tour movie sets in hollywood

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Hollywood Studio Tours

Which are the best.

This post covers the most enjoyable movie studio tours in and around Hollywood.

With so many historic studios in the area, it might be difficult to pick just one to visit.

Taking a studio tour is one of the top things to do in LA .

• Studio Tours
• Celebrity Homes Tours
• Ways to Save on Tours
• LA TV Show Tickets
• Things To Do in Hollywood
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

STUDIO TOURS

Interestingly enough, there are quite a few differences between the tours offered at each studio, and that should make it easier to figure out which tour best fits your expectations.

Ticket prices vary from $62 per person to literally thousands of dollars.

However, 3 of the tours, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios are included for free or at a lower cost in several tourist attraction passes. 

It's also worth noting that the length of these tours can run from roughly an hour to almost a week.

With all of that said, let's start talking about what each movie studio offers with their tours.

• Warner Bros.
• Sony Pictures
• Universal Studios
• Paramount Pictures
• Adventures by Disney: Disney Backstage

At the bottom of this post , we share some thoughts and opinions from members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook.

Our group comprises roughly 9,000 locals (like our tour guides), tourists, returning visitors, and newbies to LA.

You don't need to be a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

Below is a summary of our post on Warner Brothers Studio tours , where we also provide tips on planning your trip.

If you're in the market for a somewhat normal tour on the backlot, this might be one of your best bets.

In addition to seeing movie sets and sound stages from some of the most notable movies in film history, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a few specific activities.

  While on this movie studio tour, you'll be able to re-create a famous scene from the hit television show Friends , climb aboard Harry Potter 's broomstick, and even create your own Batmobile.

Warner Bros. even offers an interactive sound stage that explores the entire process of making a film from start to finish.

At three hours in length, this tour is probably the longest duration of all of the options in Hollywood.

• $70/adult | $60/child
• Availability: Thursday - Monday
• Hours: Every half hour from 9 am - 3:30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Available in both English and Spanish
• Click here for more information .

TIP: This tour is included for free with the purchase of the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Tourist Pass .

You can also combine this tour with the Universal Studios tour using the combo deal below!

With an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars , it's fair to say that this Hollywood studio tour is very well rated ( read reviews here ).

Some guests have gone so far as to suggest that this trip is worth every single penny.

Visitors were typically very happy with their tour guides, referring to them as both friendly and informative. 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

This might be the most affordable movie studio tour in Hollywood, and it's also one of the most historic. Do note, that is is a walking tour.

While on this tour, you'll see the sound stages where they recorded classics such as The Wizard of Oz and superhero flicks like Spider-man .

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see where Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are recorded.

Although they don't make any promises, there's always a chance that you'll run into someone famous on this active studio back lot!

They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store.

Tickets 

• $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour
• Availability: Monday – Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

Tip: Admission is usually included for free with the purchase of at least one Los Angeles tourist pass .

With an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's clear that this is a pretty popular Hollywood studio tour.

Customers really appreciated the opportunity to see several historic filming locations and learn a lot about the process of making a movie.

Although some reviewers were unhappy that this is a walking tour, others simply appreciated the opportunity to see where film history was made.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

This is where things get interesting, as Universal Studios has essentially made their tour one of the services offered at their amusement park.

In other words, you need to buy a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood in order to experience this studio tour.

Clocking in at only one hour in length, this is definitely the shortest studio tour available. Check out this video of Stephen Spielberg giving a tour of the site.

In addition to seeing the back lot, you'll also experience attractions such as the Jaws ride, King Kong 360 in 3D, Bates Motel and Fast & The Furious : Supercharged.

Although it will cost more to take this tour, it's worth noting that your ticket lasts all day and guarantees access to all of the rides. 

• $119-$139/adult | $109-$129/child
• Availability: Daily from 8 am - 6 pm
• Duration: 1 hour
• Click here for ticket information .

TIP:   Universal Studios Hollywood is included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass. Read about all the opportunities for deals in our full post .

Despite the higher price tag, this movie studio tour has still received quite excellent ratings ( read reviews here ). The overall Universal Studios Hollywood experience has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars .

A few visitors have even suggested that this trip around the studio is worth the price of admission.

Although most customers feel that the ticket price is a bit high, even the critics can't deny that they had a blast. 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Unlike the other movie studios, Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours.

The main tour is 2 hours long and covers quite a lot of ground on the backlot.

However, if you want to experience more, their VIP tour lasts for 4 ½ hours and includes access to several additional areas.

The VIP tour also provides a gourmet lunch at a unique location in the studio.

Alternatively, you can also choose a 2 ½ hour night tour that reveals a lot of historic locations such as notable theaters and original film vaults.

No matter which option you choose, you'll learn a lot about the history of Paramount.

• $65 for the studio tour | $215 for the VIP tour
• Availability of Studio tour: Mon-Fri, every half hour from 9 AM - 3:30 PM
• Availability of VIP tour: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 AM
• Duration of Studio tour: 2 hours
• Duration of VIP tour: 4 ½ hours
• Click here for additional information .

Reviews for the Paramount Pictures Studio tours are very positive, averaging a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. 

Some visitors referred to the excursion as a movie buff's dream, while others were just impressed with how much they learned and discovered.

Some reviewers indicated that Paramount alters the tour slightly depending on the season, ensuring a nice variety of topics and locations to cover no matter when you decide to buy a ticket.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: DISNEY BACKSTAGE

You had to figure that Disney was going to be a little more expensive, but the actual cost of this week-long experience might shock you.

To be fair, the package includes meals and accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This Disney backstage adventure includes a tour of the Walt Disney Studios & Archives, an Imagineering tour, a Hollywood walking tour, and a tour of the Jim Henson Company.

Most of these tours are only available via this week-long package. The entire itinerary takes six days to complete, and it will keep you busy with plenty of fun activities from start to finish. 

• $4,999 for Adults | $4,749 for Children
• Availability: 2-4 times per month
• Duration: 6 days
• Hotel accommodation included
• 11 Meals included
• VIP Disneyland ticket included

As you can probably imagine, the testimonials for this experience are quite positive ( read reviews here ).

Some guests even noted that they made friends with their tour guides and continue to stay in touch with them to this very day.

Additionally, customers also appreciated the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes areas that bring the history of Walt Disney to life.

One visitor even suggested that this trip allowed them to become kids again as they explored secret and wonderful locations at the happiest place on earth.

COMBO DEALS

If you're looking for a better price on these tours and other activities in Hollywood, you might want to consider one of the following combo packages.

Studios like Warner Bros. and Universal often work with tour companies to provide their services at lower prices.

There are several options to mull over, and almost all of them provide additional tours and services.

If you plan on spending more than one day in Hollywood, these combo deals are definitely worth a look.

GO CITY LOS ANGELES ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS

There's a reason that this is one of the premier attraction passes in Los Angeles.

In addition to offering access to a variety of notable locations, they also provide admission to some studio tours.

In particular, you can enjoy the Universal Studios tour, the Warner Bros. Studio tour and (sometimes) the Sony Pictures Studio tour with one version of this pass or another.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour is currently only offered with their Explorer Pass, and you'll need to purchase at least a 3-Day All-Inclusive pass to get admission to the Universal Studios tour .

Given that this tourist pass also supplies tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, it's fair to say that the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass could be a real bargain.

• $109 for 1-day pass
• $164 for 2-day pass
• $284 for 3-day pass
• $344 for 4-day pass
• $374 for 5-day pass
• $434 for 7-day pass
• $99 for 2 choices
• $119 for 3 choices
• $144 for 4 choices
• $154 for 5 choices
• $189 for 7 choices
• This attraction pass is available every day of the week
• Includes up to 3 movie studio tours

Read our post comparing the different tourist attraction passes available in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking for transportation to and from each movie studio tour, the following services are available.

The advantage of these combo deals is that you won't have to pay for parking, gas, or car rental in order to visit each location.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with each package.

Take your time and enjoy the studio tour without having to worry about anything else!

• Not currently available as of January 2024

CELEBRITY HOMES TOUR COMBO PACKAGES

These combo deals provide both a celebrity home tour and a movie studio tour.

