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How to Tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank

Have you ever dreamed of getting to tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank? This is one of the hardest studios in Los Angeles to get to see. There are only three studios that offer tours that anyone can buy tickets for. Those studios are Paramount , Sony and Warner Bros . The main ways that you can tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank are through D23 Events, Disney Movie Insider Rewards, and Adventures By Disney.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and buy something, I will earn a small commission from the advertiser at no additional cost to you.

What is D23? It is The Official Disney Fan Club! Earlier this year I attended the D23 Expo which I highly recommend. You can be a general member for free or a gold member for a price. For $99.99 a year, plus shipping and taxes, you can join the club. There will be a few free member events throughout the year but most activities require you to spend more money to attend. However, if you really want to tour the studio you’ll most likely find the price tag worth the investment.

At least two times a year club members can purchase tickets to tour the studio. This tour always sells out though so you do have to pay close attention to when it goes on sale. The best way to stay informed is to check the D23 events page on their website often. The pricing starts at $99 and goes up from there. Pricing is more for general members (the free membership), and it is more expensive for weekend tours as well. You can find tickets and available tour times through the D23 event page when availability permits.

What does this tour entail? According to the D23 website, you can expect a 2 and 1/2 hour tour which includes a visit to Walt Disney’s Office and the archives.

Disney Movie Insiders Rewards Program

Did you know that you can earn points for watching Disney movies in theatres and by purchasing Disney Movies on DVD and BluRay? Once you create an account with Disney Movie Insider Rewards and start earning points you can redeem them for great rewards. One of the rewards is to tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. This reward costs 12,000 points so it will take a while to earn enough.

  View this post on Instagram   It was all started by a man with a dream and his mouse #WaltDisney #MickeyMouse #disneystudios #waltdisneystudiosburbank #waltdisneystudios #burbank #visitburbank #disney #disneygram #disneylife #disneyphotography #disneyig #disneyfan A post shared by Michelle Mink (@la.dreaming) on Jul 12, 2019 at 9:01am PDT

Adventures By Disney

Adventures By Disney is a way to travel while having Disney take care of everything. There is a four-day tour of Los Angeles. This experience gives you access to the park in a unique way and provides a tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. You even get to tour Imagineering. These trips and experiences with ABD can be very pricey but you certainly get some spectacular experiences. You can see pricing and details here .

Interested in checking out other Disney places in LA? Check out my Guide to LA For Disney Fans .

About The Author

Michelle Ares is the founder and creative director of LA Dreaming. I have a passion for Southern California and love sharing my adventures and experiences with you. I love to travel, find new places to check out, and watch movies. You can follow me on Instagram @la.dreaming

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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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Top 5 Studio Tours in Los Angeles

The new year is here, and we’re all about bringing you the best things to do in LA, whether you are homegrown and live here full time, or if you have friends and family visiting and would love to show all that our beautiful city has to offer. One of the best ways to gain insider access to Hollywood’s glitz and glamour is through studio tours. The four major studio tours in LA provide a chance to get up close and personal with celebrities and production teams as they create movie magic and TV history. You’ll also get to go deeper into some of the classic films and see just how imaginative and resourceful studios can be when it comes to getting the perfect sound, visuals and storyline. If you’re lucky, you also may see a dreamy movie star or TV actor buzzing by you in their golf cart on their way to set. Here are four of the main studio tours in LA, plus an extra special behind the scenes tour of what is widely considered the happiest place on earth. 

Pro Tip: The studio tours can fill up quite quickly, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. Also, each studio lot has their own parking procedures and some are cash only, so be sure to have that information on hand before you go. Finally, the studio tours can vary in both price and time, and you can follow our guide below to get clear on which experience is right for you! 

photo by: Warner Bros Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Location: Burbank 

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is our first pick for many reasons. First, from the time you enter the parking garage to the time your tram takes off on the lot, you are given movie star treatment. We love that although the tour can be quite large in the number of attendees, it feels like your own private experience with only 10-12 guests at a time on the tour. The Warner Bros. Tour has a great mix of both driving by numerous outdoor sets and sound stages and ample opportunity to wander around on your own. At just under three hours, this tour was the longest one we went on, and we still were left with wanting more. Our highlights included the new Storytelling Showcase highlighting nearly 100 years of Warner Bros. The new grand finale delights fans of the DC Universe and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts with recreated sets, authentic props, costumes, and memorable photo opportunities. Gilmore Girls fans will also delight in getting to walk around some very familiar scenes, and there are some great photo ops at ‘Central Perk’ and in front of the iconic Friends fountain! For the fashion lover, you can marvel at some of the original costumes and outfits worn by stars like Lady Gaga in A Star is Born and the cast of Crazy Rich Asians.  Get tickets here !

