backlot studio tour universal studios hollywood

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.

Get up to 21% off of your Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets with Groupon TODAY!

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.

Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!

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.”

Top 10 BEST Movies to Watch for Your Universal Studios Trip

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.

When to Buy Flights tool, Get the Lowest Fare at CheapOAir.com!

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.

Top 7 Heart-Pounding Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood (You Won’t Believe #6)

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.

2024 Sheraton Universal Hotel Guide: Where to Stay Near Universal Studios Hollywood?

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.

Save up to 65% off exploring the attractions in Los Angeles with Groupon TODAY!

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!

Celebrate 4th of July at Universal Studios Hollywood: Fireworks, Tips, Food and more!

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.

Get Your FREE Universal Studios Hollywood Video Planning Guide TODAY!

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.

2024 Ultimate Guide to Parking at Universal Studios Hollywood: FREE Options, Prices, Hotels, and more!

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.

Top 5 BEST Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood (For ALL Budgets)

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.

Save up to 45% on Things to Do in Los Angeles – Museums, Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, LA Zoo, Knott’s Berry Farm, Hollywood Sign with Go City TODAY!

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)

Share this article!

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

2024 ultimate guide to universal studios hollywood express pass: avoid the wait times, leave a comment cancel reply.

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 .

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

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. 

Recommended Reading: Universal Hollywood to Disneyland Park

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. 

Back to Top

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.

Back to top

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 .

Popular attractions in Los Angeles

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in Los Angeles

This article was researched & written by

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us Advertise with Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours HOHO Bus Tours Best Cruises Best Zoos Travel Tips Visual Stories

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

• Lot Amenities Health Services Universal Studios Fitness Center Operated by Optum Mail Services Financial Services Car Wash Dry Cleaners Dining Services
• Archives & Collections
• Stock Footage Library
• Facility Operations
• Green is Universal Commuting EV Charging on the Lot Food Donation Program LED Set Lighting Sustainable Production Practices Transportation Department Zero Waste Recycling Program
• Driving On The Lot
• Service Center
• Maps, Forms & Policies
• Film & TV Tax Credit Program
• Art Department
• Electronic Field Production Services
• Media Operations
• Post Production Services
• Production Operations
• Audio Visual
• Our Facility
• Virtual Production Stage
• Rehearsal Halls
• Dressing Rooms
• Production Representatives
• Office Services
• Graphic Design & Sign Shop
• Set Lighting
• Fabrication & Staff Shop
• Transportation
• Sound Services ADR Audio Mastering Audio Restoration Foley Sound Mixing - TV & Features Sound Editorial - TV & Features StudioPost Trailer Group Transfer / Audio Archive
• Picture Services Color Correction & VFX Duplication & Transcoding Feature Trailer Finishing Film Restoration Digital Tech Operations
• Editorial Equipment & Facilities Rental Editorial Equipment & Facilities Rental
• Studio Information StudioPost Contacts Dining on the Lot Maps, Forms & Policies Lot Amenities Latest News Parking
• Special Events Locations
• Special Events Team
• Bon Appetit Catering
• Special Event Galleries

Universal Studios Is Making Changes to Its Iconic Backlot Tour This Year

in Universal Studios Hollywood

This year marks 60 years of Universal Studios Hollywood’s World-Famous Studio Tour – and the park is gearing up to make some big changes for the occasion.

Technically the first Universal theme park attraction in the world, The Studio Tour launched in July 1964 as a way to give guests a backstage glimpse at the behind-the-scenes magic of a working film studio. With every ride offering a different experience, it remains one of the most popular attractions at the park even decades after it first opened.

As its Diamond Anniversary approaches, Universal has announced that an “exciting program” of events will be launched this spring and summer to celebrate the tour’s history.

2024 celebrates the Studio Tour’s milestone 60 years, the more than 200 million guests who have experienced this attraction and, ultimately, Universal Studios Hollywood’s storied history. More information will be shared soon highlighting the exciting program planned for spring and summer in support of the Studio Tour’s 60 th anniversary.