Each option includes transportation not only around Hollywood but also to and from the studios.

While some of these services use a mini-bus, others drive you around town in a luxury sedan or an SUV.

Each company offers both hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expect these outings to last for between 6-8 hours on average.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Movie Star Homes Tour (Starline Tours) - $119/Adults | $99/Children
• Alternatively, we offer our own self-guided celebrity homes tour .

This might be a good way to save even more money if you don't mind doing a bit of driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we provide the details of what each tour offers, costs, and other information, here you can see what members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook have to say.

There are plenty of fans of the Warner Brothers tour.

And some enjoyed Paramount as well.

If you have to choose only one, between Warners or Paramount, these members’ insight may help.

Universal Studios received mixed reviews. Some people felt it was a waste of time and money.

On the other hand, Issa had a fantastic time, so much so that she wrote a very long post detailing her time there and how to make the most of your visit.

Take a look at our Los Angeles Travel Tips group for more recommendations, opinions and advice.

You don't need to join to read comments, but if you do join you can post a question regarding the studios!

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Guide to Los Angeles' Studio Tours

 Universal Studios

Going on a studio tour in Los Angeles is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite TV and movie sets. As a tourgoer, you'll get to see some of the most iconic backdrops in town, from Monica's apartment on "Friends" to the RV from "Breaking Bad"—but access is limited and be aware that your favorite movie scenes might actually be just a bunch of warehouses full of lights, cables, and set pieces.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros.' studio tour in Burbank entails both walking and riding in a cart around to working sets (although rarely are there any actors around). It's the most expensive of the studio tours, but that's because it's a bigger studio and it's also home to some of the most familiar stages like "Friends," "Big Bang Theory," the Harry Potter series, and more. There's even a working Central Perk Café on-site. The regular tour takes three hours and there's also a deluxe version that takes six hours.

Paramount Studio Tour

TripSavvy / Kayte Deioma

Two-hour cart tours of the studio behind the famous Paramount Arches are offered several times a day. Here, you'll see the Bronson Gate, the New York Street Backlot (which is designed to look like NYC), and the Prop Warehouse. You might recognize things from "Forrest Gump" and "I Love Lucy." The VIP Paramount Studio Tour includes a gourmet lunch and talks with archivists and last four hours, 30 minutes long.

Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Michael Kovac / Getty Images

The two-hour guided walking tour of Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City includes photo opportunities on the "Jeopardy" set and in front of the mobile meth lab from "Breaking Bad." Tours are offered four times a day Monday through Friday, but they can get very busy—probably because this is one of the cheapest studio tours in town—so it's recommended to make a reservation beforehand.

Universal Studios Tour

Universal Studios Tours are unique in that they're actually part of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park . You'll have to pay theme park prices to take the tram tour, which includes special effects sets so you get to experience earthquakes, floods, car crashes, "King Kong" in 3D, and a "Fast and the Furious" simulation along the way. You'll also get to see outdoor backlot sets that have been used in TV shows and famous movies like "Psycho" and "War of the Worlds." The route is ever-changing depending on which sets are in use.

Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio & Museum

Rick R.1 / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in Newhall, north of Los Angeles, is a working set for everything from westerns to war movies. Its museum houses nine decades of movie memorabilia, including the famous "Dukes of Hazard" car. Tours of the 22-acre lot are only available for groups, but if you come in April, you might be able to attend the annual Cowboy Festival  (that is if it doesn't get relocated due to filming).

Paramount Ranch

Patrick Slaven / Flickr CC By-NC 2.0

In addition to the Paramount Studio Tour, you can also visit Paramount Ranch , located in the Santa Monica Mountains. This old western movie set was built back in 1927 and operated for 25 years. After that, it changed hands numerous times, until the National Park Service finally took it over. It is still available for use as a film set or for weddings, but it's open to the public, so you can sometimes watch filming from afar. The ranch is a hub for surrounding hiking and equestrian trails. Best of all, it's free to visit. 

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Current Backlot Sets

These sets and locations can still be seen on the Studio Tour around the studio, or exist elsewhere on the lot away from the trams. 

See also Past Backlot Sets .

• Above Falls Lake (Set Storage Area)
• Bates Motel
• Brownstone Street
• Chicken Ranch
• Colonial Street – 4358
• Colonial Street – Corner House
• Colonial Street – Cromwell House
• Colonial Street – Delta House
• Colonial Street – Edie’s House
• Colonial Street – Hardy Boys
• Colonial Street – Harvey House
• Colonial Street – House of Seven Gables
• Colonial Street – Light Green House
• Colonial Street – Munster House
• Colonial Street – Nancy Drew House
• Colonial Street – Productions
• Colonial Street – Providence House
• Colonial Street – The Cleaver House / Leave It To Beaver House
• Colonial Street – The Thrill Of It All House
• Colonial Street – Walter’s House / 4356 Wisteria Lane
• Court of Miracles
• Courthouse Square
• Denver Street
• Hollywood Terrace
• Home and Family House
• Little Europe
• Mediterranean Square
• Mexican Street
• 2009 Rebuild Project Press Release
• London Square
• Modern New York Street
• Psycho House
• Singapore Lake
• Six Points Texas
• The Appian Way
• Train Station
• Wilderness Road

See also  Past Backlot Sets .

Studio Tour

The ultimate hollywood experience.

Go behind the scenes on the legendary Studio Tour to explore Hollywood’s most famous backlot. On the Studio Tour, you’ll catch a glimpse at movie sets, learn about movie magic, and enjoy motion base rides on board, including Fast & Furious – Supercharged, King Kong 360 3-D, JAWS, and more.

Our Overview

The world-famous Studio Tour is a phenomenal attraction that gives you a look at one of the world's most iconic movie studios. This attraction provides you with a tour of Universal’s historic studio lot, where well-known shows and films were brought to life. The tour also takes you through brief ride experiences, such as Earthquake: The Big One and King Kong 360 3-D, essentially making the Studio Tour a ride within a ride. You cannot leave Universal Studios Hollywood without going on the Studio Tour.

Universal Express Participating Attraction

Universal Express is Universal Studios Hollywood’s express line system. Guests who purchase a Universal Express pass can experience significantly shorter wait times than the regular lines and access better seat selections at shows due to early access to venues. Guests with a Universal Express pass can also bypass attractions utilizing a Virtual Line * .

* Virtual Line is a complimentary service offered by Universal Studios Hollywood for select attractions. If available, guests first wait in a virtual line, allowing them to freely roam and visit other experiences, and then return to the attraction at a designated time to experience a shorter physical wait time.

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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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19 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!

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The 8 Best Hollywood Tours

See celebrity homes, top attractions and fun sights on these engaging tours of one of LA's hottest neighborhoods.

Getty Images

Hollywood's glitz, glamour and celebrities have always held a fascination for travelers. Tourists journey to Los Angeles from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the city's famous residents or scope out iconic filming locations. For a behind-the-scenes peek at Hollywood's unknown tales and secrets, enlist the help of a local by signing up for a guided tour. Researching both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News selected the best Hollywood tours.

Big Bus Tours Los Angeles – TMZ Celebrity Tour

Price: From $47.20 for adults; from $39.20 with kids Duration: 2 hours

TMZ, known for its celebrity news-fueled television show and website, operates this bus tour that takes travelers through Hollywood in the hopes of seeing their favorite celebrities. During the two-hour trip, TMZ guides will take you to celebrity hangouts in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills the Sunset Strip and more. The guides even bring video cameras in case a passing celebrity is willing to give an interview. Many patrons say the tour is fun, even without seeing any stars, and applaud the entertaining guides.

Tours run multiple times daily. Children younger than 2 are not permitted.

Check prices & availability on:

Ultimate Hollywood Tours – Celebrity Homes Tour: The Real Hollywood Experience

Price: From $44 for adults; from $34 for kids Duration: 2 hours

Keep your eyes peeled for Hollywood A-listers on this two-hour open-top bus tour, which promises to drive by dozens of celebrity homes. The bus will also cruise down Rodeo Drive and pass by the Hollywood Walk of Fame landmark and the Dolby Theatre, among other celebrity haunts. Visitors appreciate the guides' sense of humor and knowledge. They also say this is an excellent way to see the major attractions in Hollywood in a short amount of time.

