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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.

RELATED:  Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood Finally Revealed

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. 

RELATED:  Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates 1-Year with New Power Up Cafe

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 .

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. 

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

No trip to  Universal Studios Hollywood  is complete without experiencing our signature attraction,  The World-Famous Studio Tour . This legit journey through the actual sets of some of your favorite movies and television shows is mixed with exhilarating attractions and entertaining insights, making it an educational thrill ride unlike anything you can experience anywhere else. And while it’s safe to say there are no bad seats on the Studio Tour, there are definitely some  preferred  seats, depending on what you’re most excited to see. Let me break it down for you.

Flash Flood

The flash flood on our Old Mexico set was added to our backlot tour back in 1968. You may recognize it from films like “Big Fat Liar”   and  “ Fletch Lives”, but seeing it in person is truly something else. A rainstorm starts out of nowhere and before you know it, 10,000 gallons of water are rushing toward you, blasting through windows, knocking over signs, when suddenly… *WHOOSH* It stops just short of washing away the entire tram. How? Movie magic, of course.

Best Seats: Car 2, Left Side

King Kong 360 3-D

The first of its kind on the Studio Tour, this attraction was created under the direction of “King Kong”   director Peter Jackson. As you make your way through Skull Island, the tram is suddenly surrounded by hungry dinosaurs and giant insects.

Luckily, Kong is on your side. Actually, he’s on all sides, throwing punches (watch out for dinosaur saliva) and catching tram cars. Good thing the tram roof is built to support that kind of weight.

…it is, right?

 Best Seats: Car 2, Right Side — if you want to see Kong’s epic entrance Car 4, Left Side — if you want to see what happens to Car 5

War of the Worlds

One of the most well-known sets from the Studio Tour is the plane crash from Steven Spielberg’s, “War of the Worlds”. Now I won’t tell you all the fun facts about this set (that’s what the tour is for), but it is a real 747 airplane that was torn apart for the movie and it is truly something to behold up close. As the neighborhood appeared in the film, you can still see the smoking wreckage of the crash and the scattered debris. Don’t worry — the tram will stop for a moment so you can snap plenty of pictures.

Best Seats: Car 3, Left Side

Some may recognize the peaceful village around the water as Cabot Cove, from the classic show, “Murder, She Wrote”. However, this section is most commonly known as Jaws Lake, home of the unstoppable great white shark from the movie “Jaws”. After greeting one of the divers in the water, the tram will pause on the dock (for safety, I guess?), allowing the shark to cause some destruction by the gas pumps before attacking the tram. This is why they tell you to keep your arms inside the vehicle, folks.

Best Seats: Car 2, Right Side — to get a good look at the shark just as he emerges Car 3, Right Side — to get a good look at the shark and enjoy those fire effects (if it’s chilly outside)

Earthquake — The Big One

This part of the tour has been featured in movies like “Beverly Hills Cop III”   and the TV show “Bones”. Much like King Kong 360 3-D, this attraction delivers thrills and action on all sides, so there are no bad seats. The difference here is that all the effects are practical (no 3D glasses needed). Plus, if you missed the fire effects from Jaws Lake or the flood from Old Mexico, Earthquake features both — and they’re on opposite sides!

Best Seats: Car 3, Left Side — for those fire effects (just watch out for the gas truck) Car 3, Right Side — for that impressive flood

Courthouse Square

Your tour guide can rattle off dozens of different movies and TV shows that have been filmed on this beautiful block of the backlot (and likely a few current productions!), but none more well-known than “Back to the Future”. While some of the facades have changed, you’ll still be taken back to 1955 (or 1985, or 2015). There’s plenty of fun stuff to see on all sides, but the tram tends to pass by the iconic courthouse and clocktower just once.

Best Seats: Car 2 or 3, Left Side – for the best view of the courthouse

New York Street & Colonial Street & Six Points Texas

A good portion of the tour is spent traveling down streets designed to look like any city  but  Hollywood. This is where the history of filmmaking on the Universal backlot comes alive with facades everywhere. Because this is a working studio, the route can vary day-to-day!

Best Seats: Anywhere!

Fast & Furious — Supercharged

There’s a government spy on board the tram and the villainous Owen Shaw is on his way to take them out (and I don’t mean to dinner). Fortunately, the “Fast & Furious” crew is aware of the situation and are here to protect you and everyone else on board. After a failed attempt to hide out at Sullivan’s Garage, the tram finds itself in a high-speed chase through the streets of LA, with intense action happening all around it. This attraction uses similar technology to King Kong 360 3-D, meaning that once again there aren’t any bad seats. To take it a step further, the action throughout is pretty similar on either side, and one character is even carried along both sides of the tram by helicopter (before jumping back into their moving vehicle, of course).

