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What's New on Universal Studios Hollywood's 60th Anniversary Studio Tour in 2024?

NBC Insider took the summer glow-up Studio Tour for its Diamond Anniversary and we've got tips to share!

It's a big year for the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour . In operation since 1964, the tours have evolved massively across six decades, originating with their iconic red and white Glamor Trams to today's multi-car shuttles which wind around the sprawling Universal backlot. 

To celebrate their Diamond Anniversary of the Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood is giving guests lots of new experiences from now through August 11 to get a taste of what the tour was like back in the day mixed with all of its innovations today. 

NBC Insider recently jumped on a tram car to get a first hand perspective on the tour and we've got some tips on how to plan your day at the theme park with the Studio Tour for efficiency.

When should you plan to take the Studio Tour?

The entrance to the Studio Tour is on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. Make a right at The Simpsons  cross section and the dedicated escalators take guests down to the queue for the trams. If you want shorter lines, go earlier in the day. That's the best time to get on trams with less crowds. However, if you're looking for an escape from the sun, the Studio Tour queue is completed shaded and the tour itself keeps you covered even during the hottest times of summer days. 

Know that the Studio Tour is about one-hour long, but the special summer tour will add some extras that may extend your experience beyond an hour. Keep that in mind too if you have other places to be, are hungry or have timed shows to see.

What's different about the anniversary Universal Studio Tour in 2024?

Plenty! Going on a decade now, we're well-versed on all of the minute changes to the Studio Tour which are usually pretty subtle. But this special iteration has whole new routes, a lot of new video material with Master of Ceremonies Jimmy Fallon and Universal Pictures luminaries like Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, Jordan Peele and Jack Black, along with plenty of fresh movie history shared from the mouths of the tour guides.

Since the back lot is a working studio, not every attraction on the Studio Tour route will be available during the week. However, weekends give Studio Tour riders a better shot at seeing all stops because film and television shows are rarely in production on Saturdays and Sundays. That being said, the new route will oftentimes take riders through the city facades, past many of the massive sound stages and standing sets like Little Europe and the Western streets and the flooding street area used in many films and TV shows.

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The Courthouse Square is another area of note which features the clocktower from Back to the Future. This tour will feature a DeLorean and Doc Brown to greet you as you pass through. There's a temporary return of the 1976 Runaway Train which used to be part of the Studio Tour and featured warning bells and sirens to scare riders. There's also an amped up Jurassic World section which features a dimensional Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur and pens holding some cranky Dilophosaurus that screech and roar as you pass by in the tram.

As for attractions that are part of the Studio Tour, riders will still experience Peter Jackson's 3D Kong Island; a newly renovated Earthquake—The Big One attraction that reproduces the effects of a major quake; the Jaws lagoon attack; a ride through Jupiter's Claim from Nope and the 3D enhanced Fast & Furious - Supercharged finale. 

What's at the new step-off point in the middle of the Studio Tour?

Outside of the Halloween Horror Nights Terror Tram experience, this summer's updated Studio Tour is the rare time when riders can get out of the tram to walk amongst the Psycho motel and experience some unique photo opportunities. 

Midway through the tour, the tram will stop at a drop off point at the Bates Motel. There, you can walk amongst movie props, or take a picture next to Marion Crane's car, or an original, fully restored 1964 vintage Glamor Tram. There's also the best place to frame a photo op with the perfectly scaled replica of the Hollywood Sign setup just for this anniversary tour. 

Once you've had your fun in this area, around the corner is an even bigger area of photo ops where you can get yourself sitting pretty between two Fast and the Furious picture cars; cuddle up inside King Kong's fist or proudly reveal your humongous catch of the day, which is a more than life-sized reproduction of the shark in Jaws . 

Things to know as you plan your visit: on less crowded days, you can make the rounds of these photo ops quickly and then hitch a ride back on revolving trams that are ready to pick you up and continue the rest of the tour. On busier days, you will need extra time to queue for each photo op as there will be lines. Regardless, there will be a tram waiting for you to get back on when you are ready. And don't worry, there is cold bottled water available at this stop to purchase if you're feeling hot or thirsty. 

Are there collectibles to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Studios Tour?

Absolutely! Throughout the theme park and in the Universal Studios Store at the entrance, you'll find an array of fun shirts, mugs, magnets, and more emblazoned with vintage art that features the Glamour Tram. There's also a collectible popcorn bucket with Woody Woodpecker at the wheel of the Glam Tram that holds a lot of popcorn you can refill through the day, then take home to remember your trip. 

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If you're more of a foodie, there's a Dining Pass celebrating the 60 th  anniversary with special food offerings just for the summer event. Or you can individually purchase themed items at Hollywood & Dine or Mel’s Diner. And for snacks, check out Studio Scoops and City Snack Shop standalone outdoor food car on the Upper Lot.

Regardless of how you tackle the Studio Tour, remember that it's part of your Universal Studios Hollywood admission ticket so make space for it when you visit. You won't be disappointed. 

More information is available at  www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com

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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 the 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

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 –

King Kong 360 3-D

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!

Join Universal Studios Hollywood for the 60th Studio Tour Anniversary ! Experience magical movie moments, iconic scenes, thrilling rides, and exclusive attractions.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged!

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

Earthquake – The Big One

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 .

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Flash Flood

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. 

Boeing 747 from War of the Worlds

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

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Amity Island’s Jaws

The Amity island set, used in  the Jaws  movie, was 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.

Bates Hotel & Mansion

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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Celebrity guides of the studio tour

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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Studio Tour’s timings

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. 

How long does the Studio Tour last

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.

Best time to take the Studio Tour

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.

VIP Backlot Access

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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Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Studio Tour

This attraction is one of our top choices.

About this Attraction

Upper Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood

Attraction Type

Behind-the-scenes tour and motion-base ride

Thrill Level

Recommended ages.

Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults

Height Requirement

The ultimate hollywood experience.

Go behind the scenes on the legendary Studio Tour to explore Hollywood’s most famous backlot. On the Studio Tour, you’ll catch a glimpse at movie sets, learn about movie magic, and enjoy motion base rides on board, including Fast & Furious – Supercharged, King Kong 360 3-D, JAWS, and more.