The tours depart multiple times daily. There is a booking fee added to the tour price. If you're hoping to see even more of Los Angeles, consider the company's 5.5-hour excursion that includes an hourlong stop in Santa Monica.

The Real Los Angeles Tours – The Real Hollywood Tour

Price: From $40 Duration: 2 hours

During this historic walking tour, travelers will learn why Hollywood – once a farming town – was selected by movie industry pioneers in the early 20th century. The two-hour tour also stops at unique sights, such as the oldest house in Hollywood. But major attractions aren't forgotten either: You can expect to see the Capitol Records Building, the Dolby Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, among other sights. Reviewers enjoy the informative guides, and even locals say they discover things they never knew about the city.

Tours are offered daily at 10 a.m. There is a 5% booking fee when purchasing tickets. You can also opt to combine this tour with the company's Central Downtown LA tour for a comprehensive, three-hour historical overview of the city.

Open Bus Tours – Movie Star Home Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 2 hours

Admire the mansions of Hollywood's rich and famous as you wind through LA's posh neighborhoods on this two-hour, open-air bus tour. Then, pass by iconic sights, such as the Hollywood sign and Mulholland Drive, before cruising along Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip and other well-known Hollywood locales. Most reviewers give the tour high marks, applauding the amusing and informative guides.

Tours are available Thursday through Monday; they depart every two hours between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each operating day. Private tours are also an option.

Bikes and Hikes LA – Hollywood Sign Hike

Price: From $29 Duration: 2.5 hours

For a unique and sunshine-filled Hollywood tour, opt for this 2.5-hour hike to the Hollywood sign. Highlights include a view of Griffith Observatory, panoramic views from Mount Hollywood and local guides who also double as actors and comedians. Along the 4-mile round-trip hike, you might even see local celebrities walking their dogs. Tour-takers love the views, informative guides and the overall experience.

The company offers both morning and afternoon guided hikes. The exact meeting times vary, depending on the time of the year, but there is typically a morning departure and a late afternoon departure. Bikes and Hikes LA recommends wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and sneakers, and bringing a camera or smartphone for all those Instagram-worthy views. The company also offers three different bike tours around Hollywood and LA.

Hollywood City Tours – The Original Hollywood Tour

Price: From $45 for adults; from $35 for kids Duration: 2 hours

According to travelers, this tour is worthwhile if you're only in Los Angeles for a short amount of time, as you cover a lot of ground in just two hours. You'll cruise along Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip in an open-top bus as your driver (who doubles as your guide) shares interesting tidbits and historical information. Reviewers compliment the personable, entertaining guides, who they say tailor the tour to the group's interests. Along with celebrity homes belonging to A-listers like Katy Perry and Leonardo DiCaprio, you'll also drive past Hollywood landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl, Chateau Marmont and the Pantages Theatre.

Tours operate daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you're hoping to hit all of LA's top sights, consider the company's seven-hour Grand LA Tour.

Access Hollywood Tours – Celebrity Homes & Hollywood Sign Tour

Price: From $39 for adults; from $29 for kids Duration: 2 hours

Reviewers say this Hollywood sightseeing tour is lots of fun thanks to the engaging, personable guides. They also praise the beautiful scenery and report seeing plenty of iconic landmarks and celebrity homes. On this two-hour tour, you'll board an open-top bus in search of celebrity homes belonging to the likes of Mick Jagger and Madonna, as well as Hollywood must-sees like Greystone Mansion, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip and more.

Tours are available Thursday through Tuesday starting at 10:30 a.m. until around 4:30 p.m. Tours may be available daily, depending on the month.

Surf City Tours – The Perfect Los Angeles Tour

Price: From $85 for adults; from $70 for kids Duration: 5.5 hours

See the best of both Hollywood and Los Angeles on this half-day tour. Departing from Santa Monica Pier, the bus tour features several stops, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive and The Original Farmers Market. Along with celebrity homes belonging to stars like Bruno Mars, Al Pacino and Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, you'll cruise past famous music venues, such as The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go. Reviewers say the tour flies by thanks to the knowledgeable guides, who are well-versed in celebrity culture. Travelers also appreciate the time allotted for each stop and say they captured great photos.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. and noon daily. If you're short on time, consider the company's two-hour Hollywood tour.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Los Angeles Tours
• Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
• Best Los Angeles Hotels
• Best California Tours
• Best Places to Visit in California
• Top Things to Do in California

Tags: Travel , Hollywood , Tours , Vacations , California Vacations , U.S. West Vacations , US Vacations

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14 Films Sets You Can Visit at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is an amazing theme park, but it’s also a real-life movie set too, with dozens of films being shot there over the last 50 years. As part of the park’s Studio Tram tour, you can visit and even walk around some of the most iconic sets from film history. Check out our guide to some of the films you’ll have definitely seen but may not realise were filmed at the park, and below you’ll find our list of 14 films sets that you can experience as part of the Studio Tour ride.

As with our Orlando attraction tickets , make sure to book your studio tour tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. 

1.  Jurassic Park

This incredible science fiction adventure featured ground-breaking CGI of the time and life-sized animatronic dinosaurs

Despite the title of the film, Brachiosaurus and Dilophosaurus are the only dinosaurs featured that are from the Jurassic period; all other species featured did not exist until the Cretaceous period. Somehow, we think that the film “Cretaceous Park” may not have been as successful!

You can experience a snapshot of Jurassic Park during the Studio Tour, when the tram passes through the Isla Nublar set, watch out! You will be sprayed by the animatronic Dilophosaurus!

2. Jaws and Jaws 2

The Jaws event at Universal Studios Hollywood opened after the release of the 1975 film. During your Studio Tour, you will pass by the huge animatronic shark from the movie. The movie was entirely shot on location at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, but parts of the set were recreated exactly for the Studio Tour.

As you can see, during the tour, Sherriff George the diver is unfortunately eaten by the huge shark. Whilst you hide from the beast behind a row of oil drums, they unexpectedly catch fire. But don’t look to closely into the water as a deadly surprise awaits!

3. King Kong

Pass within feet of the incredible Kong: Skull Island set and experience a scene straight from the blockbuster! Then, as you head into Skull Island, it’s time to put your 3D glasses on, as you will encounter the world’s largest 3D experience.  Brace yourself for a 360-degree immersive experience as deadly dinosaurs leap out of the jungle all around you, and an epic fight scene breaks out between Kong and a fearsome T-Rex!

4. Transformers

Despite Transformers being released by Paramount Pictures, a substantial part of the climactic battle in Mission City was shot on New York Street at Universal Studios Hollywood. Additional parts of the city were added in with CGI post-production, and you have to look quite hard to spot the New York style buildings but there are there!

For even more Transformers action, experience “The Greatest Battle You'll Ever Ride” with the Transformers™: The Ride-3D. Start off on foot as you walk through the corridors of the military base N.E.S.T, then ride through an incredible battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons.

5. Home Alone 2 

Most of the movie was shot on location in New York City, as the film is set there. However, due to the nature of a lot of the stunts and special effects that take place in the house, some exterior scenes were filmed in Brownstone Street at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

The New York area of the Backlot has been used many times in different products over the years. It was partly destroyed in the 2008 fire, but Brownstone Street is still available to see during your Studio Tour

You may not know that Donald Trump makes a cameo in the film! He gives Kevin directions to the lobby!

6. The Truman Show

Don’t read on if you’re not familiar with the ending of cult classic The Truman Show as spoilers are coming! The final scene of the film, where hero Truman Burbank sails out on his boat into the waters around the fictional town of Seahaven and bursts the wall of the dome enclosing him in the reality TV programme he wasn’t aware he was appearing in, was filmed on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Falls Lake. Falls Lake is a man-made lake which is used in conjunction with a green screen to shoot much larger and epic water-based shots than it would appear from this tranquil little lake!

7. Back to the Future

One of the places you can explore on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour is the Court House Square where some of the most iconic scenes from Back to the Future were set. If you take the VIP tour, you can even get off the tour bus and have a walk around the set, with a stop for a photo on those famous courthouse steps!

