on board when the collision occurred.

The Studio Tour remains one of the theme park’s most popular attractions, taking riders on a one-hour backlot tour of some of the most iconic film and television sets in Hollywood history.

Throughout the tour, guests experience several interactive elements including animatronics, 3-D motion, sound stages with special effects, and more.

The attraction is celebrating its 60th Anniversary celebration this year after debuting in 1964.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities confirmed that alcohol and drugs were not considered factors. Officials with the California Highway Patrol will be leading the investigation.

Anyone with information on the incident can call CHP Investigating Officer L. Hawkins at 213-744-2331.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.

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Disney World | Disney’s Hollywood Studios looks back and ahead…

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Theme parks, disney world, disney world | disney’s hollywood studios looks back and ahead on 35th birthday.

The park opened May 1, 1989, just more than a year before the debut of Universal Studios Florida, and they helped launch a new “made in Orlando” film era.

Wednesday’s festivities included a 15-minute program in the park’s Theater of the Stars open-air venue co-hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. The latter insisted the water fountain topped by a statue of her was the real icon of Hollywood Studios, not Tower of Terror.

The event included appearances by multiple characters from the “Fantasmic” show, current Walt Disney World ambassador Serena Arvizu, Hollywood Studios Vice President Jackie Swisher and several cast members who worked at the park on opening day and are working there these days.

“For 35 years, we have been a place where you can let your adventures begin,” Swisher told an audience of cast members and park visitors.

“We opened by bringing our guests into the world of movie-making and television production. ‘Mulan,’ ‘Brother Bear’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch’ were all filmed here,” she said. “And many TV viewers got their first look at rising stars such as Ryan Gosling and Justin Timberlake in the all-new ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ filmed right here.”

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Disney World’s third theme park opened under the name Disney-MGM Studios with an iconic water tower topped with mouse ears and named the Earffel Tower. Attractions included the Studio Backlot Tour, Great Movie Ride, SuperStar Television and the Monster Sound Show.

As the park’s mission morphed, it was rebranded as Disney’s Hollywood Studios in early 2008. Now it’s the home to attractions such as Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

“Now we’re a place where our guests can really live that adventure inside the stories they love. So we really immerse you into the movies,” Swisher said after the ceremony.

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Tom Vazzana, director of creative development, said he visited Disney-MGM as a guest on opening day.

“I remember walking through the gates and feeling like I was immersed in Hollywood,” he said. “I felt like movies were alive. And I remember going on the Great Movie Ride and being like ‘How are they doing this?’”

A few years later, Vazzana was cast in the park’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame” show.

“I feel like it was just really moments ago, and it really set the tone for my career,” he said.

Swisher and Vazzana said they were looking forward to an upcoming park addition, a stage show titled “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.”

“We’ve had the opportunity to refocus the telling of ‘The Little Mermaid’ story. It’s Ariel’s point of view. Ariel’s an empowered person with goals, and she makes her own destiny happen,” Vazzana said.

“We’re leaning heavily into beautiful technology so that everyone will be fully immersed in every scene both under the sea and on land,” he said.

The new show slides into the space previously held by “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” a show that didn’t reopen after WDW’s four month, pandemic-related shutdown in 2020. There will be new sights and sounds.

“We found the opportunity to add ‘Kiss the Girl’ [song], which I think adds so much heart to the story,” Vazzana said.

The new show will debut this fall, Disney has said.

Email me at [email protected] . Threads account: @dbevil . X account: @themeparks . Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters .

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Universal Studios Brings Out Ryan Gosling for the Ultimate Theme Park Stunt

The fall guy stunt show premieres at universal studios hollywood, and back to the future, ghostbusters, and jaws return to universal studios orlando..

Universal Studios Hollywood and the Universal Orlando Resort are bringing more blockbuster movie action to your summer vacations before next year’s Epic Universe opening. Things kicked off at Universal Studios Hollywood with the Studio Tour’s 60th anniversary and Ryan Gosling making a surprise appearance for a new, limited time pre-show based on his new movie The Fall Guy —which we have video of below!

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Meanwhile, Universal Orlando is preparing to bring back some of the theme park’s legendary icons from attractions past with new ways to experience Jaws , Back to the Future , Ghostbusters , and more in new daytime and nighttime entertainment offerings beginning June 4. Additionally, DreamWorks Land is set to open on June 14, which means you can soon take up space in Shrek’s beloved swamp across from the blessedly saved-from-being-demolished E.T. Adventure .