Best Seats: Any Car, Left Side – for a good look at the souped-up vehicles right when you enter Sullivan’s Garage Any Car, Right Side – for a good look at the pre-show dance party and Shaw’s arrival

As you can see, no matter where you sit on the World-Famous Studio Tour, you’re bound to get an unforgettable experience. Just remember to stay seated while the tram is in motion, and don’t put those 3D glasses on just yet. Action!

Let us know in the comments below your favorite part of the Studio Tour and we’ll see you soon!

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HHN fanatic and honorary Springfield, USA resident. Firm believer that milkshakes go with every meal. Very excited to meet your dog.

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21 comments.

For Norman Bates: Car 4, right side, second to last row. The actors who play him are usually really cute and they’ll get right on your face.

Lol. It’s sad that I know this.

I’m at Universal Studios tour guide. The Normans will be happy to hear this. Starting today through Halloween horror nights Norman is up at the psycho house so your best view will be on the left side in car four. 👍🏻

Hi. Universal Studios tour guide here. For the earthquake section you have your sides flipped. Truck comes down on the left. Flood comes from the right. 👍🏻

MVP Tour Guide! Thanks for catching that, Luke. All fixed for future readers. 🙂

Does it still pass the Psycho house ? I am taking my daughter there for the first time next week. She is obsessed with that movie and it’s all she wants to see.

Hi Vanessa! Guests will see the legendary Bates Motel from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho during the Studio Tour.

hi,i wear glasses,so i wondering there have so many 3d thing,how about bad eyesignt people could enjoy this?

Hi there! If an attraction has 3-D glasses available, they can go over normal glasses just fine!

A partir de que estatura puede hacerse este ride?

Hola Nash! Esta atracción no tiene restricción de altura y todos los Visitantes pueden experimentarla.

[…] store to choose materials for their house renovation. This store sequence was filmed entirely on the Universal Studios lot in Hollywood. This lot is made up of many stages and backlots and provides the production team with a completely […]

Hola quisiera saber que dias hay tours en español?

Hola Fernanda,

Le recomendamos comunicarse con nuestro equipo de experiencia VIP al 1-866-346-9350 para recibir asistencia con reservar un guía que hable Español para su recorrido. Se puede contactar con ellos los 7 días de la semana de 9 am a 7 pm. Para obtener más información, recomendamos consultar nuestra página de VIP Tour Experience en nuestro sitio web: https://bit.ly/3syPMhz Visitas guiadas. ¡Esperamos su bienvenida!

Can I purchase this tour without the general admission? I’ll be visiting with senior crew from abroad and they only care about the “movies tour”

Hi Cat! Guests wishing to experience The World-Famous Studio Tour will be required to purchase park tickets. We recommend viewing the Special Offers page on our website for the most up-to-date deals currently available: https://bit.ly/3wh6Hqn . We hope to see you soon!

Hola! dónde puedo ver los horarios del tour (idealmente en español)? Gracias!

¡Hola Carolina! Para informaciones actualizadas sobre los horarios del Studio Tour, recomendamos que utilice nuestra aplicación móvil de Universal Studios Hollywood. ¡Esperamos verte muy pronto!

Loved this guide! Just got back from the studio tour and the tips for getting the best seats were super helpful.

We’re so glad that you found them helpful! 😊

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Current Studio Tour

The World-Famous Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour currently contains the attractions listed below.

Due to continuous production work on the backlot throughout the year, some attractions and areas may be inaccessible.

The order listed here is a typical tour route, which usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes, but again, due to production work, the order may change totally from tour to tour.

You can also view information about past attractions on the Studio Tour .

Typical duration of tour: 45-60 minutes

• Timeline Drive
• Fire Station 51 
• The Front Lot  (35 soundstages)
• Metropolitan Area (including  New York Street ,  Brownstone Street ,  Courthouse Square )
• King Kong 360 3-D Created by Peter Jackson
• Picture Cars
• Jurassic Park Sets
• Flash Flood
• Mexican Street 
• Six Points Texas
• Home and Family Set 
• Underwater Tank
• Denver Street
• Little Europe  /  Court of Miracles
• Mediterranean Square
• Earthquake – The Big One
• Chicken Ranch
• Colonial Street / Wisteria Lane   (if not in use for filming)
• Bates Motel
• Psycho House
• War of the Worlds Set
• Fast and Furious: Supercharged

Universal Studios Hollywood Tour celebrates 60 years. See past and present photos

Visitors can celebrate the anniversary by riding along a red and white retro tram, posing with the original jaws shark, and sampling themed food., by jasmine mendez • published april 2, 2024 • updated on april 2, 2024 at 6:02 pm.