The Bates Motel is one of the key locations on the Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour, where you’ll spot the sign swinging eerily in the wind and the original car from the movie parked outside. Next door is the set of the Psycho House, with creepy steps leading up to the spooky mansion located on the hill. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal on all the main sets of the movie… if you dare of course.

9. How The Grinch Stole Christmas

The Grinch set, which was used in 2000 to shoot the film How the Grinch Stole Christmas is still there to visit today if you take the Studio Tram Tour. The three Whoville buildings are some of the most brightly coloured and wacky sets featured on the tour and include more than 1,900 candy canes and enough paper snow to cover 9 football pitches! Keep an eye out for the Grinch though, he has a habit of sneaking up on people!

10. War of the Worlds

One of the most iconic sets created at Universal Studios Hollywood was for the aeroplane crash scene in the Hollywood epic War of the Worlds, starring Tom Cruise. To create this set, the Universal creative scene bought a real-life 747 ex-commercial jet for a whopping $60,000, before chopping it into pieces to create the dramatic apocalyptic set. During the VIP tour, guests can exit the tram and check out the crashed 747 up close, walking in the footsteps of stars such as Tom Cruise and director Steven Spielberg.  

11. Bruce Almighty

Universal Studios Hollywood was the setting for a lot of the scenes in Jim Carey’s 2003 film Bruce Almighty. A lot of the scenes were shot on Brownstone Street, a set in Universal that aims to look like a generic street in the US and which plays home to Jim Carey’s character Bruce and his girlfriend in the film. There’s also the scene in the film where Bruce walks on water, which is shot on Falls Lake, somewhere Jim Carey will recognise from his time shooting The Truman Show! 

12. Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives

Most commonly known now as Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, Colonial Street is part of the backlot sets at Universal Studios Hollywood. Since the series ended, the street has undergone a small makeover to remove the famous white picket fences and wisteria, in order to allow for filming of other productions.

Colonial Street has also been used as a film set for: Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Beethoven , Gremlins , Sabrina The Teenage Witch , and music videos from The Offspring’s Why Don’t You Get A Job? , Smash Mouth’s All Star , and Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s Dilemma .

If you opt for the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience , you can even walk along the street rather than viewing it from the tram during the Studio Tour!

13. Pirates of the Caribbean

The incredible swashbuckling epic is based on the ride at Walt Disney World and Disneyland® Paris and premiered at Disneyland California. Released in 2003, the first Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl was a huge success despite many journalists predicting it was going to be a flop. Whilst a lot of the film was mostly shot on location across islands in the Caribbean, namely St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood was used for parts of Port Royal, Will's workshop and Tortuga. Pictured above is Old Mexico, used for shots of Port Royal, and you can visit this set during your tour!

14. Apollo 13

You can see this Lunar Module from the Apollo 13 set at the middle landing on the escalator to the Upper Lot. There are also models of Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon that you can stand next to for photos.

Mission Control was filmed at Stage 27 at Universal Studios Hollywood despite NASA offering the use of the real Control room for filming. Director Ron Howard declines, choosing to have his own replica created from scratch. 

Image credits: Mike Peel , Harshlight , Nostri Imago , Ollie the B*stard , Prayitno Photography

Thinking of visiting Universal Studios Hollywood ? Don't miss the Studio Tour and, if you're a huge film buff, make sure you check out the VIP tour which gives you the tour, private guide, the chance to get off the tram and interact with the sets, a peek at the props department and a VIP breakfast and lunch.

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Hollywood Movie Sites Tour

Movie sites & ranch tour.

Experience the famous Ka’a’awa Valley, known as Hollywood’s “Hawaii Backlot,” where over 200 Hollywood movies and TV shows have been filmed since the 1950’s. Hop aboard a vintage school bus and see where the Finding ‘Ohana scavenger hunt was filmed, the boneyard from Kong Skull Island, the Jumanji dance-fight area, the ATV hill from Mike & Dave, Godzilla’s massive footprints, and several other filming locations! You will also learn about Hawaiian culture, ranching, farming, diversified agriculture, and stop at a historical WWII army bunker, built entirely into the side of the mountain range. There you’ll find posters, props and memorabilia from movies and tv shows filmed at Kualoa through the years, as well as some cool WWII artifacts and exhibits.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

• Tours goes out rain or shine, and weather can be unpredictable. We recommend checking the weather and bringing appropriate clothing for your comfort.
• Advanced reservations are recommended as tours may sell out.
• Seating is available on a first come, first served basis at the tour depot.
• You can also search for single seats as they may be available on tours the last minute if you are willing to split up.

Hawaii’s Best Movie Tour Featuring Film & TV Locations

90-minute tours, starting at $54.95 adult starting at $39.95 child (3-12).

Pricing per person. Rates subject to 4.712% tax.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

This was such a fun experience. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life. You do get very dusty so wear comfortable clothes and a high collared shirt. The sights the pictures the tour guides everything was perfect and so fun. If you like movies and Jurassic Park you’re going to love this place. I am going to recommend this to everyone I know.

We did the basic movie tour and loved it

Movie Tour was Great

Myaussielife8, mayamortella, x7756lxsusanb.

Ultimate Guide: Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood is in my opinion one of the best attractions at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.

The World-Famous Studio Tour is a one-hour tour around the backlot at Universal. This is a real working movie studio, as such you’ll see sets from your favourite shows and movies as well as some of Hollywood’s most legendary filming locations.

This tour is suitable for the whole family (I recently did it with my wife and our 14-month-old little boy) and features two cinematic ride experiences; Fast & The Furious: Supercharged & King Kong 3D.

What Is The Universal Studio Tour?

The World-Famous Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes of a real film studio which has been the home to a number of movie and television shows since its inception over 50 years ago.

The tour is hosted by comedian Jimmy Fallon alongside a live guide who provides commentary throughout the duration of the tour.

Highlights Of The Studio Tour

During the tour, you will travel through different past various sound stages, and through movie sets. Throughout this time you’ll experience a variety of attractions including;

Bates Motel

This is perhaps the scariest part of the tour.

Here you’ll pull up to the Bates Motel from the epic thriller film Psycho just as Norman Bates himself is carrying a body from a room to place in the back of his truck.

As he does so, he spots you, a witness.

In an aim to cover his tracks, Norman will come towards you with a fake knife. Thankfully, the driver will begin to pull away just in time.

Norman gets closest to the back two carriages of the tram. As such I highly recommend sitting in the carriages closest to the front if you’re travelling with young children.

Plane Crash Wreckage

After escaping Norman Bates, you’ll enter the plane crash wreckage area of the tour. This features a commercial 747 aircraft which was purchased by the production company behind the hit 2005 film War of the Worlds, directed by Steven Spielberg.

The plane was chopped into pieces and transported to Universal where the full set has been left fully dressed as it was during filming.

Obviously, given how realistic this all is, it can be scary for younger guests.

Jupiter’s Claim

This new area of the backlot tour opened on July 22, 2022 (timed to open the same day as Jordan Peele’s movie Nope).

This is a drive-through area which has been rebuilt at Falls Lake (previously occupied by the Log Cabin) and features select theme park sets used in the sci-fi horror film.

Flash Flood Simulator

As you drive through the Mexcian Village, you’ll experience one of two flooding simulators that feature within the Universal Studios backlot tour.

This is one of the oldest parts of the backlot tour (in operation since 1968) and has appeared in countless films including Big Fat Liar and Fletch Lives.

In my opinion, this isn’t as scary as the other flash flood simulator which takes place as part of Earthquake: The Big One!

Earthquake: The Big One!

Earthquake: The Big One is the only split-level sound stage in the world, and has been in operation at Universal since 1969.

As the tram pulls into the subway area, an 8.4 Richter-level earthquake hits, causing a subway train to come off the tracks as it pulls into the station and flooding from the streets above to pour down into the underground.

Various scenes have been shot here including; Beverly Hills Cop III and Season 5, Episode 15 of the TV show Bones.

The Jaws portion of the Studio Tour dates back to 1967 and subsequently is one of the most nostalgic parts for long-time visitors.

