Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

The Behind-the-Scenes Studio Tour is a must-see attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

It offers guests an exclusive look at the inner workings of a real film studio. 

What began as a small tram ride through the backlot in 1964 has grown into a lovely and exciting experience.

This iconic tour takes you through the legendary backlot, where you can explore famous sets and locations featured in countless movies and TV shows. 

Universal Studios Hollywood attracts more than 9 million visitors annually, so booking tickets in advance makes sense. A General Admission ticket is the cheapest and most popular way to experience the park. Express Pass allows you to skip all lines, while VIP Pass offers the ultimate premium experience.

At a glance

• Duration: Approximately 45-60 minutes
• Location: Upper Lot
• Type: Guided Tram Tour
• Experience: Educational and Entertaining
  

What to expect on the Studio Tour

Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit for movie buffs, offering a glimpse into the world of filmmaking. 

The studio tour takes you behind the scenes to where movies are made. 

You might even see some of the Hollywood stars working there.

On this world-famous tour, you’ll uncover Hollywood’s filmmaking secrets and explore the world’s largest street movie set.

Get ready for the ultimate scare fest at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Famous sets and landmarks

As you go on this tour, you’ll be familiar with some iconic sets that fans of blockbuster movies will instantly recognize. 

You’ll pass by the Bates Motel and house on the hill from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” and the vibrant streets of Whoville from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”  

The tour also takes you through the impressive New York Street, which has served as the backdrop for numerous blockbuster films. 

Remember Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds”? You’ll see the crashed airplane set from the movie, a real Boeing 747. 

You’ll also visit the “Back to the Future” set, where the Courthouse Square clock tower became an iconic time travel symbol. 

It is a stunning display showcasing movie production’s immense scale and creativity.

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Thrilling attractions

The Studio Tour isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s also packed with adventure and interactive elements. 

You’ll experience thrilling moments like the explosive special effects of the Fast & Furious – Supercharged attraction, where you’ll feel the adrenaline rush of a high-speed chase. 

The park has incorporated state-of-the-art special effects to give visitors a realistic experience. 

The tour also includes an encounter with the terrifying jaws of the great white shark from “Jaws” and a journey through the ruins of ancient Egypt, inspired by “The Mummy.”

Some attractions on the backlot tour use 3D simulations and physical sensations, such as sudden tilting, shaking, and jarring actions. 

One such experience is the King Kong 360 3-D attraction, where you can witness a fierce battle between King Kong and terrifying dinosaurs.

Also, with Earthquake: The Big One attraction, you can experience the intensity of a simulated earthquake with shaking ground, collapsing buildings, and gushing water.

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Insights from the Studio Tour

With this Studio Tour experience, you’ll learn to appreciate the complexities of making the art of cinema. 

One of the most exciting aspects of the Studio Tour is learning about the groundbreaking technologies that make movie magic possible. 

You’ll discover how production designers and art directors use special effects to create everything from explosive action sequences to fantastical creatures.

The tour showcases various techniques, including practical effects like pyrotechnics, animatronics, and digital effects that rely on computer-generated imagery (CGI). 

You’ll also gain insight into green screens and motion capture technology, which allow filmmakers to place actors in any environment and animate digital characters with stunning realism. 

Additionally, the tour highlights the role of sound design and how audio engineers create the perfect soundtrack to complement a film’s visual spectacle. 

The tour guides will share anecdotes about the stars who have graced these sets, from the golden age of Hollywood to today’s biggest blockbusters. (Who knows, perhaps you might even get a celebrity guide!)

These stories provide a deeper understanding of how Universal Studios has shaped the film and television industry over the decades.

If you buy VIP tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, you can access the backlot areas generally closed to the public. The VIP Experience includes front-of-line privileges, a personal guide, a gourmet lunch, and light refreshments.
If you feel the VIP ticket is costlier, buy an Express pass. This pass also allows you to skip the regular lines at all rides, attractions, and shows, including the Studio Tour.

Celebrity guides of the studio tour

One of the unique and exciting features of the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour is the inclusion of celebrity guides.

They enhance the whole experience with their charm and insider knowledge.

These celebrity hosts bring a touch of Hollywood glamour to the tour, making it even more special for visitors. 

Jimmy Fallon, the beloved host of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” serves as the virtual host of the Studio Tour. 

His playful personality and comedic style add a fun and entertaining element to the tour. 

As you navigate the backlot areas, Jimmy provides humorous commentary, interesting facts, and stories about the movie-making process and Universal Studios’ history.

During peak season, guests can experience a night tour of the studio’s backlot. If you’re visiting during peak summer, we recommend taking both the regular Studio and Nighttime tours for a better experience. A General Admission ticket also grants you access to the nighttime tour.

Studio Tour’s timings

The Studio Tour typically runs every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day, from park opening time until an hour before closing.

The day’s first tour usually begins around 9 am or 10 am, depending on the season and day of the week. 

During peak seasons, such as summer, holidays, and weekends, the Studio Tour may start earlier and run later to accommodate more guests. 

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Best time to take the Studio Tour

The best time to go on a Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood is during the weekdays, especially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Visiting during the off-peak seasons can also minimize the wait times. 

If you buy an Express Pass or a  VIP Pass, you won’t have to worry about the tour schedules. 

The Studio Tour is an excellent choice for a mid-visit break, like late morning, afternoon, or early evening.

Pro tip: Do not wait until the last tram departure, as Studio Tour trams stop running before Universal Studios Hollywood closes. By planning your tour for earlier in the day, you can avoid the risk of missing this must-see experience.

Download the Universal Mobile App on Android or iOS for current show and wait times.

FAQs for the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

Here are some of the frequently asked questions on the Studio Tour.

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