Here’s what you need to know:

Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood

Over the weekend io9 was invited to Universal Studios Hollywood to watch the premiere performance of The Fall Guy Stuntacular Pre-Show , performed ahead of the park’s cult fave Waterworld experience. What we weren’t aware of was that we were in for a stunt marketing surprise as Gosling—the film’s star, and a noted theme park fan—showed up to introduce it. It was a-unique-to-the-premiere stunt show, with the actor getting in some some of the action alongside director David Leitch; the performance was both meta and an homage to the stunts behind Hollywood blockbusters. It was a blast to see how the filmmakers and the theme park crew of stunt actors who work at Universal played off each other; it’s a small industry so it was really cool to see the collaboration in person. For a taste of The Fall Guy (sans Gosling, unfortunately) you can catch the pre-show all summer long before Waterworld .

Elsewhere in the park you can experience the celebration of the Studio Tour’s 60th anniversary, with new stops in the backlot. Now you can see Doc Brown and the DeLorean in Back to the Future ’s Court House Square, experience a new Earthquake section, see a T-rex, and get up close to classic red glamor tram cars with new photo ops.

Summer at Universal Studios Orlando

More blockbuster love comes to Universal Studios Orlando with new experiences that bring back iconic films. Debuting July 3 at Universal Studios Florida, The Universal Mega Movie Parade will see the return of Back to the Future , Jaws , and Ghostbusters to the parks alongside the Jurassic Park franchise,  E.T. , Illumination’s Minions, and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Kung Fu Panda . It’s set to be Universal Orlando’s biggest daytime parade with 13 brand new floats celebrating beloved Universal Pictures releases. “Guests will watch in awe as they see the massive 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man atop the Ghostbusters float,” according to a press release; and there’s also going to be a “live marching drum line perform the iconic movie score of Jaws alongside a float themed to the film.” Fingers crossed for a Beetlejuice float too.

For fans of drone light shows, no less than 600 will be used during Universal Orlando’s nighttime Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular. Starting June 14, the new nighttime show will bring the waters of the Universal Studios Florida lagoon to life with iconic scores and scenes from blockbuster films. It will encompass Universal Orlando’s past, present, and future attractions and will feature movies like Jurassic World , Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Trolls, Back to the Future, the Universal Monsters films, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy , and King Kong (but also please, give us more Beetlejuice ) . Through the use of projection, water screens, and buildings guests will be immersed in some of the most breathtaking moments of cinema, which is what we love about the parks.

DreamWorks Land

Welcome to Shrek’s swamp and beyond! DreamWorks Land will officially open on June 14 at Universal Studios Florida. You’ll be able to visit popular DreamWorks Animation locales, including Shrek’s swamp for a meet and greet, or ride attractions based on hit films like Trolls with the family-friendly Trollercoaster. There will also be a new show,  DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, that will give families an opportunity to enjoy a multi-sensory live stage performance with some of their favorite characters.

For more information, check out Universal Studios Hollywood and the Universal Studios Orlando Resort to plan your next trip.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel , Star Wars , and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV , and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who .

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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.”

On Thursday, Universal Studios Hollywood was also set to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the ride with a special backlot experience, however, the event has been canceled due to the crash, THR has learned. The in-park activities celebrating the anniversary will continue to take place from April 26 through Aug. 11.

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.

April 23, 1:50 p.m.: Updated with 60th-anniversary event cancellation.

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Breaking News

Universal Studios tram tossed “multiple” riders to the ground, accident investigators say

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A tram vehicle at Universal Studios Hollywood threw “multiple” riders to the ground after it struck a guardrail near props from the “Jurassic Park” film franchise in an accident that is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Details of the accident that took place Saturday night — amid the 60th anniversary of the attraction — remain sketchy, but the CHP said the agency has determined that drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the crash that injured 15 park visitors.

For the record:

3:01 p.m. April 22, 2024 An earlier version of this article said 15 riders on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram attraction were thrown to the ground. The California Highway Patrol said “multiple” riders were thrown to the ground and that a total of 15 were injured.

The tram was driving through the storied Universal Studios back lot shortly after 9 p.m. when the crash occurred, according to authorities.