As the tram approaches the water, the tension builds as the tour guide narrates the scene. Suddenly the giant animatronic shark jumps out of the water, jaws wide open.

King Kong 360 3-D

King Kong 360 3-D is one of two simulator-based rides on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour.

This simulator was created by Peter Jackson himself and is the world’s largest 3-D experience.

The film lasts just a couple of minutes and see’s you caught in the middle of a terrifying struggle between a 35-foot T-Rex and the 8th wonder of the world – King Kong.

Fast & The Furious Supercharged

This is another simulator-based ride situated on the back lot tour.

Once again you’ll put on your 3D glasses and experience a high-speed chase alongside Dom and the gang. This is far from my favourite part of the tour, but sadly it’s not optional. Thankfully, it only lasts a couple of minutes.

Where Is The Universal Studios Tour Located?

The World Famous Studio Tour is located in a dedicated lower lot area of Universal Studios Hollywood which can be accessed from Springfield, home of The Simpsons via a number of escalators.

This dedicated lower lot area is not to be confused with the lower lot escalators down to Jurassic World & Super Nintendo World.

If you’re unsure as to where to go for the Studio Tour be sure to ask one of the Universal Studios team members situated around the park, or the Universal Studios mobile app which features a map with GPS.

How Long Is The Universal Studio Tour?

The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood lasts between 40 minutes and one hour. During the ride, there are no stops and no toilet breaks.

While the ride itself is between 40 minutes and an hour, the standby wait line for the ride can be another hour (give or take) depending on how busy the park is during your visit.

This ride is eligible for the Universal Express Pass so, if you are upgrading to the Universal Express Pass then you will be able to skip the line here. We did this during our most recent visit and we walked straight on (the standby line at the time was around 20 mins – February 2022).

How Much Does The Universal Studio Tour Cost?

The Universal Studios Tour is free.

However, to go on the tour you will need a Universal Studios Hollywood park ticket.

Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are sold using a dynamic pricing model based on estimated demand.

As such quieter days or times of year often have lower ticket prices, while more popular days and seasons (Christmas, Halloween, Spring Break, Summer etc.) have higher ticket prices.

This dynamic pricing model also applies to Universal Express Pass tickets and tickets for the VIP Experience.

Do You Have To Book The Universal Studio Tour?

Sadly, you can not book your tour of the Universal Studios backlot in advance. Instead, spaces on each tram are on a first-come, first-served basis. Each tram roughly holds between 100 and 150 people split across 6 or so carriages.

How Long Is The Wait For The Universal Studios Tour?

The wait time for the World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and season.

During quieter times at the park, you can wait as little as 10 or 20 minutes to board the tram. However, during peak periods such as holidays or weekends, wait times can be in excess of one hour.

Can You Use A Universal Express Ticket For The Universal Studio Tour?

A Universal Express ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood can be used for the Studio Tour, as well as for many of the other popular attractions and rides in the park.

The Universal Express ticket gives guests priority access to select attractions, allowing them to bypass the regular standby line and experience the attraction with a shorter wait time.

Best Time To Go On The Universal Studios Tour?

Generally, speaking the best time to go on the tour is in the morning when the park first opens.

During this time the crowds are typically smaller and the lines are shorter, allowing visitors to enjoy the tour with minimal wait times.

On the flip side, the worst time to go on the tour is usually in the early afternoon, just after lunchtime as most people get to this area of the park at this time of day.

Is The Universal Studios Tour Scary?

Certain areas and attractions within the World-Famous Universal Studio Tour may be scary to younger children. However, none of them last long (maximum of four minutes).

If you’re looking for thrill rides then this tour isn’t it!

Is The Universal Studios Tour Suitable For Babies & Toddlers?

The Universal Studios Tour is suitable for babies and toddlers.

However, you will be on the tram ride for up to an hour so be sure to bring any supplies you may need for that duration of time with you.

It’s also worth noting that children must remain seated throughout the duration of the tour for health and safety reasons. So if you have a restless little one consider bringing a book, toy or iPad.

There is an extensive stroller parking lot available in the Lower Lot area from where the tour departs, this is covered so if it does start raining while you’re out on the tour then your stroller should be protected.

Are There Any Height Or Weight Restrictions For The Studio Tour?

Unlike other rides at Universal Studios Hollywood there are no weight or height restrictions on the World-Famous Studio Tour.

Can You Take Photographs & Videos During The Studio Tour?

Visitors are permitted to take photographs and videos during The World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.

However, flash photography is not permitted during the tours 3D cinema experiences (King Kong 360 & Fast and Furious: Supercharged).

Is The Studio Tour At Universal Studios Hollywood Worth It?

While going on the Studio Tour takes up a significant portion of your day at Universal Studios Hollywood park. I believe it’s a worthwhile time investment.

This tour provides a unique insight into how scenes from your favourite movies and TV shows are made while the expert tour guide provides some incredible Hollywood secrets.

Can You See Celebrities On The Universal Studios Hollywood Tour?

There is always the possibility of seeing celebrities on the World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, as the tour takes visitors through active movie and television sets where productions are often being filmed.

However, there is no guarantee.

I’ve been on this tour more than ten times over the past couple of years, and the only person I’ve seen is Mario Lopez who was filming at the entrance of the theme park.

Does Universal Studios Orlando Have A Backlot Tour?

Sadly, Universal Studios in Orlando does not have a backlot tour since it is a dedicated theme park, rather than a film studio.

The Universal Orlando Resort does, however, have a VIP Experience (which is also available at Universal Studios Hollywood).

The VIP Experience is a full-day tour of the Universal Studios park with a dedicated Universal guide. The ratio of guests to guide is roughly 8:1 so it’s a very personal experience in which you’ll skip the line on every ride in the park, go behind the scenes and learn park secrets.

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Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour - Visit TV Shows & Hollywood Filming Locations

Fun and cool!

2.5 - 9 hour(s) incl. transportation, available daily, pick-up available, not accessible, what to expect, 90-minute standard movie sites & ranch tour.

Price per Adult :

90-minute Standard Movie Sites & Ranch Tour with Transportation from Waikiki

2.5 hour deluxe jurassic adventure movie tour, 2.5 hour deluxe jurassic adventure movie tour with transportation from waikiki.

Check-in at Kualoa Ranch

Hop aboard a vintage school bus and see many of the famous and iconic sites at Kualoa such as Jurrasic Park, Jurrasic World, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, Lost, Five-O, Magnum PI, Pearl Harbor, and more! See the boneyard from Kong Skull Island, Godzilla’s massive footprints, and a WWII army bunker.

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Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

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Important activity information

Restrictions.

• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• Not recommended for guests with back issues or expecting mothers.
• Children of all ages can participate in this activity.

Additional notes

• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• Drinks and meals are available for purchase
• Tours may go out with multiple vehicles so your party may be split into different vehicles (vehicle capacities may vary)
• Complimentary parking available.
• Check in is 45 minutes prior to your tour start time.

Other requirements

• Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
• Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.

Pick-up from Waikiki

Please be aware that you will need to wait until the designated check-in time for your tour.

Check in for your tour 45 minutes before your designated start time.

After the tour, you will have to wait for the shuttle to depart. Feel free to explore the ranch during this time.

Depart from Kualoa Ranch

• Grand Islander Bus Depot - First Floor

• Aloha Landing Bus Depot

• Paoakalani Avenue Entrance
• You must check-in 15 minutes prior to your shuttle pick up. If you miss your shuttle, you will be responsible for securing your own transportation.

Get ready for an adventurous bumpy rainforest trek to visit sets from the famous Hollywood movies, Jurassic Park, Jurassic World and more! Hop on a 16 passenger open-air custom vehicle with panoramic views and see these iconic film sites and perhaps even some dinosaurs in Hakipuu and Kaaawa Valley.

• Children 3 years old and above can participate in this activity.

Pick-up from Waikiki Hotels

Arrive at Kualoa Ranch

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Overall rating

Loved the tour and was fun to see where all the movies were shot! Our guide was amazing! Would highly recommend going with your family! We only did the movie tour but there are a lot of other tours that seemed great!

this was really fun with a lot of photo ops during, we loved this day to explore the gorgeous valley of Kualoa!