Our Overview

The world-famous Studio Tour is a phenomenal attraction that gives you a look at one of the world's most iconic movie studios. This attraction provides you with a tour of Universal’s historic studio lot, where well-known shows and films were brought to life. The tour also takes you through brief ride experiences, such as Earthquake: The Big One and King Kong 360 3-D, essentially making the Studio Tour a ride within a ride. You cannot leave Universal Studios Hollywood without going on the Studio Tour.

Universal Express Participating Attraction

Universal Express is a paid service that serves as Universal Studios Hollywood's express line system. With it, you can benefit from shorter wait times for participating rides and prime viewing spots at select shows. You can also bypass attractions utilizing a Virtual Line .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 tour kicks off with some studio hits while the guide shares some fascinating info, and Jimmy Fallon pops up 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

As you go on the tour, you’ll check out a bunch of working soundstages , plus some of the films and shows that have been filmed there, both now and in the past.

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’ll check out some special effects demos and fun features. Here’s what to expect, but it might change a bit depending on what’s available:

Jupiter’s Claim

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

Here’s the real western theme park set from the movie that got taken apart before filming and showed up on the tour the same day the film came out.

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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 home 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 vibe comes from a hot set where some props are locked down and don’t budge.

The hot set shows off rushing water, a subway train that’s gone off the tracks, and a gas truck crashing through the roof with flames and sparks flying everywhere.

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

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 bought the ranch in the San Fernando Valley and so Universal City was born!

It had the studio, a zoo, its own cops and a mayor, plus Native Americans hanging out on the land.

On March 14, 1915, Universal Studios threw a huge two-day launch party with around 10,000 guests showing up.

Later on, for just 5 cents (which is around $1.50 today), folks could swing by and check out all the action happening inside the giant studio while it was busy making 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!

But, since “talkies” or sound movies came out around the mid-1920s and the sets weren’t soundproof yet, they wrapped up the tour in 1930.

MCA Takesover Universal Studios Hollywood

When MCA (Music Corporation of America) took over in 1962, they thought it’d be a good idea to reopen the tour to boost profits.

The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour got a fresh start on July 15, 1964, and that’s pretty much when the theme park came to life.

When it came back, it had dressing room tours, behind-the-scenes looks at productions, and eventually, some cool staged events.

A big concern at first was finding activities for the little kids to enjoy.

The earlier stops on the tour featured the Ark Park petting zoo, which was a bigger and better version of the zoo already there.

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

Universal Studios Hollywood Height Requirements (2024 Cheat Sheet)

The Flash Flood Scene is Added to the Studio Tour

Back in 1968, they added the Flash Flood scene because of a screen actors guild rule that said no visitors were allowed on the soundstages.

So, they had to hold back on showing the real deal and got creative with some cool special effects instead.

It turned out to be a huge hit, with 20,000 gallons of water flooding the streets of a Mexican village.

In 1970, the Animal Actors Stage School kicked off , but it has recently closed to make room for the Fast and Furious roller coaster that’s coming soon.

Over the years, the tour has seen all sorts of attractions like a King Kong Encounter, a Battlestar Galactica laser showdown, a rockslide, and a bridge that fell apart.

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.

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

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What to Wear to Universal Studios Hollywood? Fun Outfit Ideas for You!

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Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You?

Posted on Published: June 29, 2019  - Last updated: July 31, 2024

Categories North America , California , Travel

There are four major Hollywood studio tours that you can go on in and around Los Angeles : Warners Bros., Sony, Paramount, and Universal Studio Tours.

It’s really not necessary to do all of them , especially on the same trip. There’s quite a bit of overlap between each studio tour, and the ticket prices can really add up.

Throughout my visits to California, I’ve managed to visit all 4 Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles (and some more than once!).

Here’s my in-depth reviews of all the major Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. This is what to expect from each one so you can decide which is the best studio tour in los Angeles for you!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Why Should You Go On A Hollywood Studio Tour?

Hollywood Studio Tours in Los Angeles are a great way to gain an “ all-access” pass to the biggest backstage lots in California .

They give you a chance to go behind the scenes on some of your favourite movies and TV shows.

You’ll get to see the sets and props, and learn about the magic of making movies. And, if you’re lucky, you might get the chance to either see a live film set or a celebrity at work . 

Let’s just say, visit a movie set is a quintessential Los Angeles activity … p.s. see my L.A. guide here .

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You ?

The best Hollywood studio tour for you will depend on three main factors :

• Your favourite films and TV shows

The studio tours vary in budget and tour length. The price ranges between $55 to $110 / ticket . And the tour can last anywhere between one to three hours .

But your favourite movies and TV shows are the most important factor when deciding which studio tour in Los Angeles to go to. If you haven’t watched anything the studio has produced, you’ll be less interested in what you’re seeing and learning about.

Best Studio Tours In LA: Overview

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Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

Universal Studios is a bit of a unique studio tour in Los Angeles. The studio tour can only be accessed if you buy a ticket to the entire theme park .

This also puts the studio tour at a much higher price point compared to the others around Los Angles. But, on the other hand, it is an ENTIRE day of activities instead of a few hours.

The tour itself is only 60 minutes but there are no shortage of other rides and shows to see once you’re in the park.

Quick Information & Links

Total Time : 1 hour (not including wait time in line) Admission : $109 -$119* (includes access to the entire park, price varies depending on the season) Book Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood . Parking : Starts at $32* (General Parking)

*Updated January 2024

Movies Referred To/ Filmed Here:

You should check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Jurassic Park
• Fast and the Furious
• Jordan Peele’s horror epic, NOPE

Pros Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

You are on the LARGEST film and TV studio in Hollywood and the world! You get to drive by some of the most iconic sets in all movie history.

You drive-by the sound stages, new and old sets.

But this is still a ride in a theme park so they’ve added some more ride-like adventure elements to make things more exciting, unlike any other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles.

At times you feel like you’re in the movie rather than just seeing where one was filmed!

And it’s not all for show either, they do still use these sets to film. In fact, this was the only Hollywood studio tour where I caught a live taping , so it’s still possible to see!

One thing’s certain though, you won’t be bored for a second on this tour even if you don’t happen to see an active film set during your tour. 