While the park park is yet to divulge the exact details, it’s expected to add new entertainment to the tour.

To prepare guests for these changes, Universal shared images of past changes to hit the attraction over the years – all the way from its initial “Glamor Trams” where tourists could “see film rushes of current productions, both feature and television, being made at Universal City ” in the 1960s, to its ever-increasing fleet of electronic trams taking guests through decades of film history.

As of 2024, film sets currently visited on the tour include those for  Back to the Future (1985),  War of the Worlds (2005),  Nope (2022) , and Psycho  (1960), as well as general purpose sets used for the likes of  Desperate Housewives  and staged experiences inspired by the likes of Jurassic Park (1993), Jaws (1975), Earthquake (1974), and the King Kong  and  Fast & Furious franchises.

The  Earthquake portion of the Studio Tour is currently under refurbishment and is set to reopen in Spring 2024. Earlier this month, eagle-eyed guests spotted some mystery construction going on around the  Psycho area of the attraction , sparking discussion of whether Universal was adding a new stop the tour (although sound proofing walls or solar panels are the more likely reality).

Stay tuned for more updates on changes hitting the attraction this year.

What’s your favorite part of the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour? Let us know in the comments!

Comments Off on Universal Studios Is Making Changes to Its Iconic Backlot Tour This Year

• All Articles
• Itineraries
• Guides and Tips
• Attractions
• Behind-the-Scenes
• Guest Stories
• Guides & Tips
• Universal Orlando Resort Deals
• Universal Studios Hollywood Deals

How the World-Famous Studio Tour Helped Shape Entertainment History

The World-Famous Studio Tour celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and Universal Studios Hollywood is pumped to celebrate. After six decades of taking guests around the iconic Universal backlot — and in the process, transforming themed entertainment forever — you’d better believe we have a lot to celebrate. From a limited-time chance to hop off the tram for photo ops to adorable merch to delightful retro-inspired treats, the theme park has a whole lot of fun planned from April 26 to August 11, 2024 . But you know what’s even more fun than Glamor Tram sugar cookies? Reading up on your history. Yes, kids, that’s right!

After 60 years running, the Studio Tour has entertained more than 200 million guests. It’s tough to imagine the themed entertainment world without it. It’s become one of the top things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood , and is an absolute must for any Universal Studios Hollywood itinerary . But in its early days there was no guarantee the Studio Tour would last — let alone give way to the modern theme park. To get a sense for its impact, we dug into the Universal archives to look back at the history of the Studio Tour. You know, before it was world-famous. So let’s hop in the time machine for a quick Universal history lesson, shall we? 

An Open Door Tradition 

Universal has a long tradition of welcoming the public on set. In 1915, Universal Pictures founder Carl Laemmle opened the doors to spectators during filming. Guests paid 25 cents, took a seat in the bleachers, and watched as a show was filmed in front of them. 

“You could literally watch movies get made,” says John Murdy, a Universal Studios Hollywood creative director who oversaw the refurbishment of the Studio Tour in 2000. Murdy actually got his start at Universal as a Studio Tour guide in 1989. Back in the 1910s, the tour was far less structured than it is today. “It’s kind of crazy,” says Murdy, referring to archival photos of the early audiences. “They just seem to be roaming around the property, walking around, checking stuff out.”

Sounds distracting, sure. But one crucial difference between 1915 and today? Films were silent. Audiences could watch a scene being filmed like it was a stage play, and react audibly without interfering with the filmmaking process itself.  With the dawn of the talkies in the 1920s, Universal had to close its doors to guests, so as not to drive the sound guys up a wall. 

A Little Side Project

Fast-forward to 1964. Hollywood had changed quite a bit from the silent movie days. Not only did film have sound and color, but it had become a massive industry full of glitz and glamour. “It’s a weird era of Hollywood history,” says Murdy. “You’re coming out of the studio system days, and television is starting to impact the movie business.” With television competing for viewers’ attention, studios had to keep income coming in — and do so creatively. 