Really fun experience for adults and children alike

I booked this activity for my 8-year-old and myself. The tour took place both in the jeep and we got to get out and explore some areas as well. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area, and really made the tour mo ... re exciting. It was fun to see where certain movies were made in the area and the ranch is very beautiful.

Activity Provider Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve

Activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc. No-Show / Late Arrival Policy *Any no-show or late arrival will be subject to full charge.
• Every 12/25, Every 01/01

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Change policy, is there a place to keep belongings while out on a tour.

Yes, you can rent lockers at Kualoa Ranch (additional charge). Please ask the staff upon check-in.

How far away is this activity from Waikiki?

Kualoa Ranch is located approximately 23 miles away from Waikiki, and depending on traffic, it can take up to an hour to drive there.

How far in advance should I book this activity?

We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last minute availability is limited, and walk-ins won't always find seats available.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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Kualoa ranch jurassic valley tours other tours and activities, kualoa ranch experience - jurassic valley movie tour, jungle jeep & farm tour, kualoa ranch zipline tour & jurassic valley adventure, guided jurassic valley kualoa ranch off-road atv tour with expert local driver, kualoa ranch combo - movie tour & kaneohe bay catamaran cruise with buffet lunch, kualoa ranch horseback riding & jurassic valley movie sites tour, kualoa ranch mountain bike adventure & jurassic valley movie sites tour, kualoa ranch private beach at secret island - kayak, sup, volleyball & more, private 3-hour guided atv off-road adventure at kualoa ranch, kualoa ranch boat tour at kaneohe bay - ocean voyage & fishpond cruise, 日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

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Real experiences of the real Los Angeles

What you need to know, tripadvisor.

Did a full day walking tour of LA. Our tour guide Damien was very knowledgeable & passionate about giving us all the information in a clear & concise way. The tour was very well planned & organised & was not tiring.

Lisa Montesanti

We did The Real Hollywood tour & loved it! The tour was at a great pace & the guide (Vicky) was very knowledgeable & made the tour fun. Thank you!

Stuart was so knowledgeable & was worth the day with him. I had been to LA multiple times before but this is the first time I had taken a tour – so thrilled to have this experience with my mom & sister. I would recommend this tour again & again.

Lucrezia Scamarcio

We had an amazing DTLA Murder Mystery Ghost tour with Damien & Dante… thank you very much from the Italian girls… very interesting & funny… absolutely recommended!

Passport17369220499

This tour was awesome! Stuart is very knowledgeable, likeable & fun. The stops on the tour were very interesting & I learned a lot. I’ve been on quite a few tours of this nature & this was one of my favorites – highly recommend!

Did a walking tour of LA (LA in a Day). Vicky started us off with the Hollywood tour & Damien (who is also the owner) was our guide for the rest of the day. The entire day was awesome, I suggest this tour. There isn’t that much walking, to be honest. It’s very fun!

Michelle B.

My boyfriend & I took the DTLA Murder Mystery Ghost tour with Stuart as our guide & had the most amazing time! We had experiences we will never forget! We were able to see parts & people of Los Angeles that we never would have without Stuart. I give this 10/10. If we visit again, this will be at the top of our to do list!

Sara Pozueta

Absolutely amazing! Highly recommend taking both The Real Hollywood Tour & the Central Downtown LA tour! Our time in LA wouldn’t have been the same. Great way to learn about the city, see it from a different angle, explore the local life & learn about its history & filming industry. Damien our guide was fantastic!

Sylvie was our host & was fantastic. She had a lot of local knowledge & gave her unique perspective as someone who had moved to the area many years ago, so she had an outsider’s as well as an insider’s perspective. The tour gave us a great overview of Santa Monica & Venice & set us up for a great rest of the day.

Paula Lindgren

We took 2 tours, the Santa Monica & Venice Bike tour (with Sylvie) & the Real Hollywood tour (with Damien). Both were great & highly recommended. Sylvie & Damien were informative, knowledgeable & easy to talk to. They were like you were with friends. We were traveling as a family of 4 with 2 boys (15 & 12). We all enjoyed the tours.

12 Movies Set in Hollywood

For this list we’ve focused only on movies set in Hollywood – both the neighborhood and the entertainment industry. It’s often said that Hollywood (the industry) loves to make movies about itself and, although that may not be entirely true, it is an important genre that’s proven consistently interesting to both audiences and filmmakers ( Hollywood , the recent Ryan Murphy show, being a good example of that).

If you’re visiting Hollywood (the neighborhood) consider watching these movies either before or after your trip, they’re all classics and you can probably stream some of them on Netflix, Amazon Prime or Youtube. It’s fun to spot places that you’ve been when they’re being used as locations in movies, and what could be more meta than visiting a Hollywood location that’s in a Hollywood movie?

We pass many of these locations are on our daily  Real Hollywood Tour .

Films That Used Hollywood as a Location

TILLIE'S PUNCTURED ROMANCE (1914)

The first ever Hollywood feature comedy (coming in at a then lengthy 82 minutes) this early Charlie Chaplin movie (also starring Mable Normand and Marie Dressler), was mostly filmed on and around Hollywood Boulevard itself. The film is a great showcase for the comic genius of Chaplin and it was one of many he made during this period (including over thirty movies just in 1914) that turned him into the first ever global super-star.

Of course at the time Hollywood was unknown to the vast majority of people on the planet and this was one of the films that really put the Boulevard on the map - quite literally, since it had only recently had the name bestowed on it (in 1910). You can watch it here .

If you're interested in Charlie Chaplin's Los Angeles, read this article , which lists eight key locations in the city that are particularly associated with him.

WHAT PRICE HOLLYWOOD? (1932)

The first version of  A Star is Born  (which was, once again, remade in 2018), starring Constance Bennett and Lowell Sherman, it’s one of the earliest movies to portray the film industry (which was still fairly new then), as well as being a classic amongst movies set in Hollywood.

By the early 1930’s Hollywood had recovered from the Wall Street Crash and was entering what was to become known as its Golden Age, dominated by the big studios in the area, like Paramount, Warner Brothers, RKO, Universal Pictures, MGM, United Artists and Twentieth Century Fox. Watch What Price Hollywood? to see how fame-obsessed culture had become even in the 1930’s – and to see what Hollywood looked like back then.

SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)

Another film in which Hollywood is a state of mind as much as an industry or area, this is a stone-cold classic that never gets old. William Holden visits several famous Hollywood landmarks, including the legendary Schwab’s Drug Store, which was on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Laurel Avenue (it was torn down in the 1980’s), Paramount Studios and his apartment building, on N Ivar Street. The mansion in which Norma Desmond lives isn’t actually on Sunset Boulevard in reality, but in Hancock Park, and its swimming pool was built just for this movie.

Sunset Boulevard  is the ultimate Hollywood cautionary tale, the idea of the faded movie star, living a life now completely isolated from the world by their money and fame, has passed into our cultural lexicon.

REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955) – TOP PHOTO

The last movie James Dean made, before his untimely death later that year, Rebel Without a Cause (also starring Sal Mineo and Nathalie Wood) used a host of locations in Hollywood and Los Feliz. The abandoned mansion Dean and his friends break into is actually the one in which Norma Desmond lives in  Sunset Boulevard  (see above) and they play around in the empty pool that Joe Gillis falls into in that movie (a couple of years later the mansion was actually demolished).

One of the most famous sequences in the movie was shot at the Griffith Observatory , which has a bust of James Dean from which you can get a great photo of the Hollywood Sign .

LETHAL WEAPON (1987)

The quintessential 1980’s buddy-buddy, loose-cannon cop action movie, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover chase criminals and create mayhem all over the city, but where would the villain’s lair be? A nightclub on Hollywood Boulevard of course!  Lethal Weapon  is also emblematic of many movies set in Los Angeles, in the sense that the city is presented as a place where bad things happen – violent crime, natural disasters, alien invasions etc.