Universal Studio Hollywood is celebrating 60 years of scenic excursions via the Studio Tour ride, offering park-goers a chance to experience old Hollywood with new attractions as well as themed merchandise and food.

Anniversary celebrations begin on April 26 until Aug. 11, 2024.

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The tour will take a pit stop onto legendary movie sets, allowing riders to step into the world of cinema. The stop features an original, fully restored retro Glamor Tram from when the tour first opened in 1964.

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Photo opportunities are also available, with a giant King Kong backdrop and the original hanging Jaws shark.

The “ Earthquake: The Big One ” section recently underwent a top to bottom renovation and will debut new contemporary technology and aesthetics. The attraction, emulating an 8.3 magnitude quake, was built in 1988 replacing the Tower of London set . 

As the tour continues to the backlot, riders will get the chance to see an original time machine picture car from Back to the Future at Courthouse Square . The Doc Brown character will be roaming the area as well.

Other nostalgic returns include the 1976 “Return of the Runaway Train" set, featuring warning bells and siren alarms. A large Tyrannosaurus rex display from "Jurassic World" will be heard screeching from afar as well.

For a final touch on the 60 minute tour, riders will see an original replica of the Hollywood Sign situated along the backlot. The original billboard was installed in 1923, and later declared a cultural and historical monument in Los Angeles.

Anniversary-themed merchandise and food will be available for purchase at the park as well. Food items include:

• Hollywood & Dine
• Mel's Diner
• Studio Scoops
• City Snack Shop

According to the park, a 60th anniversary dining pass will be available for purchase, allowing guests to select up to two entrees, four snacks, sides, desserts or beverages at participating restaurants or food carts. A pass member preview is also available for RSVP April 18, 22, 23 and 24.

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

Plan the ultimate vacation

My  digital travel planner template  has everything you need to plan your vacation: research templates, travel planner itinerary, travel budget templates…etc. . You can print it out or use it digitally on your phone, tablet, or computer.

P.S. Get an additional discount on my Etsy shop with my code ATRLOVE !

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!

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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 2024-09-07 / 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 :)

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Warner Bros.? Paramount? Universal? How to choose the best Hollywood studio tour for you

W hen it comes to L.A. outings, the movie studio tour can be easy for locals to overlook. After all, surrounded by Hollywood productions, the entire city can feel like a stage. And if you've been on backlots or know people who work in the film and television industries, the magic of the moving picture may already be demystified.

And yet there's still much to adore about an afternoon jaunt through a filmmaking campus.

In a city that's too often unjustly stereotyped as favoring the new, the Hollywood studio reminds us of how much history — and, specifically, pop-culture myth-making — is rooted in and around Los Angeles. There in these spaces, you might see a spot where James Dean once stood, roll past the "Psycho" house, step into a partly dressed soundstage or walk through a sound-making Foley factory. Our studios remain working palaces dedicated to crafting dreams.

That all may sound romanticized — the reality of " making it " in Hollywood is increasingly challenging, and the studio itself is threatened by a global, digital and consolidating production industry — but it's only meant to note what's at risk.

For me, the studio tour was once a go-to destination when out-of-towners came to visit. These days, I like to revisit one every few years, just as a reminder to remain uncynical and to marvel at the talent and cinematic art that this region has invented. And each tour has a slightly different flavor. Whether it's animation history you crave or museum-like installations, there's a tour for every kind of film buff.

Universal Studios

Best for: Seekers of thrills and cinematic magic

It's not an exaggeration to say that if there was no tram tour on the Universal Studios lot, there would be no Universal Studios theme park. Sixty years ago, the backlot tram tour began as a way, in part, to increase commissary sales as tourists liked the opportunity to dine on the lot. Quickly, however, those running the tour had a realization that every studio trek has to confront: looking at giant soundstages or deserted sets is fun for only so long.