  Bonus: A fter you work up an appetite walking around the studio, head to The Smokehouse in Burbank for a martini, steak, or just to admire the many old Hollywood stars that frequented the joint. Legend has it that The Smokehouse was also George Clooney’s go-to restaurant for many years while filming ER. 

Photo by Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Tour

Location: Universal Studios, Universal City 

This tour is SO much fun and packs so much within the 60 minute run time. The studio tour is included with park admission, so you can spend the whole day going on rides and then hop on the tour for a nice relaxing break. Comedian and The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon makes a (pre-recorded) appearance as you get to travel throughout one of the world’s biggest TV and movie production lots. We loved the exclusive behind the scenes look of the Jupiter’s Claim set on Jordan Peele’s latest horror movie, NOPE. We don’t want to give away all the twists and turns on the ride, but let’s just say there are some jaw dropping moments that will leave you quaking with delight. 

Photo By Time Out

Paramount Studios Tour 

Location: Hollywood 

If you’re a movie buff looking for a classic Hollywood tour, look no further than the Paramount Studios Tour. From seeing the original Forrest Gump bench to the “little New York” city, Paramount has a large part in Hollywood’s history and future. Make sure to download their Paramount Studio Tour app, as it provides a fun extra bonus to see how the props in front of you were actually used in their respective movies. We loved the insider glimpse into Hollywood’s top TV shows like I Love Lucy and films like the original King Kong. Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours, and while their main tour is just about 2 hours long and covers much ground, the VIP also offers some extra perks including a gourmet lunch. 

Photo By Sony Pictures Studios

Sony Pictures Tour

Location: Culver City

The Sony Pictures Tour is our choice for when you’re in the mood to explore on foot, as this two-hour guided walking tour gives you the close up experience of a working studio. Create some great Vision Board pics by holding an Oscar and an Emmy Award, and visit sound stages once used for giant films like The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black and Spider-Man . Swing by smash-hit games shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune . Our favorite was the scoring stage and we left having a deeper appreciation for the labor intensive process of making a movie and all the integral parts within production from start to finish.

Photo by Disneyland

Adventures By Disney Backstage Tour 

Neighborhood: Hollywood and Disneyland, CA 

Okay, we’ve done the movie thing and now we’re ready to celebrate in the land of the Magic Castle and Mickey! If you really want to go big with plenty of activities and a week long excursion of fun and magic, the Disney Backstage Adventure is six fun-filled days long days and includes a tour of Walt Disney Studios & Archives, a Hollywood walking tour, and tour of Jim Henson Company. The tour is on the lux side coming in just over $4000 per ticket for adults, but it also includes a bevy of amenities including coverage for most of your meals over 6 days, a VIP Disneyland ticket with your own private Disney Adventure guide, and hotel accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

Whatever tour you choose, we wish you a wonderful experience and have a feeling it will make you fall in love with La-La Land a little bit more. 

Here are more activities to do in LA and they’re F-R-E-E!

Meryl Klemow

Meryl is a performer, writer, podcaster, and animal lover! You can catch her across town producing her MIsh Mosh Comedy Shows and doing stand-up, listen to the chart-topping weekly comedy Campfire Sht Show podcast, and hopefully be not too offended from her apparel brand, Pre-Canceled. Meryl is friendly and would love to see photos of your dogs!

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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Dorky Parks Dad

That guy you know as dorkydisneydad on the gram, an inside look at the walt disney studios official tour.

Posted on February 13, 2023 by sarahschristie

The Walt Disney Studios Official Tour takes place between February 6 through March 31.