P.S. Make the most of your time at Universal Studios and book an Express Line ticket through Viator here . It gives you one-time express access to each ride, show, and attraction at the park !

Cons Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

It’s the least personal studio tour in Los Angeles. You’re on a tram the entire time for 60 minutes straight, with about 30 other people!

As I said, this tour is sometimes more of a ride than a studio tour (so it’s both a pro and a con!).

At times, the tour felt very streamlined , because most of it is. You still have a guide, but he’s following a script on a set path so it’s the same tour every time (unlike the others which have a bit more variance based on your guide).

The tram is on a set course and there are timed animatronics and effects throughout the tour.

Value For Money – Movie Location Los Angeles

I will admit, you get pretty good value for your money with your tickets to Universal studios. But that’s only if you wanted to visit the theme park.

If you were already planning on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, then the studio tour is a must-do ride! 

But if you don’t like theme parks, and your only interest is the Hollywood studio tour, I wouldn’t recommend paying for the entire theme park just for the tour.

You might also be interested in reading…

• How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation

Logistics: What To Know Before You Go

A tram leaves about every 30 minutes for the Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour so the line builds up pretty quickly. I’d prioritize this as one of your first rides of the day.

As I said, don’t expect reality with this one, they do show you real sets but it’s also still a ride. So you’ll get a lot of gimmicky routines created specifically for this tour. 

Also, some advance warning, you might get wet at certain points during the ride. If you’d prefer to not get wet, try to sit in the middle of the row.

Book Universal Studio Tours Tickets In Advance Through Viator

Book General Admission tickets →

Book Skip the Line Express Tickets →

Book the VIP Experience on Viator (giving your exclusive access to off-limits areas of the park) →

For more Los Angeles organized tours from Viator, click here .

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio is actually in Burbank California , but it’s close enough to Los Angeles.

Warner Bros. studio tour takes you on a tram around different parts of the studio, with only around 12 guests at a time on the tour.

So unlike Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour, it’s a lot more personal and you’re only on the tram to get from place to place (because their lot is HUGE!).

You drive by sound stages and countless outdoor sets. But you’ll get off and walk around a bit, even walking in some sets if you’re lucky. So you should be prepared for some walking on this studio tour in Los Angeles!

Total Time : ~3 hours (1 hour guided, 2 hours unguided). Leaves every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 3:30 Admission : 70$* Parking : 15$* Website

What Was Filmed Here (Sets You Might See!)

Check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Harry Potter
• Gilmore Girls
• Back to the Future
• The Big Bang Theory
• Pretty Little Liars

So Much More Than A Studio Tour

Over the years, the Warner Bros. studio tour has grown. It’s no longer just a backlot tour, now, that’s just one part of it…

Museums, Props, Sets, & Photo Ops At Warner Bros. Studio

Tickets to the Warner Bros. studio tour also includes interactive museums where you’ll want to take all the pictures you can!

You can interact with different sets from your favourite movies and TV sets, like Friends, the Big Bang Theory and Harry Potter! on the magic of movies, costume

There’s also an entire exhibit on the DC universe with all superheroe and villain props. They have Aquaman’s lair, Wonder Woman’s study, Superman’s office, and the Batman’s bat cave.

And finally they have an in-depth exhibit on all things filmmaking. Staring with the writing process and finishing with the special effects of movie making.

Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets With Viator

General Admission tickets →

Pros Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

They are constantly updating the Warner Bros. studio tour – that means you can even go back the next time you’re in Los Angeles, I’ve already gone back twice!

There was some over lap with the sets and information, but very little. A lot had been updated and added to the tour. And I’ve already noticed that they’ve added a lot more content since I’ve gone!

Also, the guided portion of the tour will rarely be the same. For starters, where you go will all depend on what they’re filming at the time. So not only can it change over the years, but it can change within the hour!

It’s also a very personal tour with only being 12 people on the tram. You can also all your questions about movie magic!

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Cons Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

With all the new additions to the tour every year, I’ve noticed the guided portion has become less and less…

The guided tour portion is only hour , and then two hours are a self guided tour through the museums.

But it’s the guided portion of the tour that’s always fresh and what brings me back! I’m a bit disappointed that the museums seem to have taken over the tour now, making the tour a bit more gimmicky and less about touring real sets and sound stages…

How to See San Diego in One Day

Bring government I.D. when you visit, and make sure to arrive early!

You have to go through security and there might be a lineup. They suggest arriving 30 minutes in advance.

Don’t worry about getting lost on your way to the studios (if you’re driving there)! I followed the instructions we were given on how to get to the visitor’s centre, but my GPS brought me to the wrong gate. No need to panic if this happens to you too! The patrol was very understanding (I’m sure this happens all the time) and told us exactly where to go.

If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot across the street from the visitor’s centre (paid, of course). The studio is in a pretty secluded area, but there’s a Starbucks in the visitor’s centre .

You can book Warner Brothers Studio tour tickets in advance on Viator here .

Paramount Pictures Hollywood Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures is really interesting because it’s the last Hollywood studio still in Hollywood (well in Los Angeles). 

So it’s only about a 15-minute drive from Hollywood Blvd. FYI, Warner is in Burbank, and Sony is in Culver City.

It was very similar to Warner Bros. Hollywood studio tour in terms of the scale of the studio. They have several sound stages, a water tank, and a totally customizable New York set.

Like the other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles, there’s a museum portion of the tour with props. Paramount Pictures one had a lot of “ unwanted ” props (those that could only be used once for the film they were designed for).

There was A LOT of props from the Transformers franchise, but there were also Star Trek, Gladiator, and Dream Girls props.

Time : 2 hours * They leave every 30 minutes from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Admission : 65$* Parking : $22 – (used to be cash only)* Website

What Was/ Is Filmed Here

• The Godfather
• OG King Kong (In Set 19)
• Breakfast at Tiffanys
• Forrest Gump

Pros Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour In Los Angeles

The best part about the Paramount Pictures Hollywood studio tour tour was the small size of the group. There’s a max of 7 people on the tour (you’re in an 8 seater golf cart).

