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    Studio Tour

    4.4 (228 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Studio Tour Photos

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    Amy L.

    I feel like this changed everything i come. There was no more fast and furious, the bridge, and probably some more stuff. King kong also changed compared to last time. Its also a nice break when youre tired. You sit for about 40-60 minutes and you get to see the places where films are made.

    Sarah S.

    The Artist Formerly Known as the Backlot Tour is now The Studio Tour and one of my favorite things to do at Universal Studios. It's a long tram ride but also does include some fun elements and also a 4D section! When I say long, it's 60 minutes. For theme parks, that's long but I think it's an entertaining hour and I love seeing behind the scenes. Seeing how things work is my jam so I really enjoy all the production you can see while on the tour. Unlike their Orlando location (which hasn't even had a tour since 1995), Universal Studios Hollywood is still a working studio so you will see various shows being filmed (A Happy Place is one), commercials and all sorts of other things are filmed here too. You get to see things and scenes from some of your favorite movies and TV shows, as well. One of the exciting things is Jupiter's Claim set from Jordan Pelle's NOPE! You used to be able to get off the tram here for pics but now they just roll through. You'll also experience a flash flood, an earthquake, Norman Bates may attack from the Psycho House, King Kong 360, the classic Jaws scene and all with Jimmy Fallon guiding you through it. There was a Fast and Furious section but that is now gone. I'm curious if they'll bring it back and it's just a break as the F&F Rollercoaster is being built or if it won't come back for that same reason. There is also an actual guide who adds fun quips and stories. Would you believe this opened in 1915 but back then people just sat in bleachers. The real version opened in 1964 with the trams but that is still incredibly impressive. I love this ride and if you have an hour to spare, I hope you do too~!

    Sergio Z.

    Everytime my wife and I comes to Universal Studios Hollywood we always go to the Universal Studios Tram tourist about 45 to close an hour depends there's any movies or TV show are filming in the sound Studios. Through the years the studio add it more attention to the tour. If you are a Jaws attention it still there to scare hell outbof you If you like the studio tour you can repeat again and again.

    War of the Worlds set
    Anton F.

    My favorite attraction at Universal Studios. The backlot tour of movie sets,, cinematic history, giant 3-D simulated battle of Kong and T-Rex and all the props from some of the greatest movies we love are all here to experience and see. As many times as I have jumped on the trolley tram, it is a different ride every time. Jimmy Fallon on monitor screen and the tour guide, adds a few laughs. Always a fun time

    The Psycho House
    Britney M.

    I've done this backlot tour so many times. It is always a blast! Getting to see the different sets of shows and movies is awesome. The Psycho House has been part of the studio tour for yearssssssss! I always love standing in front of it and getting a photo! Sometimes there will be someone there dressed up, holding a knife- for photos of course. You will also find The Bates Motel set; although I don't think it is the original one. Still pretty cool to see! Make time for this one! The lines do get line. Worth the wait!

    Jaws anniversary  IG: @ammysalamii
    Angela G.

    This has always been my favorite ride even as a kid. We used to go to the parks frequently since we always had family visiting and this was the go to park to take them. This ride will always be close to my heart. Love seeing the subtle and sometimes drastic changes over the years. Some of the ones I miss are the bridge drop and water parting. Been on this ride a million times and still enjoy it! It's relaxing especially after a long day of walking at the park. IG: @ammysalamii

    Special sign for Halloween
    Richard H.

    The largest studio lot in Hollywood. Over 400 acres of studios, movie props, and full production sets. They have so much space that many film sets are still in place for your viewing experience. Love their animation artwork King Kong, which is visually appealing. The earthquake portion is also a fun experience. I personally love the Jaws film set.

    Backlot area
    Ellie V.

    Had a great time! Went on Monday but didn't have to wait too long. I loved going around the backlot and seeing everything there is. My favorite part was the jaws part and learning where they shot certain movies or scenes. Great ride and would definitely recommend!

    April '24 - Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Studio Tour (Studio Tour Dates: April 26 - August 11)
    Lea L.

    The Studio Tour, is one of my favorite rides @ Universal Studios, Hollywood. No matter how many times I've been on the Tour, I won't get tired of it. There's always something new or different when I visit. And I seem to see things that I may have missed before. After walking around the park & waiting in lines, it's a real treat to just sit & relax on the Studio Tour. Pass The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, head towards Springfield, make a Right, then make your way to the escalators that take you down to the Studio Tour. FYI's: Studio Tour Ride is approximately 45-60 minutes. (not including wait times) Restrooms can be found near the bottom of escalators. Snack & Beverage Cart available near escalators too. Stroller Parking available. Wait times vary, but areas are shaded. Don't forget to pick up 3D Glasses while waiting in line! You will need them. (Especially for King Kong & The Fast & Furious attraction) Additional Tips: Buy or Bring some snacks & drinks while waiting in line The tram is an open vehicle. Your items may move around, so secure your belongings. Bring a sweater or jacket, especially for the little ones, when riding the tram at night. It can get super chilly. And a fun one, You may get wet!.. Relax, it's splashes of water lols. - You can Join in on the Fun & Celebrate Universal Studios Hollywood: 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STUDIO TOUR Going on APRIL 26 - AUGUST 11, 2024!