It turns out, the studio execs just had to trust their guts. Or, rather — trust tourists’ guts. Prior to Universal’s own Studio Tour, third-party Hollywood tours would come onto the lot, take a swing around the sets, and stop for lunch at the Studio Commissary. With those tourist trips came a big uptick in lunch sales. How could they keep those lunch sales coming?  

“That was literally the impetus for the Studio Tour,” says Murdy. “ How can we sell more lunches in the studio commissary? ” 

A young executive named Jay Stein was tasked to manage this newfangled vessel for lunch sales. Stein recruited Barry Upson, a designer of the 1964 Seattle World’s Fair, to realize Universal’s own backlot tour. Hollywood legend Harper Goff, responsible for the looks of several iconic 20th century films, was brought on as the art director. Goff designed the now legendary candy-striped tour vehicles that criss-crossed the Universal backlot: the “GlamorTrams.” 

In its inaugural year, guests would pay $2.50 (or $1.25 for kids), then hop aboard GlamorTrams to tour the Universal backlot. The two-hour tour included a look at outdoor film sets, a makeup demonstration, a costume display by legendary designer Edith Head and a two-man stunt show. Compared to the whole theme park we know and love today, the Universal Studio Tour was modest to say the least. “It was literally a booth on a trailer on Lankershim Boulevard,” says Murdy, who remembers visiting the Universal backlot as a kid in the early 1970s.  

We might take it for granted now, but regular folks getting to step foot on a movie set was a big deal at the time. Up to then, studios were shrouded in mystery and mystique. In a way, the Studio Tour democratized the moviemaking process — or at least, pulled back the curtain. As LA Times film critic Philip K. Scheuer wrote in 1964:

“You can now visit a bona fide movie and television studio…without having to contact a VIP who happens to be the relative of a bigger VIP, without presenting a letter from your hometown exhibitor or without, heaven be praised, making a last-ditch pitch to the motion picture editor of your favorite newspaper.” 

What was once reserved for the well-connected was now a mass-market product. By its third year, Universal reported 8,000 guests per day. 

An Opportunity For Innovation 

Per his 2023 interview with the LA Times , Stein quickly realized two things in the early days of the Studio Tour. First, you couldn’t bank on the guests seeing an actor on the tour. They were unpredictable and at work. And some actors would even head for the hills at the sight of a GlamorTram. (Though, lots of them loved the tour. As Murdy remembers from his childhood visits to Universal, “We would always see Al Lewis, who played Grandpa Munster. Like, all the time. Whenever we came to Universal, he was just hanging out.”)  

Secondly, Stein realized that studios aren’t inherently entertaining places. Sure, they’re where entertainment is created , but movie sets involve a lot of not-so-dazzling work in between shots. It was from these two observations that Stein realized that in order to survive, Universal needed to guarantee excitement on every tour. They needed to create illusions that would be (from production’s point of view) predictable, repeatable, and above all, entertaining. Guests, of course, must experience it as thrilling and un predictable, duh. 

Throughout the following years, the tour expanded. It wasn’t just a peek behind the curtain anymore. It included a stunt show, an animal actors show, and a screen test comedy theater. A 1967 visitors pamphlet held in the Universal Archives advertised giant sound stages, a visit to a star’s dressing room, man-made lakes and waterfalls, a visit to the prop department, and exterior sets of New York, Europe, Hong Kong and the Old West. Over at the Visitors Center, guests would be treated to demonstrations by professional makeup artists, a showcase of film costumes, “push-button storms” on the Snow Set and the Rain Set, a peek inside the Munster laboratory (and the opportunity to “touch the button to bring Herman to ‘life’”), and more. 