Thus, Universal Studios pioneered the concept of melding the tour with various attractions — cinematic illusions such as a flash flood, a runaway train or, in the late ’80s, an earthquake simulator. Today, the tram tour — now officially designated as the World-Famous Studio Tour — is but one part of a larger theme park, designed to show us mini-attractions such as an encounter with a shark from "Jaws" or a 3-D ride alongside King Kong. Yes, there are backlot sets, including instantly recognizable locations from "Back to the Future," "Pyscho," "Desperate Housewives" and, most recently, "Nope." But this 60-minute journey is more than a behind-the-scenes look. Instead, the focus is on the emotion and excitement of movie-making mirages.

There is even a lesser known VIP option to exploring the park. Expect to spend around $400 per person for it, but the perks include a longer tour with the ability to walk around the sets, venture into a prop house and likely set foot on a soundstage.

Universal Studios, 100 Universal City Plaza. The tram tour is included with theme park admission, which varies per day but ranges from $109 to $149 per person. For more information , visit universalstudioshollywood.com .

Warner Bros.

Best for: Fans of interactive exhibits, Central Perk selfies and everything "Harry Potter"

Warner Bros. has always had a showman's approach to its studio tour, opening its gates to the public in the mid-'60s to herald the arrival of "The Great Race" with cars, props and a behind-the-scenes featurette to accompany a backlot venture. It's a mindset that continues today, as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour aims to walk the line between pure history and entertainment, with numerous recent expansions into interactive installations. Come for the tour, stay for a potion-making mini-game to celebrate the "Harry Potter" franchise or the ability to pose with multiple Batmobiles.

The standard tour offers about a 60-minute tram outing. Expect to stop and walk among its suburban town, where guides will point out filming locations from "Friends," "The Big Bang Theory," "Gilmore Girls," "Cool Hand Luke" and more, as well as to see the wilds of San Fernando Valley, including a forest area that's been used in the likes of "Jurassic Park," "True Blood" and "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." There's also a Turner Classic Movies-themed tour , if you lean more toward cinematic classics such as "Casablanca" and "Rebel Without a Cause."

But what truly separates Warner Bros. from its competitors is recent investments in a re-creation of the "Friends" Central Perk Café — yes, you can dine there — and its surrounding museum-like exhibits. Interactive tables will allow you to explore the actors of Warner Bros. past and present, while special effects stations can add or subtract digital accouterments with the movement of a knob. There's up-sell green screen photo ops, short films and demonstrations of motion-capture technology. A secondary stop pulls from tricks from the theme park industry, with photo ops pegged to DC superhero films and the "Potter" franchise, including the ability to be assigned a personality by the latter's wizardly Sorting Hat.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour, 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank. The standard tour starts at $73 ; Southern California residents receive a $12 discount through Dec. 17 , with deluxe and VIP offerings providing additional exploration of the studio's backlot. For more information , visit wbstudiotour.com.

Walt Disney Studios

Best for: Disney history buffs and animation lovers

If Disneyland idealizes American stories and Western takes on classic fairy tales, then a trip to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank grounds them in a bit more reality. But it is still Disney, so expect a little bit of folkloric mythologizing, especially when it comes to company founder Walt Disney.

A centerpiece of the 2½-hour tour — open only to members of the Disney fan club D23, including those with a free membership — is the meticulous restoration of Disney's five-room office suite. It's a treasure trove of items belonging to Disney — or re-creations of them, such as a reproduction of the special Oscar he won for “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” with a normal-sized statuette and seven smaller ones. Marvel, too, at the Disneyland master plan, with nods to what were then recently completed projects such as It's a Small World. The office is preserved as it would have looked at the time of Disney's death in 1966. (Note: At the time of publication, the office was due for renovation in late 2024.)

Additionally, no other tour is as dedicated to the art of animation as this one. No real surprise, of course, but guests will visit the original animation building — where "Cinderella" and "Lady and the Tramp," among many others, were created — and learn about Disney's many advancements to the medium. Discover, too, the unique construction of the lot, and clever efforts to conceal precious hand-drawn animation cels from the sun. The tour also includes a stop at the Walt Disney Archives, the working research lab dedicated to preserving all things Disney.

The Walt Disney Studios Official Tour, 500 S . Buena Vista St., Burbank. D23 members are allowed to purchase two tickets; ticket cost varies by membership level but starts at $79. For more information , visit d23.com/upcoming-events.