The tour also provided earphones to be able to perfectly hear your tour guide at all times, so they didn’t have to shout at you! There can be a lot going on on sets with a lot of noises, so the earphones were definitely appreciated.

I also liked that they provided visuals for what you were looking at during the tour. Our tour guide carried around an iPad showing examples of what a specific set was used for over the years. So instead of looking at a giant green screen, they showed us how that green screen was used in different films.

Cons Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures studio tour taught me a few things about Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles…

First, the quality of the tour really depends on your tour guide – they can make or break your visit. And unfortunately, you won’t really know who you’re going to get beforehand.

Unfortunately for me, my tour guide at Paramount Pictures wasn’t the best. There’s so much history to this Hollywood studio that I ended up lost most of the time because I didn’t know who or what he was referring to, I guess the references were also a bit ahead of my time…

Paramount Studio tour also really showed me how important it is to have seen (or at least heard of) the films or shows the studio produced. 

So if you’re a fan of classics like I Love Lucy, Alfred Hitchcock, or the original King Kong then Paramount Pictures studio tour is a must for you!

For me, Paramount Pictures studio tour was a bit of a mixed bag. I really see the potential of this tour though, but I think you have to be a really big movie buff to enjoy Paramount Pictures studio tour.

The visitor parking is across the street from the main gates. Be wary of the address on Google Maps, it brought me to the wrong gate.

When I visited, parking was cash only, so it’s always good to be prepared. There’s an ATM you can use at the end of the tour if you need (apparently no one does cash back in the area…).

Like the other tours, you have to show I.D. and go through security, so they ask you to arrive 30 minutes before your tour . But, in case there’s no wait at all, there’s a mini-exhibit you can visit to pass the time before your tour starts. 

Make sure to bring water and food, there’s really not much in the area. But drinks aren’t allowed on the tour itself, so leave it in the car!

SONY Studio Hollywood Tour

SONY Hollywood studio tour ended up being my favourite studio tour . We were only about 5 people on this tour, so it was very personal. But I don’t know if this was the max, or that fewer people happened to sign up for it.  

I know online there are 25 spots per time slot. I don’t know if that’s the typical tour size on a busier day, or if they would always split you up into smaller groups once you get there.

There are famous cars on display from movies and shows (like Breaking Bad and Ghostbusters). They also have a prop museum at the start of the tour. There’s even an Oscar and an Emmy award you can see (and even hold!). 

Time : 2 hours * Leaves 4 times a day: 9:30, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Admission : 55$* Parking : Free Valet Website

What Was Filmed Here

• Breaking Bad
• Wheel of Fortune
• Ghostbusters
• The Goldbergs

Pros Of The SONY Studio Tour

SONY is a MUCH smaller studio than the other three Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. That means you don’t even need a tram to get around, we walked everywhere (so you should also be prepared to walk!). This made it easier to take appreciate it all and take pictures!

I also absolutely loved our tour guide, he was by far my favourite out of all the ones we had on any tour. It didn’t seem like he simply memorized a script. It was as if he lived and breathed SONY and films in general. I would’ve believed it if he’d told us he grew up on set.

We also got the chance to walk on to a sound stage from one of my favourite TV Shows – The Goldbergs. And our guide brought us onto a working foley stage (where they create extra sounds for movies). 

If a sound or foley stage isn’t available to see, you are guaranteed to see either the Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy set . They film on opposite days, so you’ll always be able to see one of them.

But the best perk of all is… You get your picture taken on the set of either Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, which they’ll print out and give to you as a souvenir… FREE OF CHARGE! ! Seriously when is anything ever free these days…

Cons Of The SONY Hollywood Studio Tour

As I mentioned, there’s no tram for the SONY Hollywood studio tour. Although the studio isn’t as large as the others, you have to be prepared to walk quite a bit.

Another sort of pro and con is that it’s 80 % outdoors . So you really want to go when it’s decent weather. And be prepared to be in the sun!

How to Make the Most of Your Time in Long Beach California

Value For Money – Hollywood Studio Tours In Los Angeles

I think you get a lot of value for your money at SONY studio tour. It’s the cheapest out of any of the Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles and they give you some nice freebies (like parking and a photo souvenir!).

The scale of the studio might be smaller than the other three major studios, but there’s still a lot to see. And despite the lack of big blockbuster sets, they make up for it in different ways (like seeing the inside of a game show set, and a foley stage).

Like Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures studio tours, they ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to go through security. 

If you drive there, they offer FREE valet parking in the Overland lot. 

The studio is very much out of the way, so plan your meals and snacks in advance. All they had at the studio was a vending machine .

Don’t expect to see large outdoor sets like from Warner Bros. or Paramount, SONY is a lot smaller, so most of their sets are on sound stages. So if you’re interested in the big New York outdoor sets, SONY isn’t for you!

Overview, What’s The Best Studio Tour In Los Angeles?

Like I said before, Universal Studios is the most expensive, but you do get an entire days worth of activities. But if your intent is to learn about movie magic, the other three are better choices. 

If you have time for more than one, you don’t need to see both Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. There’s quite a bit of overlap between the two. Instead, choose one of those, and then either Universal or SONY as your second option.

P.S. Need A Place To Stay In L.A.? Hotel Recommendations

Finding a place to stay in Los Angeles can be quite overwhelming – it’s HUGE!

I stayed at the Sofitel and would highly recommend it. It was in a safe area, and across the street from the Beverly Hills mall (which proved to be very convenient). It was also within walking distance to some local restaurants you need to try – like the Kings Road Cafe! See room rates & availability here .

If you want to stay on the beach outside of the city life instead, we stayed at The Georgian in Santa Monica and couldn’t recommend it enough! It’s only about a 25 minute drive from the city. This was a beautiful art deco hotel that is begging you to go there! It’s a minutes walk to the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade. See room rates & availability here .

For more accommodation options in Los Angeles, click here . Interested in longer stays in L.A. check out Plum Guide here .

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Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tuesday 26th of September 2023

You've gotten me excited about my next trip to Los Angeles. I've done the Universal tour and the Warner Bros tour, so I may do what you suggested and do Paramount and Sony next.