The tour takes place at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

The tour is presented by D23 – kicking off Disney’s 100 celebration.

The tour costs $149 for weekday general admission and $159 for weekend tours – plus a $7 per person processing fee.

D23 Gold members can purchase weekday tour tickets for $99 and weekend tickets for $109 – plus the $7 per person processing fee.

The tour includes a visit to Walt Disney’s restored office suite, the Walt Disney Archives and Legends Plaza during the 2.5 hour long tour.

Weekend tours also get to see a peek at the Animator’s office exhibit – however it is only on Saturdays and for D23 members.

The tour gives Disney fans a glimpse at historic soundstages as well as how classic Disney films were made and more.

There is a Disney Studio Store and Employee Center gift shop with items only available in the Studios lot.

See more about the tour here .

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Category: Disney100 , Other Parks & More Tags: d100 , d23 , walt disney studios tour

1 Comments on “An Inside Look at The Walt Disney Studios Official Tour”

Hello- I’ll be going in December- where do they want us to park and check in at ?

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Studio tours in Los Angeles for behind-the-scenes moviemaking magic

Check out these studio tours in L.A. for a behind-the-scenes look at how movies and TV shows come to life

Embark on a studio tour and you’ll discover what Angelenos already know: (Almost) everything is filmed in L.A. That quiet East Coast cul-de-sac? A fake residential block at Universal Studios. That New York cityscape? The backlot at Warner Bros. Studios. An elaborate sci-fi ship? That would be a soundstage at Sony Pictures Studios. When L.A.’s  beaches , scenic hillsides and aesthetically diverse neighborhoods can’t quite cut it, productions set up shop at one of the city’s studios—and some of the biggest ones have opened their gates for tours. From  Culver City  to  Hollywood , take a peek behind the soundstage doors with these studio tours in Los Angeles.

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Go behind the scenes on these studio tours in L.A.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

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• Walks and tours
• price 2 of 4

Warner Bros.’ guided tram tour zips through the studio’s sizeable footprint—110 acres on the Valley-side of the Hollywood Hills—with about a dozen other passengers onboard. It’s an encyclopedic tour of all types of filming locations, with a journey through the backlot’s city stand-ins and Gilmore Girls -starring residential square, as well as a stops inside a soundstage and at a few museum-caliber displays of props. Though you’ll spend some time simply navigating the sprawling grid of soundstages, you’ll also stop and venture on foot with memorable photo ops: a seat on the couch at Friends’ Central Perk or The Big Bang Theory’s  Apartment 4A, an opportunity to mount a Harry Potter broomstick and the chance to come face to face with almost every Batmobile imaginable. 

For fans of: Ellen , Conan , The Big Bang Theory , Friends , Harry Potter , Batman ,  Aquaman ,  Wonder Woman ,  Crazy Rich Asians ,  Looney Tunes

You won’t find anywhere else: A dedicated studio museum, and by far the most to see on any studio tour.

Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

• Theme parks
• Universal City
• price 3 of 4

While Universal Studios’ tram tour is technically an amusement park attraction—which means you’ll have to stomach the hefty price of admission—it manages to combine the look of a living, working studio with entertaining theme park polish. The tour mixes live narration and pre-recorded bits as you cart through backlot sets of New York, a mutt of European villages, the Old West and familiar movie landmarks—most impressively the 747 crash site from  War of the Worlds . The majority of live filming is securely tucked away—and if it’s not, expect portions of the backlot to be chopped off of your experience—but Universal compensates with preplanned encounters that mimic special effects: a wet and fiery earthquake simulation, a sudden flash flood and that delightfully rubbery, toothy grin on the face of Bruce—a.k.a.  Jaws . While the 3-D motion simulation that replaced the iconically campy (and burned down) King Kong section is a welcome technical upgrade, the tunnel lacks the same immersion and charm of the original—the same can sadly be said for the similarly dizzying and ill-executed Fast & Furious: Supercharged segment.

For fans of: Psycho , The Fast and the Furious , all things Steven Spielberg

You won’t find anywhere else: Rubber sharks, CGI gorillas and plenty of pyro.