Sony Pictures

Best for: Game show devotees and a vision of Oz

The Times first wrote about a tour of the famed MGM Studios lot in the late ’60s. Times, culture and ownership have changed, and the now Sony Pictures Studio Tour no longer, for instance, provides a look at Esther Williams' private swimming pool. Today, it begins with a re-creation of the "Seinfeld" set and props from the "Men in Black" films. The Culver City lot still offers the occasional nod to its past, via architectural allusions to MGM's history or artist Tony Tasset's 94-foot, 2012-constructed rainbow that references "The Wizard of Oz," which was filmed at the locale.

A signature of the modern Sony Pictures tour is a stop on the sets of venerable game shows such as "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune," provided they're not in the midst of filming. But even if they are, you'll still have the opportunity to stand before a green screen and take home a "Jeopardy!" picture as a memento.

You'll also likely get a look at various working aspects of the studio. On the day I visited, we strolled through the sound production offices to see how Foley artists operate. Imagine a darkened, cramped room that looks like someone's garage filled with old clothes, crusty leaves, an assortment of footwear and broken machinery.

It was a brief chance to play, as guests stepped among different floor types to create various sounds. We also spent a moment in an overdub room, mimicking the creation of white noise from a crowd.

"Breaking Bad" and Ghostbusters" fans will snare a look at vehicles used in productions. For a different perspective, schedule one of Sony's evening tours.

Sony Pictures, 3990 Overland Ave ., Culver City. Tours start at $55. For more information, visit sonypicturesstudiostours.com.

Paramount Pictures

Best for: Those looking for Hollywood nostalgia

Paramount dispenses with the slickness and some of the how-to's of other tours, focusing instead on its historic Hollywood locale on Melrose Avenue. A sense of grandeur permeates the lot, thanks in large part to the ornate archway of the Bronson Gate — which was a filming location for "Sunset Boulevard." On Paramount's standard tour, you'll learn how Alfred Hitchcock nearly destroyed a soundstage to film "Rear Window," and glimpse the lot's expansive "blue sky tank," which can create oceanic illusions. On the day I visited, we explored a soundstage dressed for Taylor Tomlinson's "After Midnight," and paused to watch crews ready the lot's New York streets for filming.

At a prop warehouse specifically geared for the tour, one can step on a transporter from "Star Trek Beyond." Also present: costumes for the "Halo" series, a full-scale Bumblebee from the "Transformers" films and mushrooms and an "egg mobile" from the "Sonic the Hedgehog" movies. This is more of a gallery-like setup than it is a venture into a working prop house.

The two-hour Paramount tour is relatively intimate, featuring a small group and a tour guide armed with an iPad. Higher-priced options offer a look into more operational archival areas of the lot, but as it stands, it's primarily a chance to see a historic Hollywood lot, one potentially on the verge of significant change .

Paramount Pictures, 5515 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Tour start at $65. For more information, visit paramountstudiotour.com.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .

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Universal Studios Hollywood: todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el Studio Tour

Si planificas visitar este parque de atracciones, no te pierdas el studio tour. aquí te contamos todo lo que vivirás recorriendo varios sets de filmación donde se filmaron legendarias películas como “jaws”, “back to the future” o “fast & furious”.

Universal Studios Hollywood, en California, está celebrando su 60 aniversario y ha preparado una serie de emocionantes atracciones para hacer de tu visita una experiencia inolvidable.

Entre todas, hay una que destaca y se ha convertido en una parada obligatoria: el Studio Tour. Esta es una de las actividades imperdibles porque te hará sentir como el protagonista de tus películas favoritas, especialmente para los turistas latinoamericanos que buscan una aventura memorable.

El Studio Tour es, para algunos, lo mejor de Universal Studios Hollywood. Con una duración de una hora, este tradicional y famoso recorrido te lleva a través de los icónicos sets de filmación donde se han creado algunas de las películas y series más populares. A bordo de un tren, tendrás la oportunidad de explorar este mundo cinematográfico y vivir momentos que van más allá de la pantalla.

“Back to the Future”

Tu aventura comienza con un encuentro inolvidable con el Doc Brown de “Back to the Future”, quien te dará la bienvenida, permitiéndote revivir la mítica escena del reloj. Esto será tan solo el inicio de un paseo lleno de sorpresas y emociones.

Acompañado por los guías del estudio y por la animada narración del comediante y conductor del “Tonight Show”, Jimmy Fallon, recorrerás las 167 hectáreas de este complejo que incluye escenarios de sonido, fachadas, estudios de filmación, atracciones de efectos especiales y, si tienes suerte, conocerás las bodegas donde se almacena todo el mobiliario usado en diferentes cintas y series.