You're right about Universal's tour being more of a ride from what I remember. However, it was cool to see sets from The Good Place, Jaws, and Psycho. Being on the tram the whole time was a little different, and my experience was a bit thrown off because I hadn't expected Universal, CA to have such similar rides to Universal, FL, and I loved how Universal, FL made it really seem like you were on a set walking through various cities. Definitely not the same as CA. I think I was there for about 2 hours and was done. The weather was weird where it was kindof warm at first, but then turned super cold while I was in line for a ride, so I was done sooner than I expected.

I absolutely loved the Warner Bros tour. The guide was super nice and knowledgeable. I almost died when I saw the Gilmore Girl house and Luke's Diner. Of course I took pictures at the Central Perk. To me, the prop museum was a tad boring, but still overall decent. The tour was partially walking and partially riding. There were so many moments where I was like...."this looks familiar" and had to think of where the set had been used. Super cool. I highly recommend it.

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

That's awesome!! Definitely I enjoyed that the Warners brothers was mixed with walking and a tram ride you were able to get so much further that way - and the lot is HUGE! It really is cool seeing sets from your favourite TV shows and movies! I really liked the SONY tour but it was definitely a lot smaller than Warner bros!

Sunday 19th of February 2023

Hi Meghan, great article. Easy to read and allowed me to choose the studio we should visit in the short time we will be in L.A. Thanks you.

Monday 20th of February 2023

That's awesome to hear! Glad I could help :D :D

How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation | Afternoon Tea Reads

Thursday 1st of October 2020

[…] sure which one to visit? Read my overall review of each studio tour to help you […]

Monday 1st of July 2019

Wow what a great list of tours to choose from! I personally don't like these types of things however I think your post will be super useful for those who do!

Thanks! I hope it will be :)

I’ve done the Universal tour but it was like 20 yrs ago! I really want to go back and do all these studio tours. I’m film mad me 😃💕

Oh wow, you really should I'm sure a lot has changed since then. It's a movie geeks dream :)

Colonial Street / Wisteria Lane

Above: Colonial Street as seen in 2003 (from ‘Ride the Movies’ promotional video) The Colonial Mansion, Church and School buildings seen in the video were removed to accommodate Desperate Housewives in 2005.

One of the most popular places to shoot on the backlot, Colonial Street has a long history. The location is now more commonly known as  Wisteria Lane .

Production ended on the 8-year run of Desperate Housewives in April 2012. As of May 2012, the Colonial Street area is having a makeover to get it back to a more generic neighbourhood so it can once again being appearin in a number of shows and productions with no echoes of Wisteria. When the show was in production, the Studio Tour trams rarely accessed the street during the week as it was in constant use, so real fans had to visit on weekends or occasionally on rainy days to drive down the street.

May 2012:  The street has been resurfaced, and a lot of white fencing (and wisteria) has been removed.

> List of productions on Colonial Street

Attraction video introducing colonial street.

(NB: Animal House was NOT shot on Colonial Street, but Delta House (a short-lived TV series follow-up), was).

The Colonial Street we know now has been through a number of changes through the years. Universal is a working studio, not a museum, and many of the standing sets have changed and evolved considerably over the years.

1927 – 1950 Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1927) was shot on River Road, on the north edge of the backlot, next to the LA River. Many of the house sets on River Road were moved in 1981 to the current site of Colonial Street.

1946 – 1963 The story begins in 1946 when a few houses began construction on Stage 12 for So Goes My Love. After the movie wrapped, the sets were put into storage, until 1950, when the houses (along with other house sets built from stock units) were moved outside to the north edge of the backlot (the former site of River Road) and were christened Colonial Street, after the Colonial Mansion which was the first house on the street.

1964 – 1980 With the opening of Universal Studios Hollywood, Colonial Street (along with the Psycho house) was a key attraction. The tour guide listed the 1940s and 1950s movies in which the structures were first used.

1981 – 1987 Colonial Street was moved in 1981 to it’s present location from the northern side of the backlot. Some of the buildings that used to be part of Colonial Street were incorporated into Industrial Street , which is now known as Elm Street

1988 The street was reconfigured for the Tom Hanks comedy The Burbs.

1989 The street opened up to Circle Drive once more, with the additional properties from The Burbs still in place. 

1996 – 2004 A newly built Beaver house reappears on Colonial Street for the 1996 Leave it to Beaver movie, replacing properties built for The ‘Burbs. The Providence house also appears in this time period.

2004 – 2012 Colonial Street changed into Wisteria Lane, following the massive success of ABC’s Desperate Housewives. As well as a much-needed repaint and refurbishment of the old sets, the Colonial Mansion has now gone, the Munsters House is much less scary and new structures have been built on Circle Drive.

2012 – present The wisteria has been removed, and Colonial Street continues to be used for filming a wide variety of projects.

Current Properties on Colonial Street

Click on a building or photo below to find out more about each building on Colonial Street  (in order looking out of the left side of the tram as it goes up and then back down the street).

Delta House / Keller House The first house on Colonial Street on the left, this was the home of Mitzi Kinsky (formerly Ida Greenberg) on Desperate Housewives. Known as: 4347 Wisteria Lane / Delta House / Lucas Tanner House / Keller House

Munster House Famous as the original home of The Munsters, this property was remodelled to look less spooky for Desperate Housewives, where it was the home of the Mullin family (?-2005), Betty Applewhite (2005–2006), Alma Hodge (2007) and the Hunter/McDermott family (2007–2012) Known as: 1313 Mockingbird Lane / 4351 Wisteria Lane / Maxim House

Hardy Boys 4353 Wisteria Lane / Hardy Boys / Johnson Home / Ron’s Barn This was the home of Susan Mayer (1992–2012) [portrayed by Teri Hatcher] on Desperate Housewives. All That Heaven Allows 1955 – The Brass Bottle 1964

Thrill of it All Originally named ‘Dana Home’ after the family of Deanna Durbin in 1941’s ‘Nice Girl’. Bedtime for Bonzo 1951 The Thrill of it All 1963 This was 4355 Wisteria Lane, the home of the Scavo family (1998–2012) on Desperate Housewives.

