backlot tour ride

• Hollywood’s original and most

  beloved Movie Studio, up-close!

• Discover the Studio's rich history at

  the new Tour Center and

  Prop Warehouse

• Explore iconic filming locations:

  New York Backlot, Bronson Gate,

  Soundstages, and more

• Walk among Industry Talent,

  Producers, and Crew that call

  Paramount home

• 2 hours, daily

• True, behind-the-scenes,

  "insider" experience

• Exclusive VIP Studio access to

  Paramount's Archives and Backlot

• Meet Archivists and Backlot

  Tradesmen as they share

  their craft

• Private gourmet breakfast, lunch, or

  afternoon hors d’oeuvres in a

  unique Studio location

• 4 ½ hours, weekdays

Explore over a century of Hollywood history and witness

more in the making. During your visit, you’ll see where some

of the most celebrated motion pictures and TV shows are made.

You'll arrive a welcomed guest and leave a true industry insider.

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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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The Backlot at Universal is full of memories and history. Every corner you turn on the Studio Tour trams reveals another familiar view. Below you can find more in-depth information than the tour guides have time to give.

Copyright 2011 by J. Kilmer and Lucid Star Media

Aerial Photos

• Above Falls Lake (Set Storage Area)
• Bates Motel
• Brownstone Street
• Chicken Ranch
• Colonial Street / Wisteria Lane
• Court of Miracles
• Courthouse Square
• Denver Street
• Hollywood Terrace
• Home and Family House
• Little Europe
• Mediterranean Square
• Mexican Street
• New York Street
• Psycho House
• Singapore Lake
• Six Points Texas
• The Appian Way
• Train Station
• Wilderness Road
• 1957 Backlot Fire
• VIP Tram Fire
• Blue Parrot Hotel / Monkey Bar / Boragora
• Colonial Mansion
• Colonial Street – Church
• Colonial Street – Schoolhouse
• Dabney House
• Freeway Park
• Georgetown Avenue
• Hubbard House
• Industrial Street
• Kramer Park
• Marnie House
• San Francisco Street
• Square of Warriors / Spartacus Square
• Sting Alley
• To Kill A Mockingbird Street
• Tower of London
• Uncle Tom’s Cabin / River Road House
• Warehouse Street
• Western Street 1964 to 1967

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Studio Backlot Tour

The Studio Backlot Tour is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Streets of America.  This action packed, informative tour of the “backlot” gives guests an inside look at special effects and film artifacts.   Keeping in the theme of “studios” at the Hollywood Studios theme park, the Studio Backlot tour is one you won’t want to miss.  In fact, it’s very close to the Great Movie Ride-you can get your movie fix two attractions in a row!

• This is a two part attraction.  The first part is a walking tour where you can see lots of Disney film props.  You will see different (and ever changing) film artifacts from movies such as Narnia,  Indiana Jones, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, as well as some TV shows and films from some of Disney’s other studios.
• For  the second part of your tour you will climb aboard a tram and view the Earful Tower, Walt Disney’s airplane, Herbie the Love Bug and other fun props and scenes.
• Keep in mind that this is a 35 minute attraction and does not offer Fast Pass.  It is also not always open for all of the parks hours.  Most of the time you can begin the walking tour in 15 minutes or less, but as the park crowds up so can this tour!
• There is no height requirement for this attraction, and it is wheelchair and ECV accessible.
• The attraction lasts about 25 minutes, so if you are waiting out a FastPass, then this could take up some time and entertain everyone all at the same time!

If you want to be part of the opening scene at Harbor Attack demonstration, make sure you let a Cast Member know-and be sure to arrive early.  After the Harbor Attack, you’ll enter the queue area and board a tram for the remainder of your time.

Quick Tip:  Some of the vehicles you see in the Boneyard section of the tour are from the Indiana Jones Movies.  Also, be on the lookout for some of the props and drawings from Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean.  

Overall, we give this attraction an “A”.

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3 thoughts on “ Studio Backlot Tour ”

I love this ride but it is need of some serious updating. I miss the old one where you could see houses from old tv shows. We have video from when I was little, walking by the houses when they were all lit up for the Osbourne lights.

This is a classic! I love it!

I miss the old Backlot Tour…

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2024 ULTIMATE Guide to the Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Studio Tour: Secrets, Photos and Tips!

