Universal Studios Hollywood is a special place for so many reasons. Here, you can experience up-close encounters with dinosaurs, wizards and pop cultural icons all in the same day. You get to live inside your favorite movies, shows and video games. You get to act like a little kid, no matter your age.
But what really sets Universal Studios Hollywood apart? The World-Famous Studio Tour, of course.
This behind-the-scenes excursion pulls the curtain back on how movies are made. But it’s not just that — it lets guests experience the special effects of the movies for themselves. On the legendary tram, you’ll traverse working soundstages, authentic Hollywood sets, and 3D thrill rides that take you inside Universal movies. The Studio Tour doesn’t just put you face-to-face with Hollywood icons; it is a Hollywood icon.
In other words: the Studio Tour puts the “Hollywood” in Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s part of every perfect day at Universal Studios Hollywood — here’s your guide to the World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The History
One might say this theme park wouldn’t be here without The World Famous Studio Tour. Or, as the Los Angeles Times put it: “The Studio Tour is arguably the most important theme park attraction ever created.” As early as 1915, Universal pictures founder Carl Laemmle opened the doors to the studio to show the public how silent movies were made.
The modern iteration of the tour was launched in 1964. Instead of just showing folks the backlot, Universal made the innovative step of letting guests experience the special effects of the movies. The red-and-white striped vehicles, dubbed GlamorTrams at the time, navigated studio-made flash floods, bridge collapses and rock slides. Many of those practical effects still pop up on today’s rendition of the tour.
But the Studio Tour really took shape in 1976, when a recreation of the set — and of, notably, the shark — from the smash-hit “Jaws” came to the backlot. “Jaws” changed the movie industry, giving birth to the modern blockbuster. And it changed theme parks, too. This attraction’s popularity led to a slew of new shows, dark rides, and eventually themed lands. It laid the blueprint for the Universal Studios Hollywood we love today. Check out our blog on the history of the Universal Studio Tour right here.
The Studio Tour has changed over the years, with various sets, attractions, and experiences rotating in and out. But at its core, the Studio Tour has always been about letting guests experience movie magic in real life.
The Sets
Before we dig in, a note: The Studio Tour itinerary is always subject to change. Remember, these are real, live film sets! The Universal Studios backlot is first and foremost a studio — the tram visits have to work around production schedules. There’s no guarantee that you’ll visit every one of these sets on the day of your visit. Still, it’s fair to expect that you’ll see a ton of eye-popping special effects on the Studio Tour. Some sets the tram frequents include:
Brownstone Street
This row of brick homes looks like it could be plucked out of Brooklyn. But nope! They’re hollow sets on the backlot in Universal City, California.
My favorite part of the Studio Tour is the integration of the on-tram TVs throughout the tour. As you drive through a set, the tram plays clips from movies, TV shows and commercials that were filmed on the set you’re in at any given moment. For example, you’ll watch a clip from “Bruce Almighty”shot on Brownstone Street at the exact moment you’re driving through that set. You’re not seeing double — you’re on the Studio Tour.
Metropolitan Set
The grandiose stone architecture, singular storefronts and brick apartment buildings might have you completely convinced you’re in the heart of Manhattan. That is, until you turn a corner and see they’re merely facades.
Picture Cars
You’ll probably recognize some of these autos from the silver screen, including mud-splattered cars that have traversed Isla Nublar, the Fry’s Electronics van used to take out an alien in “NOPE,” and many more.
Old Mexico
Guests witness some truly impressive special effects at this set, which resembles quaint old villages south of the border. Even on a bone-dry, sunny California day, you’ll see a “practical thunderstorm” erupt out of the sky (or, technically, out of the rain machines). The tram almost gets swept away when a flash flood comes cascading down a “muddy” set hill — but don’t worry, it’s just movie magic.
Six Points
This Old Western street has appeared in countless cowboy classics, from the midcentury heyday of Western films to contemporary takes on the genre.
Little Europe
No, you’re not wandering through a charming village in the South of France — but it sure feels that way! This popular permanent exterior can be dressed up as all kinds of towns and cities. It’s been the filming location for Universal classic monster movies and contemporary sitcoms alike.
Amity Island
Travel to the tiny New England town that a certain shark terrorized in the 1975 classic, “Jaws.” Keep your wits about you — you just might get a visit from a bloodthirsty great white.