Up to 1hr, $109–$139 theme park admission

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

• Culver City

As you pass through the studio gates on this walking tour, you’re immediately greeted by Tony Tasset’s arching  Rainbow  sculpture—a nod to the studio’s past as the home of  The Wizard of Oz . The lot’s footprint has been significantly downsized since then, when it was known as the iconic MGM Studios; virtually all of its colorful backlot sets are now gone with the wind. But the magnolia tree-lined sidewalks and clean, white Art Deco facades provide a pleasant ambience that the other industrial-edged studios lack. A leisurely pace allows time to peer through the elephant doors of a soundstage and look out for passing celebrities. The tour skews toward contemporary productions—the bullet-riddled RV from  Breaking Bad , a stock car from  Talladega Nights  and a stop in the studios for  Jeopardy  or  Wheel of Fortune —but there are still plenty of small moments where that old moviemaking charm endures.

For fans of:   The Wizard of Oz ,  Singin’ in the Rain ,  Ben-Hur ,  Spiderman ,  Breaking Bad ,  Talladega Nights ,  Jeopardy ,  Wheel of Fortune

You won’t find anywhere else:  The acoustic bliss during a stop in a foley studio. 2hrs, $50 

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Believe it or not, Paramount is the last major studio to keep its headquarters located in Hollywood—and the only one there to open its doors to the public. Inside the famous wrought iron gate, you’ll be treated to a guided tram tour through the prop house and a sizable New York backlot. Of particular note, there’s the open-air Blue Sky Tank, which holds almost one million gallons of water to film anything from surfing scenes to maritime disasters.

For fans of:   This Is Us, Grace and Frankie ,  Dr. Phil

You won’t find anywhere else:  A seasonal after-dark tour that takes a macabre walk through moviemaking history and the neighboring Hollywood Forever Cemetery .

What can’t you see?

Some of the biggest and most exciting studios are open to public tours, but you may be scratching your head at some big name omissions. CBS Television City (which has been solf for future redevlopment) technically doesn’t offer tours, but there are tons of  TV shows  that film there everyday for which you can secure tickets. NBC’s famous Burbank studio tour was discontinued in 2012 after most of its productions had migrated to Universal City—notable holdout  The Tonight Show  fled the lot for New York in 2014. Sunset Gower and Sunset Bronson (the locations of the original Warner Brothers and Columbia studios, respectively) are closed to the public, but you can get a fantastic oral history from the  Felix in Hollywood Tour . Similarly,  Siren Studios ,  L.A. Center Studios ,  the Jim Henson Company Lot  and the 20th Century Fox Studios are for serious business only, though all have been known to host the occasional public-facing event. And not to stomp all over your childhood dreams, but unless you know an employee, don’t plan on getting inside the gates at the Walt Disney Studios or Nickelodeon’s Burbank animation studio.

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Walt disney studios tours.

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Visit Walt Disney Studios

The entry fee at Walt Disney Studios gives you plenty of bang for your buck. After you've experienced some magic moments at this popular community arts facility in the small city of Burbank , why not have a look at some other attractions in the area? Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Warner Brothers Studio are a few close by.

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Tours & day trips.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Los Angeles & Hollywood Small Group Day Tour

City Sightseeing Los Angeles & Hollywood: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Bus tours

Grand City Tour of Los Angeles

Hollywood VIP Day Tour from Las Vegas

The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles

Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tickets with Priority Pass

Los Angeles: LA Grand Tour

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Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle

The Ultimate Guide to Sunset Strip’s Sights: A Self-Guided Walk

Malibu Wineries Private Tour

30-Minute Private Ferrari Driving Tour To Hollywood Sign

Luxury EV SUV Tour of Los Angeles with Hotel Pickup

Marina del Rey: Charcuterie and Wine with Boat Tour

Los Angeles Private Transfer to or from Universal Studios.

Los Angeles: Malibu Mountain Top Landing Private Helicopter Tour

Private Helicopter Ride to Hollywood Sign

Full Day Hollywood Film Studios & Celebrity Private Tour

Adventure & outdoor.