    VIP Studio Tour - May 2024
    Diele K.

    ***Review on VIP Experience Studio Tour*** With the VIP Experience, we were able to do a slightly different version of the iconic Studio Tour. Through the years, I've enjoyed doing this occasionally as it has some elements that don't change but do add things from time to time. It can be a great way to relax your feet after a long day, and be immersed in the film making process. The drawback is that the length can make it difficult for those who could need the bathroom urgently, and why I don't always do the tour. Though the VIP tour was beyond amazing to allow bathroom breaks, provide bottles of water, etc. If you have the option, I would book the VIP Experience (5 stars) but I would rate the overall tour 4 Stars.

    Monique W.

    Wow! It has been almost 7 years since I last rode the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood! Where has the time gone? My husband and I took a trip out to LA. During our trip, we visited Universal Studios Hollywood on a Thursday. Our early access ticket to Super Nintendo World provided us with an express pass onto Studio Tour before 11:00 A.M. We had arrived around 10:45 a.m., but there was no wait line, so we didn't need to use the express pass. Studio Tour is located right next to the Simpson's area. You'll need to go down and escalator to ride the Studio Tour ride. Make sure you come prepared as this ride is a hour long! You can bring snacks on it though! Unfortunately both video screens flickered the entire time, and we couldn't hear the tour guide! She did try to restart the system a few times, but with no luck, most of the video screens kept cutting in and out the entire ride. Some of the feature sets you'll see on this ride include the following Jaw-Dropping Sights - A reenactment of Amity Islands. Jupiter's Claim set from Jordan Peele's Horror Epic, NOPE. This is a new attraction and if you've seen the movie NOPE, it looks exactly like Jupiter's Claim from the movie! King Kong 360 3-D. This is a pretty cool experience which does require the 3D glasses. You may get wet a little bit during this part! It's the exact same ride as the one in Universal Studios Florida, except a lot shorter! Fast & Furious - Supercharged - Another 3D experience which will require the 3D glasses. This is just like the one in Universal Studios Florida as well, but again, a lot shorter. I really enjoyed seeing all of the classic cars and some of the studio exhibits that the Studio Tour drove by! It was great to sit and take a break from walking around, I just wished that the TVs were working!

    Bate's motel but also retrofitted for the Hollywood Horror Nights
    Carolen M.

    I thought I was safe with the Studio Tour. I thought I could sit and enjoy a tour around the backlots without worrying about wanting to throw up during a ride. Alas, I was wrong when I saw we had to pick up 3D glasses. I haven't been on the Studio Tour for a while so I still have fond memories of the simulation of the earthquake, King Kong, and lots of fire and water as well as the parting of the red sea plus the bridge collapsing. Sadly all that was gone. They do still have Jaws, Bates Motel, City Hall for Back to the Future as well as War of the World set. They do also have new sets specifically from Nope as well as new cars. Now onto what I couldn't handle...the 3D stuff. They have 3D screen stages which you get to put on 3D glasses see a fight with King Kong, become Fast and Furious, and...well all the simulation and stimulation cannot be handled by this very tired no sleep person who gets really nauseated when in this state. Perhaps in a different situation, I would've been quite enthused, but one ride after another that's 3D with a lot of jarring motion just....I was kind of tired of it. But it was very impressive, just wished I didn't have to try to hold down my stomach. The other let down was they were hyping up this full set of Jupiter Town from Nope and I was hoping for something more impressive when there was this eerie music and the air people stopped blowing but that was it....just a sound byte and it was done. It was kind of a let down. It was also a very quiet tour considering due to the strike so the backlot was just dead. But our tour guide was quite good. I think in a different health state, this would've been a different ride for me. And I understand they're trying to appeal to the newer audience, but it would've been nice to find a ride where I just sat and just enjoyed the view.

    Courthouse Square
    Sara C.