Are you ready to take a ride on the World-Famous Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Studio Tour?

Going to Hollywood, California is a big deal for those who visit!

Our eyes tend to be full of stardust, waiting to run into a glamorous celebrity while dining or visiting a set of your favorite movie.

As someone who is really into films from the golden age of Hollywood , visiting Hollywood just has that certain charm to it.

But the best way to really get the full immersive experience, is to do a Backlot Studio Tour.

There are many options like the Warner Bros Studio Tour, Sony Pictures, Adventures By Disney: Disney Backstage and Paramount Pictures.

But my personal favorite is the one we will be doing a deep dive of today, The World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Iconic Scenes: Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Studio Tour

When it comes to a walkthrough, because the tour can change so frequently that you may not see the same thing every time.

However, there are certain staples that you will guarantee to see unless under refurbishment.

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Time to Start the Tour

Before you take your seat on the tram, you are asked to pick up a pair of 3D glasses , which the tour guide will let you know when to put on throughout the tour.

As you go off, you will take a drive down the hill to the lots and get some insight on the history of the studio.

The start of the tour goes the the studio hits with a combination of the tour guide giving insight and Jimmy Fallon hosting on the screens in the tram.

You’ll also see movie posters on either side with the debut year.

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The Soundstages

Along the tour you will pass various working soundstages along with some of the current and past films and shows that filmed there.

Stage 12 is the busiest and biggest with over 29,000 square feet.

It was home to films like Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, all three Jurassic Park movies and Back to the Future.

Soundstage 12 was also home to the iconic NBC tv series, “The Voice.”

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Residential Streets

You will come across various general-purpose sets like residential streets, Main Street Squares and more where films like:

• Desperate Housewives
• The Good Place
• The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
• Nacho Libre
• Back to the Future

Along the tour, you will experience various special effects demonstrations and staged events. Here is what you can see, with it being subject to availability:

Jupiter’s Claim

The most recent addition to the studio tour is the Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s “Nope.”

This is the actual western theme park set from the film that was disassembled during pre-production and debuted during the tour the same day as the film’s opening.

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King Kong: 360 3D

With your 3D glasses, you will enter Skull Island and go through a harrowing adventure, encountering various twists, turns and creatures not seen since days of dinosaurs.

And yes, you will encounter Kong!

If you have ridden the Kong attraction at Universal Islands of Adventure, its almost shot for shot the same experience.

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Fast and Furious: Supercharged

This is another 3D experience within the tour that takes you through the streets with Dom Torretto and the cast of the Fast and Furious Franchise.

It is an exact copy of the attraction at Universal Studios Florida.

Pyscho: Bates Mansion & Bates Motel

One of the biggest draws for the studio tour is the Bates Motel and Mansion.

At the mansion, you will pass by the mansion with Norman awaiting you on the porch. As you leave, you will narrowly escape his attack as he approaches with a rubber knife.

At the hotel, you will come across Norman carrying what seems to be his most recent victim and putting them in the trunk.

Once spotted, he slowly comes for the tram with a rubber knife.

Disaster Zone

Here you’ll journey through the disastrous wreckage of the Boeing 747 from Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds.

It’s one of the most amazing, yet terrifying set pieces on the whole tour!

If you do the Universal VIP Experience , you’ll be able to get even closer and walkthrough the actual wreckage.

Flash Flood

During your tour, you will stop in the street of a Mexican Village and a storm will quickly roll in.

Suddenly, you will be caught in the midst of a flash flood, watching as the storm waters rush towards you from down the village hills.

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Graveyard of Movie Cars

Here you’ll get to see some of the most famous cars from your favorite movies such as the Harry Potter Films, the Flintstones, Jurassic World and more!

This is one of my favorite scenes on the Hollywood Studio Tour.

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Jurassic Park

The Tram tour continues through the Isla Nubar set , encountering some silly dinosaurs along the way.

Along the way, you will get to see props and pieces from the Jurassic Park films.

Another extremely popular staged event during the tram tour is encountering Bruce.

As you drive through the harbor area , everything is peaceful and serene.

But if you have seen the film, you know it’s not all it seems. Bruce eventually makes a shocking appearance!

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The tram tour enters a San Francisco Subway Station underground when a sudden 8.3 earthquake hits.

This effect is achieved with a hot set, in which certain props stay in place and won’t move.