Los Angeles: The Original Hollywood Sign Hike Walking Tour

Griffith Observatory Hike: An LA Tour through the Hollywood Hills

Hollywood Walking and Hiking Sunset Tour with LA Skyline

LA: Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Adventure

Hidden Grotto & Waterfall Electric MTB & Hiking Adventure Malibu

Hollywood Sign Electric Mountain Bike Tour

Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and Wine

LA Adventure Ride: Sunny Day Scoot

MAGNIFICENT WEST 8 days tour

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Knott's Berry Farm Tickets

Christmas Lights Tour of Los Angeles - Private Photo Tour with Photographer

Burbank: Private Helicopter Tour to Waypoint Café

Los Angeles: Downtown Rooftop Landing Helicopter Tour

Burbank: 1 Hour Private Romantic Sunset Helicopter Tour

Marina Del Rey : 4 hour Private Catamaran Sailboat Charter

City & Coast: Beaches & City: 50-Minute Helicopter Tour

Los Angeles: 45-Minute Attractions Helicopter Tour

Half Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in Malibu

Los Angeles: 30 Minutes Helicopter Tour of the Coastline

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Hollywood Sign Helicopter Tour

City Helicopter Flight & Landing Tour

California Coastline Helicopter Tour

Los Angeles: Wine Experience at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter

Private Helicopter Hideaway Los Angeles Day Trip

Experience Helicopter Attractions of Los Angeles

Los Angeles Helicopter Flight & Dinner Package

30 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Los Angeles Coastline

Popular places to visit, warner brothers studio.

Tours of this historic working television and film production studio give a behind-the-scenes look at how movie magic gets made.

Wisdom Tree

You can find out about the history of Los Angeles with a trip to Wisdom Tree. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Hollywood Sign

You can learn about the history of Los Angeles with a visit to Hollywood Sign. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center

Though Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Burbank while you are here.

NBC Studios

Enjoy a stop at NBC Studios, an entertaining place to visit in Burbank. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Forest Lawn Museum of Mexican and American History

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Forest Lawn Museum of Mexican and American History during your travels in Los Angeles. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

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The Walt Tour

Quick Details

• Tag Tour Type: Sightseeing
• Clock Duration: 8.5 hours
• Map Marker Location: Hollywood , Los Angeles
• Calendar Availability: Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays at 8:45AM

Please call us about this very special tour. This is usually done as a private tour but if you have at least 3 in your party, we can open up the availability!

See and Experience the Life of Walt Disney!

Southern California was home to Walter Elias Disney for over 40 years. From Los Feliz to Griffith Park, from Burbank to his final resting spot in Glendale, The Walt Tour takes you and a small number of guests (up to 7) to the places he worked, lived and enjoyed with his family, friends and co-workers.

From his homes to his first studio in his Uncle Robert’s barn to his first store front (Disney Brothers Studio), e njoy the complete experience following the life of Walt around Southern California. You even eat lunch at Walt’s favorite restaurant — the Tam O’Shanter, where there is still a table with a plaque where he ate lunch almost every day.

• Chevron down Uncle Robert's Barn

Saved from demolition, Walt’s first studio in Southern California was behind his Uncle’s Home. This stop is subject to availability.

• Chevron down Walk of Fame

We’ll see Walt Disney’s Star along Hollywood Blvd and other memorable places including the Pantages Theater.

• Chevron down Hollywood Sign

We make sure you get a fun photo with this iconic landmark.

• Chevron down Walt Disney Studios

Walts’ work started in the barn, then moved to the small storefront, then on to Hyperion Studios and finally, to this Grand Studio in Burbank. Although we can’t go inside (yet), we have a photo stop here!

• Chevron down Riverside Drive to the Merry Go Round at Griffith Park

Sit where Walt sat as he watched his daughters ride this amazing piece of history. There are still photos of Walt here, where he dreamed of a place where parents and children could play, together.  EDIT JANUARY 2024: DUE TO MECHANICAL AND OTHER ISSUES, THE CAROUSEL HAS NOT BEEN OPERATING. WE WILL BE MONITORING PROGRESS AND WILL GET YOU THERE IF IT IS OPEN!