Past Properties on Colonial Street

• Colonial Mansion
• Schoolhouse
• Marnie (1964) House
• Hubbard House

Vintage Colonial Street / River Road

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14 Films Sets You Can Visit at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is an amazing theme park, but it’s also a real-life movie set too, with dozens of films being shot there over the last 50 years. As part of the park’s Studio Tram tour, you can visit and even walk around some of the most iconic sets from film history. Check out our guide to some of the films you’ll have definitely seen but may not realise were filmed at the park, and below you’ll find our list of 14 films sets that you can experience as part of the Studio Tour ride.

As with our Orlando attraction tickets , make sure to book your studio tour tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. 

1.  Jurassic Park

 This incredible science fiction adventure featured ground-breaking CGI of the time and life-sized animatronic dinosaurs

Despite the title of the film, Brachiosaurus and Dilophosaurus are the only dinosaurs featured that are from the Jurassic period; all other species featured did not exist until the Cretaceous period. Somehow, we think that the film “Cretaceous Park” may not have been as successful!

The well informed tour guides will also explain to you how the sounds included in the box office hits are made. Did you know the T-Rex’s roar is a mixture of the sounds made by baby elephants, tigers and alligators!

2. Jaws and Jaws 2

The Jaws event at Universal Studios Hollywood opened after the release of the 1975 film. During your Studio Tour, you will pass by the huge animatronic shark from the movie. The movie was entirely shot on location at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, but parts of the set were recreated exactly for the Studio Tour.

As you can see, during the tour, Sheriff George the diver, is unfortunately eaten by the huge shark. Whilst you hide from the beast behind a row of oil drums, they unexpectedly catch fire. But don’t look too closely into the water as a deadly surprise awaits!

3. King Kong

Pass within feet of the incredible Kong: Skull Island set and experience a scene straight from the blockbuster! Then, as you head into Skull Island, it’s time to put your 3D glasses on, as you will encounter the world’s largest 3D experience.  Brace yourself for a 360-degree immersive experience as deadly dinosaurs leap out of the jungle all around you, and an epic fight scene breaks out between Kong and a fearsome T-Rex!

4. Transformers

Despite Transformers being released by Paramount Pictures, a substantial part of the climactic battle in Mission City was shot on New York Street at Universal Studios Hollywood. Additional parts of the city were added in with CGI post-production, and you have to look quite hard to spot the New York style buildings but they are there!

For even more Transformers action, experience “The Greatest Battle You'll Ever Ride” with the Transformers™: The Ride-3D. Start off on foot as you walk through the corridors of the military base N.E.S.T, then ride through an incredible battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons.

5. Home Alone 2 

Most of the movie was shot on location in New York City, as the film is set there. However, due to the nature of a lot of the stunts and special effects that take place in the house, some exterior scenes were filmed in Brownstone Street at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

The New York area of the Backlot has been used many times in different products over the years. It was partly destroyed in the 2008 fire, but Brownstone Street is still available to see during your Studio Tour.

You may not know that Donald Trump makes a cameo in the film! He gives Kevin directions to the lobby!

6. Apollo 13

You can see a Lunar Module from the Apollo 13 set at the middle landing on the escalator to the Upper Lot. There are also models of Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon that you can stand next to for photos.

Mission Control was filmed at Stage 27 at Universal Studios Hollywood despite NASA offering the use of the real Control room for filming. Director Ron Howard declines, choosing to have his own replica created from scratch.

7. Back to the Future

This cult classic from the 80’s is ranked as one of the top 100 greatest movies of all time and one of the 50 films you must see before you die. The scenes with Marty McFly skateboarding are credited as the top catalyst for the popularity of the sport.

One of the places you can explore on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour is the Court House Square where some of the most iconic scenes from Back to the Future were set. If you take the VIP tour, you can even get off the tour bus and have a walk around the set, with a stop for a photo on those famous courthouse steps!

The Bates Motel is one of the key locations on the Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour, where you’ll spot the sign swinging eerily in the wind and the original car from the movie parked outside. Next door is the set of the Psycho House, with creepy steps leading up to the spooky mansion located on the hill. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal on all the main sets of the movie… if you dare of course.

9. The Truman Show

Don’t read on if you’re not familiar with the ending of cult classic The Truman Show as spoilers are coming! The final scene of the film, where hero Truman Burbank sails out on his boat into the waters around the fictional town of Seahaven and bursts the wall of the dome enclosing him in the reality TV programme he wasn’t aware he was appearing in, was filmed on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Falls Lake. Falls Lake is a man-made lake which is used in conjunction with a green screen to shoot much larger and epic water-based shots than it would appear from this tranquil little lake!

10. War of the Worlds

One of the most iconic sets created at Universal Studios Hollywood was for the aeroplane crash scene in the Hollywood epic War of the Worlds, starring Tom Cruise. To create this set, the Universal creative scene bought a real-life 747 ex-commercial jet for a whopping $60,000, before chopping it into pieces to create the dramatic apocalyptic set. During the VIP tour, guests can exit the tram and check out the crashed 747 up close, walking in the footsteps of stars such as Tom Cruise and director Steven Spielberg.  

11. Bruce Almighty

Universal Studios Hollywood was the setting for a lot of the scenes in Jim Carey’s 2003 film Bruce Almighty. A lot of the scenes were shot on Brownstone Street, a set in Universal that aims to look like a generic street in the US and which plays home to Jim Carey’s character Bruce and his girlfriend in the film. There’s also the scene in the film where Bruce walks on water, which is shot on Falls Lake, somewhere Jim Carey will recognise from his time shooting The Truman Show!

12. Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives

Most commonly known now as Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, Colonial Street is part of the backlot sets at Universal Studios Hollywood. Since the series ended, the street has undergone a small makeover to remove the famous white picket fences and wisteria, in order to allow for filming of other productions.

Colonial Street has also been used as a film set for: Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Beethoven , Gremlins , Sabrina The Teenage Witch , and music videos from The Offspring’s Why Don’t You Get A Job? , Smash Mouth’s All Star , and Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s Dilemma .

If you opt for the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience , you can even walk along the street rather than viewing it from the tram during the Studio Tour!