The linked tram cars passed by a set of props from the “Jurassic Park” film franchise when the tram driver turned onto Avenue M and for some unknown reason the last car in the procession collided with the metal guardrail on the right side, the CHP said. This caused the tram to “tilt and eject multiple passengers from the tram,” authorities said in a news release.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department received a call for service shortly after 9 p.m. for the crash and 15 passengers were transported to a hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the scene but the CHP is the lead agency, a Universal Studios spokesperson said.

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“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,” Universal Studios said in a statement.

The theme park is working closely with authorities as Universal Studios continues its “review of the incident and safety remains a top priority.”

The Studio Tour tram ride, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this week, will continue to operate with a modified route and the theme park will reinforce its “operational and safety protocols.”

The status of the injured passengers was unclear as of Monday.

In many ways, the tram ride came to define the theme park.

Over the years, countless riders have enjoyed close encounters with a robotic shark depicting the blood-thirsty animal in the movie “Jaws,” a terrifying stop outside the Bates Motel from the film classic “Psycho” and a harrowing escape from the clutches of King Kong.

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Newer film franchises have joined the tour, including a stroll through a suburban neighborhood wasted by aliens from the 2005 film “War of the Worlds” to a western-themed sideshow from Jordan Peele’s 2022 movie “Nope.”

The tram tour got its start in 1964 when Universal Studios executives noticed that food sales at the studio commissary shot up after local tour buses were allowed past the studio gates to let fans get a glimpse of the back lot movie sets and props.

The first iteration of the attraction were the pink-and-white Glamour Trams, which carried about 38,200 riders in the first year. Passengers paid $2.50 for a two-and-a-half hour tour that included stops to see a stunt show and a movie makeup exhibition.

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Later renamed the Universal Studios Studio Tour, the trams have since endured real life fires, labor strife, a series of expansions and at least one fatal accident.

The theme park launched a renovation project in 2022 to begin converting the diesel-hydraulic powered vehicles to run on electricity to reduce emissions. It is not clear if the tram that struck the guard rail was a newer electric vehicle or an older version.

This is not the first time an accident happened at the theme park. In 1986, a park employee was run over by the tram during a special Halloween “Fright Nights” show . Paul Rebalde, 20, was stationed on a parked tram filled with mannequins dressed to look like corpses, the Sheriff’s Department said at the time.

While in costume, Rebalde was to leap from among the mannequins on the parked tram and frighten people passing on moving trams, but was trapped between the third and fourth sections of one of the four-section moving trams and was run over and dragged to his death, according to authorities. The Halloween-themed attraction was paused for several years and later rebranded “Halloween Horror Nights.”

More recently, a stunt performer was hospitalized after performing in the “Waterworld” show in January 2023 . The performer was set on fire shortly before taking a leap off a tower in the show’s finale. The “Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular” show is inspired by the 1995 Kevin Costner film and opened months after the movie’s debut.

Times editor Hugo Martin contributed to this report.

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Nathan Solis is a Metro reporter covering breaking news at the Los Angeles Times. He previously worked for Courthouse News Service, where he wrote both breaking news and enterprise stories ranging from criminal justice to homelessness and politics. Before that, Solis was at the Redding Record Searchlight as a multimedia journalist, where he anchored coverage of the destructive 2017 fires in Northern California. Earlier in his career, he worked for Eastsider L.A.

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Orchestral Recording Company Welcome to home page of “ORC” Orchestral Recording Company. Orchestral Recording Company is the only official North American representative of two major recording orchestras in Moscow, Russia: “Moscow Film Orchestra” (a.k.a. Russian State Cinema Symphony Orchestra) and “Moscow Studio Symphony Orchestra” We are premier booking agency for orchestral and studio booking in Moscow, Russia. ORC can offer you a various recording packages including: orchestras from 15-120 musicians, choirs (Mixed, Male, Female, and Children), exotic soloists, jazz ensembles, various studios and engineers. We can provide you with most cost effective scenarios suitable for your music budget. We’ll look after all the logistics of your music project, starting with initial budget estimates, travel arrangements and basically everything else you will need to successfully complete your music project. Duration of our recording sessions is 4 hours with flexible breaks. All necessary personal such as librarian, copyist and orchestra inspector are available at the time of the session. You can send all your scores electronically in advance in any standard format such as Sibelius, Finale, PDF or TIFF. We provide you with world-class orchestral recordings for fraction of cost compare to recording in the USA, Canada, or UK. All recordings are done on full buyout contract. The cost of recording with ORC is also highly competitive to the cost of recording with any other major East European Orchestras. If you have ever thought of recording in Moscow, you have come to the right place!

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