Colonial Street
This picturesque suburban street would be a lovely place to live, if only the homes weren’t completely hollow inside. This road is home to several iconic family homes, from the Munsters to the ladies of Wisteria Lane. Once you’ve visited Colonial Street IRL, you’ll start to recognize it in all sorts of movies, shows and commercials.
“War of the Worlds” Set
One of the most impressive set pieces of the Studio Tour is the plane crash site in “War of the Worlds” (2005). It’s an actual jumbo jet that was disassembled, transported to L.A., then reassembled in the Universal backlot for filming. It’s incredibly eerie to cruise through its smoldering wreckage.
Classic Horror Sets
Two of the most recognizable exteriors in the horror genre (and in American cinema) are featured on the World-Famous Studio Tour. That includes the set of certain motel — you don’t want to take a shower there, trust me — and its corresponding hilltop mansion. Keep your eyes peeled for the butcher himself at both locations. And if you look closely, you just might see another creepy someone lurking in the window. Or is she just a figment of your imagination?
“NOPE“
The newest addition to the Studio Tour comes from the 2022 horror flick, “NOPE.” In the film, Jupiter’s Claim is a nostalgic western theme park in Southern California, run by a traumatized former child star. It also happens to be where a certain extraterrestrial likes to hang out. While the film was shot outside Los Angeles, the actual set was transported to, then reconstructed in, the Universal backlot.
PRO TIP: “NOPE” is spooky as is, but are you craving a truly terrifying tram experience? Come to Halloween Horror Nights for the annual “Terror Tram.” The theme changes every year, but the scares always deliver.
Courthouse Square
One of the most recognizable spots on the Studio Tour, this set has appeared in dozens of films. But it’s best known as downtown Hill Valley from “Back to the Future” — yep, that’s the infamous clock tower that sends Marty McFly back to 1985. Some VIP Experience tours get the chance to deboard the tram and step on the set themselves, but remember: every tour is a little bit different.
The Thrills
King Kong 360 3-D
The tram ventures down a tunnel and into the depths of Skull Island. After an intro from the film’s director, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the lush flora of Skull Island. That’s thanks to the help of the massive, screens lining each side of the tram. In fact, this is the first-ever Studio Tour attraction to use 3D technology.
When a pack of Velociraptors appears, the tram floors it through the jungle. But safety is fleeting, as the tour soon encounters a trio of Vastatosaurus rexes intent on devouring their next meal: you. It’s looking dire…but wait! Skull Island royalty has arrived to save you! A sprawling, brutal match between King Kong and the V. rexes ensues. At one point, the Studio Tour tram even goes tumbling down a cavernous ravine, so hold on tight!
Earthquake
The Studio Tour rolls into a fully realized San Francisco BART station. Guests are told it’s a “hot set” — completely dressed and ready for filming — but the crew is on break. It’s all fine and dandy when, suddenly, you’re hit by a massive earthquake! An 8.3 on the Richter scale, to be precise. First, the lights flicker. Then a fire starts. Then the real mayhem begins: the ceiling crashes in, causing a gas tank truck to slide into the station. A screeching BART train careens into the station, nearly slamming into the Studio Tour tram. And, just when you think it’s all over…here comes the flooding.
It feels oh-so-real — at least, how I’d imagine The Big One might feel — and yet, you’ll cruise out of attraction unscathed. Like the flash flood in Old Mexico, this is all the work of (very impressive) practical effects. Let’s give it up for movie magic!
The Details
Here are the nitty-gritty details you need to know:
- Runtime: approximately 60 minutes
- Entry is included with park admission
- Trams run regularly throughout the day; check the official Universal Studios Hollywood app for time of last tram
- Spanish language tours also available throughout the day; times vary
- Universal Express Pass is available
- All ages welcome but parental discretion is advised (mature themes and frightening images)
- Guests may remain in standard wheelchairs
- Guests in ECVs must be able to transfer into the tram with the assistance of member of their party
Exclusive Backlot Access
Eager to ditch the tram and walk on some real Hollywood sets? That’s what the VIP Experience is for. On this version of the Studio Tour, guests get to cruise through the Universal Studios backlot on the VIP Trolley, venture inside a real, working soundstage, check out the prop department, and even walk on some of the sets. It’s a must-do for anybody looking to upgrade their behind-the-scenes experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. Read our guide to the VIP Experience right here.
That’s everything you need to know about The World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood! What’s your favorite part of the tour? Let us know in the comments.
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