PRETTY WOMAN (1990)

One of the most popular romantic comedies of all time, Julia Roberts’ apartment is on Las Palmas, right off the Walk of Fame. You can see how Hollywood Boulevard has really cleaned up since the 1980’s (prostitutes don't line the street now, but then neither do movie stars, like Richard Gere, meet their dates there). Who can forget the opening lines: “Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don’t; but keep on dreamin’ – this is Hollywood”.

You knew Pretty Woman would be high on the list of movies set in Hollywood, right?

CHAPLIN (1992)

A love letter to the early pioneering days of the film industry, when Los Angeles, and Hollywood, was first becoming the movie capital of America (and the world). Chaplin uses several locations in Hollywood that still exist, including Chaplin’s own studio complex (on Sunset and La Brea, although its unfortunately closed to the public) and other historic spots like Musso and Frank Grill , near Hollywood and Highland. Still Robert Downey Jr.’s finest hour? He was Oscar nominated for his performance, which seems unlikely to happen for his role as Iron Man.

This is a sub-section of movies set in Hollywood, that is about movies being made in Hollywood.

THE PLAYER (1992)

A darkly comic tale set amongst the Studio backlots, industry watering-holes and million-dollar mansions of Hollywood – and Los Angeles never comes out of these films looking good (at least morally, on a surface level it’s beautiful). Hollywood Center Studios, Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard itself, all make appearances in this satire about a Studio producer (Tim Robbins) who just can’t seem to concentrate on covering up a crime he committed.

The Player is also famous for the dozens of cameos from famous actors and Hollywood “players”, almost all appearing as themselves, in this late Robert Altman classic.

SPEED (1994)

Another popular action movie set in Los Angeles, this time from the 1990’s,  Speed  was Keanu Reeves’ most successful movie until  the Matrix Trilogy . The movie filmed all over the city, including in downtown, but the famous denouement, when the subway train shoots out of the tunnel and into the street, was filmed at Hollywood and Highland, where construction was taking place at the time on the Metro Red Line subway.

L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (1997)

Beautifully shot movie that’s set in 1950’s Los Angeles, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce and Kim Basinger,  L.A. Confidential   uses a wealth of Hollywood locations including the Frolic Room at the Pantages Theater (which we visit for a cocktail on our  Hollywood Speakeasy Bar Tour ), Café Formosa and Boardners.

Also look out for the historic Crossroads of the World, on Sunset Boulevard, which was the location of the office of Sid Hudgen’s scandal rag, Hush Hush. The Crossroads of the World was also the location of the Screenwriter’s agent’s office in  Argo .

THE AVIATOR (2004)

Martin Scorsese’s biopic about the billionaire Howard Hughes (played by Leonardo Di Caprio) uses several Hollywood locations that date from the 1930’s, including the Pantages Theater, Graumann’s Chinese Theater (as it was then) and the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Sowden House, in Los Feliz.

Although Howard Hughes was many things, and the title of the movie refers to his work as an airplane designer and pilot, The Aviator mostly focuses on his career as a Hollywood mogul.

LA LA LAND (2016) - PHOTO ABOVE

Fun, bright and breezy throwback to the musicals that the Hollywood Studios used to make in the 1950’s and 60’s. Lead characters Mia and Sebastian dance and sing their way around the neighborhood (watch out for the Knickerbocker, the Roosevelt and the  You are the Star  mural) and it looks beautiful. Don’t be disappointed if you visit Hollywood and it doesn’t look quite as good as it does in  La La Land . Always remember – it’s a Hollywood movie, it’s not about reality.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (2019) - BONUS

We had to include this Quentin Tarantino's entertaining take on late-late Golden-Age Hollywood. While the movie might not be that historically accurate in some respects (erm, an aging Hollywood stuntman didn't foil the Manson Murders), where it does score highly is in its recreation of 1960's Hollywood.

Leo's Rick Dalton meets his agent at Musso and Frank Grill, right on Hollywood Boulevard - the kind of meeting you still often see there. And the place looks exactly the same (it has since 1919!) The two leads spend large parts of the film driving around the neighborhood and whole stretches of Sunset Boulevard were retro-fitted for filming, in 2018,

FILM NOIR AND LOS ANGELES

If you enjoy the genre read Film Noir: a Dark Side of the City of Angels , which describes how this new style of movie (which includes several films on this list) was born in LA in the 1940's.

If you have any feedback on where to 12 Movies Set in Hollywood, or if you have some recommendations of your own, please email us and let us know. We’ll be sure to take it into account.

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Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates Studio Tour's 60th anniversary with limited-time experiences

Editor's Note

Universal Studios Hollywood is just as well known for its rides and theme park lands based on entertainment powerhouses like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as it is for its blockbuster movies. This is because of one iconic attraction: the world-famous Studio Tour.

The Studio Tour turns 60 this year, and the Southern California theme park is marking the occasion with limited-time experiences, merchandise and food offerings.

As the Studio Tour celebrates 60 years, this fan-favorite attraction that is practically synonymous with the park itself will host special entertainment during the spring and summer months. It will commemorate this milestone anniversary by blending the attraction's nostalgia with a glimpse of what's to come; it's set to be an iconic peek behind the curtain of movie-making magic.

History of the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

Since opening the attraction in 1964, Universal Studios Hollywood has taken more than 200 million guests behind the scenes of real, working TV and film productions for an inside look at how movie magic is made.

The popular production spot, then Universal City Studios, invited guests to tour its film set on board "Glamor Trams." In its inaugural year, the trams took guests on two-hour trips through the studio's various film sets. (The Bates' house from Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 movie "Psycho" was a popular stop.)

The tour also revealed moviemaking secrets with a special effects makeup demonstration, costume display and stunt performance. Universal continuously added staged events along the tour as it released new films and developed new special effects.

By the late 1970s, guests could experience the parting of the Red Sea from "The Ten Commandments," an encounter with a runaway train and an attack from none other than Bruce, the shark from "Jaws."

As the tour grew in size and popularity, Universal Studios Hollywood added new attractions, staking its claim as a full-fledged theme park. After debuting shows like the Star Trek Adventure and meet-and-greets with He-Man and the Transformers in the 1980s, Universal saw a major expansion in the early 1990s.

Universal Studios Hollywood opened its first traditional theme park ride, E.T. Adventure, in 1991. It added more attractions like Jurassic Park — The Ride, play areas for kids and stunt shows based on "Waterworld" and "The Terminator" through the next decade.

Related: How Universal is stepping out of the mouse's shadow to become the hottest theme park

This period included the opening of Universal Studios Florida (now Universal Orlando Resort) in 1990. The Florida park drew inspiration from many staged effects in Hollywood's Studio Tour, including stand-alone rides based on films like "Jaws" and "King Kong."

Sixty years later, the Studio Tour takes guests on an hourlong tour through famous sets from movies like "Back to the Future" and "War of the Worlds." All this comes alongside other iconic special effects demonstrations that have been thrilling guests for decades — including that freakishly realistic run-in with Bruce the shark.

There are also moments inspired by newer films, like a high-speed car chase with the stars of "The Fast and the Furious" and, more recently, a visit to the Jupiter's Claim set from "Nope." Some days, you may even catch a glimpse of a live production.

Related: 8 best theme parks in California for thrill-seekers and families

Universal is often touted as the theme park where you can "ride the movies," and no ride embodies that sentiment more than Universal Studios Hollywood's Studio Tour.

Studio Tour anniversary celebration

The Studio Tour's limited-time celebration will run from April 26 through Aug. 11, and guests who ride the attraction will have the chance to experience it like never before.

Although Universal is converting its fleet to modern electric-powered trams, several red-and-white stripe trams with ruffle awnings (reminiscent of the original Glamor Tram design) will make the rounds through the tour.

Guests can also step off the trams onto one of the tour's iconic movie sets, where they can see a fully restored original Glamor Tram and larger-than-life photo opportunities. These include the first-ever authorized replica of the original Hollywood sign, a giant King Kong and the park's original hanging "Jaws" shark.

Even on board the tram, there will be plenty of new (and old) things to see.

In Courthouse Square, the filming location for the famous clock tower scene in "Back to the Future," guests will drive past an original time machine car and see Doc Brown walking around the area.

Universal is also adding props to the tour, including a massive Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur display used to promote the "Jurassic World" films.