13. Pirates of the Caribbean

The incredible swashbuckling epic is based on the ride at Walt Disney World and Disneyland® Paris and premiered at Disneyland California. Released in 2003, the first Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl was a huge success despite many journalists predicting it was going to be a flop. Whilst a lot of the film was mostly shot on location across islands in the Caribbean, namely St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood was used for parts of Port Royal, Will's workshop and Tortuga. Pictured above is Old Mexico, used for shots of Port Royal, and you can visit this set during your tour!

14. Jupiter’s claim

Universal's studio tour debuted a brand-new set in 2022 based on Jordan Peele’s new horror epic Nope. The set showcases the film’s fictional theme park, Jupiter’s Claim, which is “predicated on the white-washed history and aesthetics of the California Gold Rush”. However, everything is not as it seems!

Thinking of visiting Universal Studios Hollywood ? Don't miss the Studio Tour and, if you're a huge film buff, make sure you check out the VIP tour which gives you the tour, private guide, the chance to get off the tram and interact with the sets, a peek at the props department and a VIP breakfast and lunch.

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Guide to the VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood

What’s better than being a guest at Universal Studios Hollywood ? Being a VIP guest at Universal Studios Hollywood. Don’t get us wrong , every day at Universal feels like magic. But the VIP Tour feels like…well, extra cushy magic.

So what, exactly, does it mean to be an A-lister at Universal Studios Hollywood? In the VIP Experience , you’ll explore the theme park with a super knowledgeable tour guide, in a maximum 13-person group. The tours last a minimum of five hours and include one (truly delicious) meal, an extended Studio Tour , unlimited Express Pass access, and — well, let’s just get into it, shall we? Here’s everything you need to know about the VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood.

THE PRE-TOUR PERKS

When you hear the words “VIP,” it’s fair to assume you’re about to be peppered with sweet, sweet perks. The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood is no exception to the rule. And, lucky for you, those fun little bonuses begin the second you arrive at Universal. Here’s what you can expect before you even start the tour:

• Valet parking. This is a huge perk! Just roll up to the main entrance to the Jurassic Parking garage, hand your keys over to a Team Member, and they’ll take it from there. No fretting over losing your keys or forgetting where you parked — you’re a VIP now. 
• Complimentary refreshments. Enter the VIP lounge (just look for the red carpet to the right of the entry gates after security) for a comfortable, air-conditioned waiting area before your tour. There, you can enjoy a complimentary spread including bagels, coffee, and other light bites.
• Sun protectants. You’re about to spend a full day in a theme park — there’s no such thing as enough sunscreen! Guests have access to complimentary sunscreen ,lip balm, and ice water in the VIP Experience Center.

Once your group is assembled, fed and sunscreened up, it’s time to explore Universal Studios Hollywood — VIP style!

The tour guides are what make the VIP Experience truly one-of-a-kind. First, they’re perhaps the most knowledgeable folks you’ll ever meet about all things Universal. As your tour guide leads your small group through the theme park, they’ll hit you with factoid after factoid. It’s an inundation of anecdotes to use at your next cocktail party.

Do you know which other major studios you can see from the escalator on the way to the Studio Tour? Or what iconic 80s film the facade of Saul & Sons in the New York section of the theme park is based on? Or who dubbed Universal “the strangest city in the world”? Your VIP tour guide does.

Beyond a sky-high Universal IQ, the tour guides are there to help make your experience exactly what you want it to be. Each VIP Tour is different. Your Guide is given an allotted time to take your group to three things: the Studio Tour, the WaterWorld show, and lunch. Other than that, they have room to improvise. That means there’s lots of time for rides via Express Lanes. While you can’t completely tailor the experience to every little thing that you, personally, would like to do — you are on a group tour, after all — the guides are able to take your input into consideration.

THE STUDIO TOUR

The Studio Tour is your chance to see the ins and outs of how movies get made. But on the VIP Experience, the Studio Tour brings you just shy of straight-up making the movies yourself. While General Admission guests stay on the tram, VIP guests get to hop off and walk the sets. The exclusive access of movie and TV sets — plus certain luxe amenities — make this unlike any other Studio Tour you’ve experienced. In addition to all standard Studio Tour experience, VIP guests have access to:

• The VIP Trolley. Forget the tram, you’re a trolley rider now! Part of being very important means riding on a special trolley, complete with complementary ice water.
• Soundstage stop. Learn how movie magic comes to life inside one of Universal’s massive soundstages. You might walk through rooms that look totally real — until you learn all the walls are removable for lighting and camera access.
• Edith Head Costume and Prop department. Named for the legendary 20th century costume designer, this building homes hundreds of props used in iconic films throughout time. Just one rule: you break it, you buy it. So I’d keep my hands to myself. 
• Walk on a real set. VIP guests get to hop off and explore iconic movie sets on foot. It could be New York City, or Courthouse Square, or Colonial Street, but each tour is slightly different.

NOTE: These are all real, working sets! Therefore, all VIP Experience tours are subject to availability based on production schedules and other factors. Each tour is a little bit different.

VIPs? Wait in long lines? What a ridiculous concept! With your Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience comes an Unlimited Express Pass, meaning you get to use the Express Lanes on every ride in the theme park. That means less time waiting, and more time riding. We made it onto seven rides during my VIP Experience.

But the VIP Experience isn’t just about skipping lines, it’s about the little things. It’s all about removing friction from your day. Here are a couple examples of little luxuries on the rides:

• No Ride Locker Necessary. VIP guests can just hand their bag to their tour guide as they hop on a ride, who hands it back when you get off. Easy peasy. 
• WaterWorld Seats. Snagging seats for this crowd-pleaser is no sweat when you’ve got VIP seats waiting for you. 

PRO TIP: Your VIP lanyard functions as an Express Pass for the remainder of your day at Universal Studios Hollywood! If you’re a real thrill-seeker, snag a spot on an early tour — then hit the rides via Express Lane until the theme park closes. 

You’ve done everything at Universal Studios Hollywood, you claim? Bet you haven’t eaten at VIP Dining. If you haven’t already done the VIP Tour, you definitely haven’t. I mean, I hadn’t, and Iwork here.