The Studio Tour had evolved from guests visiting a movie set to guests experiencing movie magic in real time. Universal pushed the limits of interactive entertainment further and further. In the ‘70s, they expanded the studio tour, with the additions of heart-pumping attractions like “Flash Flood,” “Parting of the Red Sea,” and “Jaws Lake” to the itinerary. In the ‘80s, they premiered “Earthquake,” a scarily realistic simulation of an 8.3 seismic tremor. 

And what we now know as the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park came to life in the ‘90s, with attraction additions including “E.T. Adventure,” “Back to the Future: The Ride” and “Jurassic Park—The Ride.” Thanks to the Studio Tour, Universal found itself leading the industry in a whole new kind of fun. 

A 21st Century Tour

In 2000, the Studio Tour underwent a refurbishment to bring it into the new millennium. As the creative director on that project (and a former tour guide himself), Murdy made it his mission to bring the history of the Studio Tour to life on the tour itself. “The main thing I wanted to do was to connect the dots for the guests between the sets they were looking at and the movies they’d seen,” says Murdy. That’s when screens were added to the Studio Tour. Guests could now look out at a set on the Universal backlot, then immediately see a clip of how it had been utilized in a film or show. Murdy had a team whose job it was to watch movies and TV shows to find specific shots of the backlot they needed for the Studio Tour. “I’d be like, ‘I’m pretty sure they walk down Brownstone Street in this ‘50s movie. Can you find that shot?’” In doing so, the Studio Tour became a vehicle (pun intended) for bringing movie history to life — as it remains today. 

Over the past 60 years, Universal Studios Hollywood has gone from entertaining guests with makeup tutorials, to natural disasters caused by movie magic, to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. Attractions have come and gone, but what remains is the storied past of a studio that brings the screen to real life. And it all began with the Studio Tour. Giving the average movie fan a peek behind the curtain birthed a series of innovations that have changed entertainment forever. 

What’s your favorite part of the World-Famous Studio Tour? Let us know in the comments below!

Universal Destinations & Experiences

Never miss a thrill. Subscribe now to get email updates from Universal Parks & Resorts.

Grace Perry

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

You Might Also Like

A Family-Friendly Guide to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 

Check Out the Updated “Earthquake—The Big One” Studio Tour Attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood

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

Guide to The Best Seats on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Dates: 1950s – present

Park Lake is believed to have been constructed in the early 1950s and was one of three bodies of water on the backlot ( Falls Lake and Jaws Lake (formerly Singapore Lake) are the others). It consisted of two separate lake areas – the main Park Lake and, the other side of the Sweet Charity Bridge (added in 1969), the Black Lagoon. 

This man-made lake on the backlot was reduced in size in 2017. 

Before the Parting of the Red Sea effect was added to the tour in 1973, Park Lake was the site of a recreation of the Mississippi. The riverboat sternwheeler started up and kicked up a fountain of spray. The water of the lake, via a wave-making machine, used to whip up a storm of almost any dimension, gale to hurricane. The lake was used in The Mississippi Gambler (1953) starring Tyrone Power and also appeared in McHales Navy, Gilligan’s Island, Creature from the Black Lagoon and Dawn of the Dead.

Around Park Lake

Apartment complex.

• See Apartments page

The Black Lagoon

Area beyond the Sweet Charity bridge. The Black Lagoon was part of the tour in the 1960s & 70s when a hidden bridge just under the surface of the water was used to transport GlamorTram guests to the Snow Cottage and Gorilla exhibits (see below).

Seen on Screen: Universal Studios Hollywood [Black_Lagoon]

• See Boragora page

Gorilla / Gorilla Huts (? to 1973)

• See Gorilla page

King Kong Model Ship

From April 2006 to 2016, the Parting of the Red Sea was taken over to be simply a way of viewing a model ship and scaled-down backdrops from King Kong. Some Tour Guides made no mention of the Red Sea, although many continued to ask the guests to ‘Part the Waters’, to enable the tram to continue onwards.