• Chevron down Lunch at the Tam O'Shanter

See Walt’s’ favorite table and sit in the same room where he ate lunch almost every day in the historic Tam O’Shanter restaurant! Your lunch at the Tam O’Shanter Restaurant is covered, up to $25 per person!

• Chevron down Disney Family Memorial

A very special opportunity to pay our respects to Walt and his family, who gave so much to mankind (when we wrote that sentence – it really hit us… he wasn’t just a man who gave to his city or state or even Country – Mr Disney is truly a Citizen of the Entire World who impacted and continues to impact lives). An amazing opportunity to have a few quiet moments in a truly beautiful Memorial Park.

• Chevron down Walt Disney Concert Hall

Walt Disney, of course, never saw this building in person and may never have dreamed that such a Grand Building would bear his name but it truly is a Grand Edifice and we’d like you to have the chance for a photo so we’ll make a quick stop here!

• Chevron down Walking Tour of the Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles - Site of the Academy Awards

An amazing Hotel that still stands and celebrates the history of Hollywood!

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Walt Disney Animation Studios

TARZAN ® Owned by EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, INC. and Used by Permission TARZAN © 2024 EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, INC. and DISNEY. All Rights Reserved.

FILMMAKING PROCESS

Once Upon a Studio

Be Part of Our Story Careers

Each individual at our Studio contributes to the creation of our films. Be a part of our rich legacy of storytelling.

Creating Unforgettable Films What We Do

Our films combine masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology.

Accelerating Creativity Technology

Our technologists and artists work together to advance the art and science of animation and shape the future of animated storytelling.

Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology

Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. Located in California, Disney Animation continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film– 1937's  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – to 2023's  Wish.

Inside the Hat Life at Disney

Our culture inspires the creative and innovative spirit found throughout our Studio.

100 Years of Storytelling Feature Films

Universal stories, set in imaginative worlds, filled with compelling characters– our films have left indelible impressions on generations of fans around the world.

Growing New Talent Interns & Apprentices

Discover unforgettable opportunities for students and recent graduates to work behind the scenes and experience the art of Disney animated films.

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates 60 years with this new Studio Tour experience

Universal Studios Hollywood reissues iconic Glamor Trams as the world-renowned Studio Tour celebrates a milestone 60 years. (Photo credit: Victoria Wall Harris/Universal Studios Hollywood)

LOS ANGELES - Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the Studio Tour's 60th anniversary this season with a new, "experiential" addition to their popular Los Angeles back lot tours. 

While guests are normally confined to keeping their arms and legs inside their vehicle during the tour, beginning April 26, Universal Studios Hollywood is flipping the script. The park invites guests to get off the tram to pose for photo opportunities in front of some legendary movie scenes, like Universal's "King Kong" and "Jaws" sets.

For a photo opportunity like never before, the anniversary event will also feature the first-ever original replica of the Hollywood Sign situated along the iconic back lot for guests to get up close to the iconic landmark.

Universal Studios Hollywood reissues iconic Glamor Trams as world-renowned Studio Tour celebrates a milestone 60 years. (Photo credit Victoria Wall Harris/Universal Studios Hollywood)

Other notable attractions include the renovated debut of Universal's "Earthquake – The Big One," which features a realistic 8.3-magnitude quake, and a large Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur display. The 60th-anniversary elements offer guests new ways to immerse themselves in Hollywood's most iconic scenes – and take the photos to prove it.

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"The Studio Tour is a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests," said Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Vice President and General Manager Scott Strobl. "We are thrilled and honored to share our enthusiasm for its historic relevance with guests both new to the experience as well as those who have journeyed with us along the way."

As part of the Studio Tour 60th anniversary celebration, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a selection of specially created, highly themed food and beverages, available from April 26-August 11, 2024. (Photo credit Victoria Wall Harris/Universal Studios Hollywood)

The anniversary celebration also includes new eatery options, including BBQ brisket sandwiches and BBQ chicken sandwiches from Hollywood & Dine, burgers and chili dogs from Mel's Diner, ice cream from Studio Scoops and cookie sandwiches from City Snack Shop.

Universal Studios Hollywood's 60th anniversary event runs from April 26 through August 11, 2024. Click here for more information and for tickets .