VIP Dining, tucked in the Parisian (so you know it’s fancy) portion of the Upper Lot, is the VIP-only dining room. During your VIP Tour, you’ll enjoy a one-hour, all-you-can-eat experience here. And I do mean enjoy. VIP Dining has (arguably) the tastiest food available at the theme park and CityWalk. The whole buffet is delicious, but I especially recommend the mushroom risotto, the melon and prosciutto, the caprese salad, the asian cucumber salad — I could go on. And, you know what? I will: Don’t forget to save room for gelato, cheesecake and cookies.

The elevated menu, plus free phone charging stations and visits from Universal characters, makes VIP Dining the perfect oasis at which to refuel during a jam-packed day at the theme park.

THE DETAILS

Here are the nitty-gritty details you need to know:

• VIP Tours start at various times throughout the morning. The number of tours per day varies by season and day of the week.
• Tours are capped at 13 guests each.
• Tours run for a minimum of 5 hours.
• Children must be at least 5 years old to attend, and 17 years old to attend without an accompanying adult.
• Book your VIP Experience here.
• VIP Private Experience tours are also available. Call (818) 622-8477 to reserve yours.

THE SPOOKY VERSION

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the combination of two of the best parts of Universal Studios Hollywood: VIP + Halloween Horror Nights. It’s called the R.I.P. Tour. (Genius.)

The R.I.P. Tour differs slightly from the regular VIP Experience, but the bones (har-har) are the same. You’ll get a guided walking tour of the event, one-time express entry to each haunted house and available attractions, the Terror Tram backlot experience in a VIP trolley, and gourmet dining experience, and more. Check out the full details her e . But basically, it’s the VIP Experience, plus a whole lot of guts and gore and jump-scares. Hell really is a place on Earth.

THE VERDICT

So, should you splurge on the VIP Experience? The short answer: yes. But let’s break it down and see if it makes sense for you. The VIP Experience is awesome for…

• Universal superfans. If you want to soak up every last thing the theme park has to offer, the VIP Experience is an absolute must. As I mentioned, certain experiences, like VIP Dining and the up-close Studio Tour, are only available to VIP guests.
• Folks who want a cushier experience . Treat yourself! Theme park days can be long ones — make yours a truly relaxing visit with the VIP Experience.
• Entertainment buffs. Even the biggest film nerds can learn a thing or two from the brainiac VIP tour guides.
• Parents of young ones. Tired of planning every single little detail of the family vacation? Your VIP tour guide has got you covered. Parents will appreciate someone else taking the lead for a jam-packed day!

Overall? Going VIP totally elevates the Universal Studios Hollywood experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or have an Annual Pass, put this one on your bucket list.

What part of the VIP Experience are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below.

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Grace Perry

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

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30 comments.

I am thinking about doing the Vip experience on my own on Jan 19, 2024. Well I still have fun?

We think you’ll have the best time! 🤩

Hello, I booked a VIP tour for January 30, since WaterWorld will be closed what will the tour substitute?

Hi Naomi! We recommend reaching out to our VIP Team at (818) 622-8477 with any questions you may have regarding your specific tour!

We did it one time..WAS AMAZING.

was amazing , you really feel like a VIP

We’re so glad that you had a great time!

I spy Greg! He was our tour guide for RIP last year and was amazing. Looking forward to going again this year with fingers crossed we get him as our guide again!

We’re so happy to hear you had a great time on your tour, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

We have a 5 year old. Would he enjoy the tour or be bored? I worry about the backlot portion?

Hi Sandra! For any questions or assistance with our VIP Experience, please feel free to reach out via phone at (818) 622-8477. We hope to see you soon!

Where and how we can get VIP experience..

Hi Rosita! To book a VIP Experience, we recommend contacting our team at 1-866-346-9350 as they would be more than happy to answer any questions and provide further assistance. We can’t wait to see you at our parks soon!

Goedemiddag,

We hebben vandaag ook deze tickets geboekt alvast voor komende zomervakantie in Augustus. Maar weet iemand ook of je met deze tickets voorrang krijgt om op de foto te gaan met de karakters die in het park staan/lopen?

Hi Marcel, we’re so excited to hear of your upcoming visit and VIP Experience! This tour does not include expedited access to our character meet and greets.

Does the unlimited express include the Bowser Mario Cart ride, or is it only once while on the actual tour?

Hi Michael, the only way to bypass the general queue for that attraction is the VIP Experience. Universal Express Unlimited does not include that attraction.

Is the Toadstool Cafe included with the VIP-Tour, or do I have to make a reservation?

Hi Moni! We recommend reaching out to our VIP Experience Team at 1 (800) 864-8377 for more information regarding your tour offerings!

Hi! Can we upgrade VIP tickets to platinum passes should we decide to become pass holders that day?

Hey Liz! If you had any questions regarding upgrading your ticket packages, we recommend reach out via phone at 800-864-8377. We hope to have you visit soon!

I see that during April-Aug, general admission tickets also can get off the tram and experience the movie sets. What am I paying extra for besides food and rides? This was a major draw for my family of 4 booking the vip tour and being able to leave the tram.

Hi Ramon, while Celebrating 60 Years of the Studio Tour, Guests will be able to step off the tram for about 10 minutes. During the VIP Experience, Guests get a much more in-depth look at some iconic movie sets on foot when stepping off the VIP trolley.

Is the VIP experience ADA accessible friendly?ni travel with a small mobility scooter and it autfolds down to size of carry on and only 42 lbs. My husband usually lifts it when needed. i can walk, just limited on times I can stand. I have called sales, they are unsure

Hi Chante! We recommend reaching out to our VIP Experience Team at 1 (800) 864-8377 for more information!

If our tour time starts later in the day, does that mean we can use our VIP line access for rides prior to our tour?

Hi Senti! VIP guests can check in at the VIP reception and pick up their lanyards prior to their tour. They can then go to the Park and use their lanyards for Universal Express Unlimited access. Keep in mind you’ll need to return to the VIP reception about 20-30 minutes ahead of your tour to enjoy refreshments in the VIP Lounge, as well as to meet your guide.

We have a group of 12 booked next month. One of our people currently has a mobility issue. Are wheelchairs available at the park?

Hi Sue! We have wheelchair rentals available towards the left-hand side upon entrance to Universal Studios Florida & Universal Islands of Adventure.

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