Universal Studios Hollywood Press Release, April 2006

The “Bigature” of the S.S. Venture approaching Skull Island, as featured in Peter Jackson’s King Kong and now just in front of the bridge over the Red Sea. With help from the Oscar®-winning artisans of New Zealand’s Weta Workshop Ltd., Studio Tour guests will experience an update of a classic film technique as they pass within a few feet of “King Kong’s” S.S. Venture tramp steamer, an exact replica of the film’s “bigature” prop. “Bigatures” are large-scale, highly-detailed miniatures which can be filmed at close range and manipulated in ways not possible with full-size props, digital generation or the more commonly used miniatures.  This big-miniature offers the ultimate in realism when combined with traditional and digital effects. With the movie-making elements properly staged, Studio Tour guests will experience a scene lifted from the blockbuster.  Set against a panoramic backdrop of the primordial environs of Skull Island, they will observe the S.S. Venture as it navigates through a dense marine fog.  The moment will be further punctuated by the deafening, primal roar of “The Eighth Wonder of the World”, Kong. Behind the scenes, high tech equipment is working  to ensure flawless scenic execution.  To precisely interpret unpredictable weather climate and output consistent and realistic fog, the creative team at Universal Studios Hollywood created breakthrough technology, linking an atomized water system to a newly installed, on-site weather station.  By accurately reading the relative humidity in the air, the creative team was effectively able to produce a high pressure fog system and attain the desired special effect: an impenetrable fog obscured island and a true sense of realism.

Parting the Red Sea (1973 – 2017)

Tram On-board Video (2007) featuring footage of Charlton Heston opening the attraction in 1973, and a stunt sequence from The Nude Bomb

The attraction aimed to recreate the epic biblical moment in The Ten Commandments where Moses parts the waters of the Red Sea.

The tour guide points out the fact that Park Lake beside the tram has been used in numerous films and TV series (e.g. Creature from the Black Lagoon, McHale’s Navy) before preparing us for wet feet as we drive through the lake. The guests count down and the waters magically part in front of us. (well, quite noisily actually, revealing an aged rusty metal mechanism).

At it’s best, the effect is very impressive – water cascades past the tram as it sinks below the level of the lake. However, usually the metal plates holding the water back are fairly obvious, and also quite rusty to look at. The effect was accomplished in Cecil B DeMille’s silent The Ten Commandments (1923) by using a block of blue gelatine melting, projected in reverse. And they say the camera never lies…

The mechanism was originally a timed effect – the tram only had a certain number of seconds to cross the lake before the mechanism closed up again. Needless to say a tram was trapped once as the lake filled back up again. There are now two safety systems to stop this happening again – the tour guide has to manually push a button to signal all is clear, and there are infra-red sensors which can detect if the tram is clear of the water. There is still a possibility of some excitement with the Red Sea as the tram roadway sometimes does not drain fully, leaving some guests with wet feet. The tour guide will ask you to lift bags off the floor of the tram for a good reason!

Seen on Screen:

The Parting of the Red Sea effect can be seen in…

• The Nude Bomb (1980)
• The History of the World Part I (1981) [below]

Snow Cottage

This display was at the far end of the black lagoon in the early days of the tour.

• See Snow Cottage page for more details and photos

Submarine Attack

Sweet Charity Bridge

The area behind the King Kong Model Ship was the filming location for The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The bridge that’s now too dangerous to cross was built for Sweet Charity.

This bridge was added to Park Lake in 1968 for the production of Sweet Charity. It’s appeared in a number of productions, but is now unfortunately a crumbling concrete shell of it’s former self, behind the Kong ‘bigature’ model ship set. It was built before the Red Sea effect was added to the tour, so the area was very different then.

The rear of the King Kong ship model backdrop is now hiding the now stripped-down Sweet Charity bridge that crosses the Red Sea. (Photo April 11 2006)

Seen on Screen: Universal Studios Hollywood [Park_Lake]