    The Universal Studios Backlot Tour experience relies 100% on which tour guide you get. While we were waiting for our tour to start, we saw one tour guide who was full of life and already getting into the fun experience with random people waiting to begin, and then another that was on her phone, chewing gum in the corner, and didn't appear to have any interest in the tour she was about to lead. Guess which one we got? LOL My husband and I are huge film nerds, so we were extra excited to do this tour finally. I will say it was a bit of a letdown having a semi-dud of a tour guide, but we did still get to see a lot of cool movie things anyway, and look them up on our phones as we went (there was very little commentary as we passed things). One instance of this was when we were driven down a little pathway through trees and brush, and only as we were leaving, our tour guide told us "Oh by the way, that was the spot with the T-Rex chase in Jurassic Park." (The "Must go faster" scene) My husband was not happy that we learned this only after we had left that area so politely asked our guide to turn back and circle it again. But on to the good things we saw! We passed through some roads and town squares that have been used in countless movies and TV shows. Some are super recognizable and others you have to look pretty hard to remember how you recognize them (from which show/movie). Some of our favorite things we saw were Courthouse Square (from Back to the Future), the Psycho House/Bates Motel, the beach from Jaws, the plane crash wreckage from War of the Worlds, and a bunch of Jurassic Park scenes and props. They also had an exhibit of cars from the Jurassic Park and Back to the Future films. There are also a few fun things that "happen" while you pass by, like a dinosaur spraying you with water while you pass the Jurassic Park section, King Kong randomly grabbing you and shaking the tram while you pass by him (with your 3D glasses), joining a car chase with the Fast & Furious gang (also a 3D effect), and a shark jumping out of the water as you pass by the Jaws beach. I would say, if you're a movie buff and want to see the Universal Backlot, definitely spring for this tour. Just don't assume every single tour guide will be as enthusiastic as you about the tour they are leading!

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    Page 1 of 6

    Studio Tour Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Studio Tour

    Can you just buy a ticket to go on the studio tour and not go to all the rides at Universal?

    Hi LaTisha! While we do not currently offer a ticket exclusive to the Studio Tour, the tour is included with all admission tickets for the Park. We hope you are able to visit soon and explore all the attractions we have to offer at Universal Studios… 

    Do you have to be in Universal Studios for the day or is this outside of Universal and can go separately?

    The tram is inside the park, so you would have to have an admission ticket.

    Best place to sit on the tram?

    I recommend the third car, and anywhere in the third car is fine. The tram is pretty open so you'll be able to see pretty well.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Studio Tour

    Fast and the Furious, King kong, earthquake, the war of the worlds plane crash area, Jaws, its all so cool.

    Mentioned in 66 reviews

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    Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

    Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

    4.3
    (1.7k reviews)
    1.4 mi

    My family and I came to take the studio tour on 7/2 after a recommendation from a friend. I didn't…read moreexpect much, but I absolutely loved the experience. We got to see the sets from so many different shows that I love, like Gilmore Girls, Friends, Abbott Elementary, and even movies. Our tour guide Philippe was exceptional. He was super knowledgeable, friendly, and insightful throughout the tour. He had so much joy and enthusiasm for the studio, and he made the experience amazing for me and my family. The museums had some really cool stuff like the Batman cars, the Friends set, and Sinners costumes. The only letdown was the very limited Harry Potter section, but overall it was a great experience. I see myself coming back again; I feel like there's still more to see.

    We purchased the 10:30 am Studio Plus tour for $160 but used our local resident discount for…read moreadditional savings. A full Two hour guided tour riding around the back lot on a 15 passenger electric cart. Super knowledgeable driver / tour guide (Zack) talks you through the various backlot sets and sound stages with video presentations on the monitors mounted in the cart. There are several stops where you can get off to experience and hear details about shows and movies that used these specific sets. Very interesting seeing the building facades and landscaped grounds and the history of the studio. Our tour included a snack / continental breakfast and a lunch at the Friends Central Perk cafe restaurant. Both offered a decent selection of food and drink items. In the morning they served juices, coffee, tea, water, chips, cookies, danish to munch on before the tour started. Caveat is you only have 15 minutes to relax and enjoy before leaving for the tour. Lunch break happened at the end of our two hour guided tour. The tour package lunch included a hot or cold entree, side dish and drink. We were surprised at the selection and quality of the food. Various hot and cold sandwiches, salads, chips and a full selection of hot or cold, large or small coffee drinks. Even some blended coffee drinks. We ordered the hot Cuban sandwich, Cobb salad and a large iced coffee latte drink. The Cuban was hot but a little bit soggy but still tasty. Cobb salad super fresh and healthy. Coffee drink was solid with creamy topping. After lunch you begin the self guided portion of the tour which is inside stage 48? Where the restaurant was located. Film technology and costumes on display with various interactive display to participate. Harry Potter, Batman, Superman and other blockbuster movies artwork, costumes and videos on display. So much to discover. Easily spent 2 hours in there. Surprisingly they told us we also had entry into the Superman Experience. We did not know this was part of the tour. It is not mentioned in the marketing online. Unfortunately we ran out of time and had to skip this. Too bad as I think it is super popular. Regardless the tour was unexpectedly very entertaining and enjoyable. Weather was great not too hot. Highly recommended for folks looking for a break from the theme parks. Totally different in a good way from Universal Studio tour.