Emociones en 3D y alta velocidad

La adrenalina continúa cuando el tren te lleve a presenciar la batalla en 3D entre King Kong y un Tiranosaurio Rex. Sin embargo aquí no termina todo, ya que luego sentirás la velocidad al máximo con una espectacular carrera inspirada en “Fast & Furious”.

El tour te permitirá explorar también los decorados de series como “Desperate Housewives” y películas legendarias como “Psicosis” y “The War of the Worlds”.

Una de las paradas más impactantes es el plató de “Jaws”, donde el tren se detendrá junto al lago para replicar una de las escenas más famosas de esta película de culto dirigida por Steven Spielberg.

Así que mantén los ojos bien abiertos, ya que un tiburón podría aparecer en cualquier momento.

También, pasarás por escenarios de accidentes aéreos, sets de westerns y ciudades americanas que han sido el telón de fondo de innumerables producciones.

Un final ‘instagramable’

Para culminar esta experiencia cinematográfica, llegarás a una zona perfecta para tus fotos del recuerdo. Aquí podrás tomarte selfies con King Kong, Tiburón y otros personajes emblemáticos del cine.

Después de este emocionante recorrido, tu día en Universal Studios Hollywood apenas comienza.

Por lo que te recomendamos explorar las demás atracciones, tiendas de souvenirs y restaurantes que el parque ofrece.

¿Dónde Comer?

• VIP Studio Tour: Actualmente opera la mayor constelación de satélites del mundo. Sus ejecutivos planifican comenzar el servicio a finales de 2020 y están preparando hasta 24 nuevos lanzamientos este año.
• Toadstool Café: Aquí podrás probar sabrosos platos elaborados por el chef Toad y observar el divertido paisaje del reino champiñón a través de diversas ventanas. Puedes ordenar en la barra, y los precios por persona varían de 20 a 40 dólares. Te recomendamos probar la Mario Burger con tocino, champiñones y queso; la ensalada Yoshi’s; la Super Mushroom Soup y, sobre todo, pedir la limonada llamada Super Star Lemon Squash. Todos los platillos incluyen pequeños detalles de Super Mario que podrás llevarte como souvenirs .
• The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen: Se encuentra saliendo del parque de atracciones, dentro de la plaza principal. Es un lugar inspirado en Steampunk y ambientado en el siglo 19, dedicado al chocolate, pero donde también deleitarás tu paladar con ricas comidas como bistec, mariscos, crepas, batidas, chocolates gourmet y ricos postres.

Atracciones imperdibles

• Super Nintendo World:

Vive un videojuego en la vida real, habitado por Mario, Luigi y la Princesa Peach, junto con sus amigos y enemigos: Bowser, Toad y Yoshi. Toda el área está llena de hongos, pirañas y otros personajes que sin duda conquistarán a los fanáticos de Mario Kart y Super Mario Brothers. Aquí podrás disfrutar de actividades interactivas llenas de efectos especiales. Y, por supuesto, debes subirte a Mario Kart para ser parte de este famoso videojuego y ganar puntos mientras exploras su mundo.

• WaterWorld:

¿Quieres vivir una guerra acuática? Entonces, haz fila para presenciar y disfrutar de este show en vivo con efectos especiales, pirotecnia, lluvia, llamas y acrobacias. Aquí estarás en medio de la acción, viendo cómo los personajes pelean entre sí mientras bolas de fuego atraviesan el escenario o un hidroavión se lanza directamente sobre la audiencia, deslizándose sobre el agua y realizando un aterrizaje explosivo. Te recomendamos llegar temprano para conseguir un buen lugar.

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

Si eres seguidor del famoso mago, el mágico mundo de Harry Potter te seducirá. Entrarás a su universo, como si estuvieras dentro de alguna de las películas de esta saga. Caminarás por el pintoresco poblado cubierto de nieve, podrás probar su famosa cerveza de mantequilla y, sobre todo, volar por encima de Hogwarts a través de un juego donde te unirás a Harry y sus amigos en una emocionante aventura.

¿Dónde hospedarte?

Para que tu experiencia en el parque sea placentera, te recomendamos hospedarte muy cerca. Una opción es el Sheraton Universal, que está a solo 10 minutos del parque, lo que te permitirá ahorrar tiempo y dinero. El hotel cuenta con 461 habitaciones con aire acondicionado, televisor, Wi-Fi, amenidades y más. Además, se encuentra a 4.3 km del Estudio Warner Brothers y a 4.4 km del Hollywood Bowl.

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