Universal will also bring back Studio Tour moments from years past, including the "Earthquake—The Big One" attraction. Debuting in 1989, this attraction simulated a realistic 8.3 magnitude earthquake; the 2024 version will have new technology and aesthetics.

Other nostalgic moments include the temporary return of the 1976 Runaway Train and clips depicting former Studio Tour attractions on the tram's monitors.

Universal Studios Hollywood is also offering exclusive merchandise and themed food and beverage items during the celebration.

Guests can rock retro Universal Studios gear and purchase a Glamor Tram-shaped popcorn bucket. Several of the park's dining locations will have specialty menu items, as well, including retro dishes that hark back to the lunches served on the lot in its early years.

If you want to try them all, Universal is offering a 60th anniversary Dining Pass that will allow you to choose six menu items: two entrees and four snacks, sides, desserts or beverages at select locations.

Bottom line

The Studio Tour has changed a great deal during its 60-year run. However, at its core, it is still a unique and pioneering look into how movies are made.

Learning some of these insider secrets, like how Universal can create an earthquake over and over again every day or make just a few buildings look like a New York City street, doesn't make watching movies any less magical.

In fact, it makes them more magical when you can see the creativity and technical know-how that goes into building the sets and creating the effects you see on the screen.

Related reading:

• Thrills for all ages: 6 best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
• The best hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood
• The closest hotel to Universal Studios Hollywood: Hilton Los Angeles Universal City
• The best credit cards for Universal vacations

The World Famous Studio Tour

Explore the heart of filmmaking on a riveting journey with the World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

This famous site offers an inside look at the magic of Hollywood by taking guests behind the scenes. 

The Universal Studios Hollywood world-famous studio tour is an immersive and unique experience.

It highlights the artistry and ingenuity of bringing films to life, from exploring renowned movie sets to coming across amazing special effects. 

Prepare to embark on a unique voyage that will take you beyond the screen and reveal the mysteries of the movie industry.

With his creative input, Steven Spielberg developed the most extensive set design in studio history. It features 13 city blocks on 400+ acres of historic studio land.

It is one of the most significant activities at the Los Angeles tourist destination, and every ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood includes it.

The World Famous Studio Tour Timings

Every day of the year, at 9 am, Universal Studios Hollywood opens. 

Its closing time fluctuates seasonally, from 6 pm in the winter to 11 pm in the height of summer.

Trams for the Studio Tour begin running an hour after the theme park opens and end an hour before it closes for the day.

How long does the Studio Tour last?

You may glimpse the movie industry on the 60-minute Universal Studios Hollywood tour.

The tram passes movie sets and props through the Front Lot, Backlot, and many attractions.

Some visitors have complained that their tours only lasted 45 to 50 minutes, which is possible on days when it’s jam-packed.

Best time to take the Studio Tour

The best times to do the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour are late morning, early afternoon, or early evening.

It is due to rising temperatures and long lines for the Universal rides. 

Check the wait times for rides .

When you are tired and want to sit down and enjoy the 60-minute tram journey, taking the Studio Tour in the middle of your stay is advisable.

Take your time with the last tram departure because the World Famous Studio Tour trams stop before Universal Studios Hollywood closes.

Buy tickets in advance

You can avoid ticket counter lineups and save money if you purchase a General Admission ticket . 

Choose the Express Ticket option on the booking page to bypass the lineups at the ticket booths and the ride queues. 

To learn more about the Universal Hollywood Express Pass , click the link. 

There are various methods to obtain discount tickets at Universal Hollywood if you’re on a tight vacation budget.

What to expect on the backlot tour?

Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-see for movie fans, and the studio tour is the only opportunity for guests to see how movies are made.

It brings you into the production rooms where movies are made and the daily workplaces of Hollywood’s most prominent actors.

You may learn about Hollywood’s filmmaking techniques on the renowned studio tour and visit the biggest street movie set.

Some of the highlights of the backlot tour are listed below:

Fast & Furious – Supercharged

Take part in an intense high-speed chase with the all-star cast from the blockbuster movies.

You reach 120 mph and get thrown into the dangerous underworld of fast automobiles and multinational crime cartels.

You’ll be immersed in a world of cutting-edge, ultra-realistic spectacular effects, including 3D-HD imagery displayed on the giant 360-degree screens ever built!

King Kong 360 3-D

Don’t miss Peter Jackson’s award-winning King Kong 360-3D, the most extensive 3-D experience in the world.

It is exclusively available on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour and with a Universal Studios ticket .

Your pulse will quicken, and your survival instincts will get wild. 

Be prepared to witness a horrific battle between a 35-foot T-Rex and King Kong.

Earthquake – The Big One

The 8.3 Ritcher scale earthquake in a San Francisco subway station is how the Earthquake experience at Universal Studios is intended to appear.

The earthquake begins at Stage 50 of the tram journey.

A blazing gasoline tanker crashes through the station’s ceiling, a subway train derails, and a wave of water rushes in as the entire structure trembles.

Your tram begins to shake even though there is mayhem all around.

Within 15 seconds, the attraction resets itself and prepares to receive the following studio tour tram.

Before making your reservation, learn everything there is to know about the various Universal Studios Hollywood ticket options .

Flash Flood

There is a winding lane through a Mexican village where the Flash Flood effect occurs at Universal Studios.

The tram guide informs you that there has been a flash flood, and water is gushing down the slope as you take the “rain effect” and “thunderstorm effect” from your seat.

Ten thousand gallons of water stream down the hill in a wall that frightens the visitors before draining off.

Boeing 747 from the War of the World

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 – $60,000 for a decommissioned plane and $200,000 to cut it into pieces and transport it to Universal Studios Hollywood.

It got used for three days of shooting in 2005 and is still available for guests to walk around and explore.

Amity Island’s Jaws

A year after Steven Spielberg’s 1975 Jaws movie, the Amity island set was added to the Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Tour.

Visitors encounter a moving shark animatronic from the movie, which typically makes them feel frightened.

A number of the structures seen on Martha’s Vineyard, where the entire movie was filmed on location, are recreated in the Jaws exhibit.

Bates Hotel and Mansion

During the trip, you will view the Psycho House and the Bates Motel.

Since Alfred Hitchcock wound in Psycho’s shooting in 1960, the sets have been shifted around the backlot a bit.

If you’re lucky, Norman Bates might also be hanging out at the motel.

He occasionally moves around a dead body, and if he notices you, he chases your tram while brandishing a knife.

Is the Studio Tour scary?

Many people find some of the rides at Universal Hollywood , including Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey , and Revenge of the Mummy, incredibly frightening. 

It’s challenging to assign the Studio Tour a fear factor, though. 

You will be riding in a tram while taking the studios’ backlot tour, which may frighten some children and adults due to the loud noises, violent shaking, extreme water, fire effects, etc.

Celebrity guides of the studio tour

Jimmy Fallon, a comedian and the star of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” will be your video host.

He will deliver narration and interesting clips that you can see on HD displays in the trams.

You can now view an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the original Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s most recent horror epic, Nope , which debuted in 2022.

Actress Carmen Villalobos of Telemundo is also the host of the online video of the Spanish-language Studio Tour.

The new vignettes from Villalobos provide audiences with intriguing insights to complement the live narrative of knowledgeable Studio Tour guides.

On certain days, we provide Studio Tours in Spanish. 

When you arrive, please check the digital signs scattered throughout the Park for the timings of the tours.

Backlot tours at night

During the busiest months, visitors can tour the studio’s backlot. 

We highly recommend taking both the regular Studio and Nighttime tours if you visit during the busiest summer months. 

You can access the nighttime tour with the General Admission ticket as well.

VIP Backlot Access

If you want a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes, choose the VIP Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood , with special access to the Universal Backlot.

With the VIP Tour ticket , you can access locations closed to regular ticket holders.

You will tour the busiest filming locations in a dedicated trolley before exploring some well-known outdoor sites.

In addition, the VIP ticket includes valet parking and admission to all rides and shows.

It includes unlimited priority, light snacks and refreshments in a private VIP lounge, and a gourmet meal in a separate VIP dining room.

Featured Image: Sunsetplazahotel.com

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