    Photos
    (from left to right:) Standard Studio Tour cart, TCM Classic Films Tour cart, Deluxe Tour cart
    (from left to right:) Standard Studio Tour cart, TCM Classic Films Tour cart, Deluxe Tour cart
    Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
    Courthouse facade on the Warner Bros. backlot

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    Courthouse facade on the Warner Bros. backlot
    LA Double Decker

    LA Double Decker

    4.7
    (28 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    Steven was very responsive with my numerous inquiries even prior to booking with him and he was…read morealways courteous, professional, and honest. I knew I had to book the bus at least 6 months in advance to make sure I got a great price and that the bus was available. The bus tour was one of our family activities for my 3-day family reunion in late July, consisting of 200 people. About 60 went on the bus tour. My family enjoyed the tour and had phrases of how great Steven and his team were. To top the great service we got, Steven even drove back to hotel that my family was staying in to bring back an iPad which one of my aunts left behind. Now that is beyond customer service! Steven, I thank you for taking great care of my family! I will definitely book again.

    Impressive service! Called to get estimates for a company party, and after a few questions, I…read morereceived so much great information AND we determined a double decker wasn't going to serve my needs for this party. This was amazing because the level of time, energy and thoughtfulness I was given went beyond what some vendors provide even customers that wind up using them. LA Double Decker will stay on my list for future outings for sure!

    Photos
    FRIENDS GETTING TOGETHER FOR A DAY OUT ON THE BIG RED BUS.
    FRIENDS GETTING TOGETHER FOR A DAY OUT ON THE BIG RED BUS.
    THE  "TOYS FOR TOTS " BUS WAITING FOR  MR  BARRY MANILOW TO PERFORM LIVE AT LA LIVE, NOV 28TH 2012 !
    THE "TOYS FOR TOTS " BUS WAITING FOR MR BARRY MANILOW TO PERFORM LIVE AT LA LIVE, NOV 28TH 2012 !
    FRITZ COLEMAN OF NBC NEWS LOS ANGELES ATOP HIS "TOYS FOR TOTS " DOUBLE DECKER BUS AT LA LIVE. NOV 28TH 2012

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    FRITZ COLEMAN OF NBC NEWS LOS ANGELES ATOP HIS "TOYS FOR TOTS " DOUBLE DECKER BUS AT LA LIVE. NOV 28TH 2012
    Rubel Castle

    Rubel Castle

    4.8
    (59 reviews)
    28.5 mi

    I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

    A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.

    Photos
    Rubel Castle
    Rubel Castle
    Roots!

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    Roots!
    Harbor Breeze

    Harbor Breeze

    4.3
    (715 reviews)
    27.3 mi

    We've been taking Harbor Breeze Cruises for many years and have probably been on the Long Beach…read moreHarbor Tour more than a dozen times. Whenever we have family or friends visiting from out of state or overseas, it's one of our favorite activities because it's a relaxing way to see the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary, and, if you're lucky, the sea lions. We brought another group yesterday, and everyone enjoyed the tour. The only downside, in my opinion, is the boats used for the harbor tour. Yesterday we were on the Kristina, and in the past we've also been on the Caroline, which we chartered for my mother's ash-scattering ceremony about 14 years ago. Both vessels are showing their age. I also think the marketing could be clearer. The photos on the website and many travel sites prominently feature the newer catamarans, which gives the impression that those are the boats used for the harbor tour. I actually called ahead to ask and learned that the harbor tours use different vessels. While I appreciated getting the correct information, many first-time visitors probably wouldn't think to ask and may expect the newer boats shown in the advertising. The harbor tour itself is still worthwhile, and we'll likely continue bringing our guests because we genuinely enjoy the experience. I just hope Harbor Breeze considers updating or refurbishing the harbor tour vessels and making the marketing a little clearer so guests know exactly what to expect.

    I took the 2 1/2 hour Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour. I've always wanted to see a whale…read more When you check in you get a paper ticket and they tell you which dock you go to then you line up. There was a lot of people in line. I was in the middle and thought I wouldn't get good seats, but I ended up sitting outside in the front. The boat is really nice and big. The front is the best place to sit with a good view of the whales and dolphins. The inside was packed and you don't really see a lot and sitting outside in the back you could smell the fumes from the engine. I did see dolphins and whales - the mom and the calf. They had a couple of experts talk about the whales and dolphins. We were past Newport Beach when we finally saw the whales. We spent a good amount of time seeing them. Then we went back. It's gets windy. It was a fun experience.

    Photos
    Grey Whale
    Grey Whale
    Amazing sunset on our way back from seeing Dolphins and Whales
    Amazing sunset on our way back from seeing Dolphins and Whales
    Sunset from back of boat

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    Sunset from back of boat

    Studio Tour - amusementparks - Updated August 2026

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