The hot set features flooding water, a derailed subway train, a gasoline truck crashing through the roof with fire and spark effects.

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History of the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

For context, Universal Studios Hollywood is still a working film studio.

It’s on top of being a theme park nestled within the glimmering San Fernando Valley hills of Universal City.

To this day, it is still one of the oldest film studios to exist to this very day.

While some like myself also visit to enjoy the shows and attractions that the theme park side offers, one should ALWAYS make time to enjoy the studio tour.

In fact, this is how Universal Studios Hollywood started its roots as a theme park!

The Early Days of Universal Studios Hollywood

Back in 1914, Carl Laemmele purchased a ranch in the San Fernando Valley and Universal City was born!

It included the studio itself, a working zoo, its own police force and mayor, along with Native Americans living on the land.

On March 14, 1915, Universal Studios had a two-day grand unveiling with approximately 10,000 guests in attendance.

Later on, for the price of 5 cents (about $1.50 in today’s money), visitors could come and see everything that went on inside the huge studio while it was cranking out movies.

At the time, Universal City was still rural, and visitors were able to purchase fresh produce.

Their admission included a boxed lunch with chicken as well!

However, because of the rise of “talkies” or Movies with sound in 1927 and the fact that sets were not yet soundproof, the tour was ended in 1930.

MCA Takesover Universal Studios Hollywood

Once MCA (Music Corporation of America) took over in 1962, it was suggested that the tour be reopened once again to increase revenue.

The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour was revitalized on July 15, 1964, and technically that is the day the theme park was born.

Upon its return, it featured dressing room walkthroughs, peeks at productions and later down the line, staged events.

One of the early issues was giving things for younger children to do.

Earlier parts of the tour included the Ark Park petting zoo, which was an expanded version of the zoo already on site.

It boasted 200 animals and birds representing over 30 different species.

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The Flash Flood Scene is Added to the Studio Tour

In 1968, the Flash Flood scene was added due to a screen actors guild rule that stated that visitors couldn’t visit soundstages.

This meant they couldn’t show as much of the real experience and improvised with these special effects addition.

It proved extremely successful with 20,000 gallons of water rushing down the street of a Mexican Village.

In 1970, the Animal Actors Stage School was opened, which sadly recently closed to make way for the rumored Fast and Furious roller coaster.

Many things have come and gone with the tour such as a King Kong Encounter, a Battlestar Galactica laser battle, a rockslide and a collapsing bridge.

Today, the tour still remains one of the most popular attractions at the park, featuring tour guides, some who would later become celebrities in their own right.

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What to Know Before You Go to Universal Studios Hollywood

Now that you know what to expect on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, let’s go over a few of the most commonly asked questions.

How much does the Universal Hollywood Studio tour cost?

The tour is included in the price of your Universal Studios Hollywood admission ticket.

Is the Universal Studios Tram Tour accessible?

Yes, there is accessibility seating and other options available for you on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour.

How long does the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood last?

The tram tour can last anywhere between 45 mins to an hour so make sure you use the restroom before you get in line.

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What time does the tram tour run at Universal Studios Hollywood?

The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood runs from park open to an hour before park close.

Am I allowed to take photos and videos on the Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Tour?

Yes, you are welcome to film unless otherwise stated by the tour guide.

Does the tour stop for breaks or to walk around?

The tram tour does not stop until it returns to the station where you loaded in.

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Can I use an Express Pass for the Universal Hollywood Studio Tour?

Yes, you can use the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass for this attraction.

Is this attraction suitable for children?

There may be certain sequences that may scare children so I would recommend using your judgment and knowledge of your child ultimately to determine if its appropriate.

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7 Beginner Tips for Riding the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

• Try to make the tour one of the very first things you do for the day as the line gets longer once the park opens.
• The best place to sit on the tram depends on what specifically you wish to see. My favorite is in the middle on the right side.
• Be mindful to go to the bathroom prior to boarding as the tour will not stop.
• Before entering down the walkway entrance, to your left hand side on the building wall is a board that will tell you everything that is filming that day and what you may see on your tour.
• Make sure to eat something and bring water with you just in case.
• The tour ends about 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to park close so plan accordingly.
• Best time to do the tour is first thing in the morning, lunchtime between noon and 1 p.m. or close to park close.

My Final Thoughts and Review on the Universal Studios Backlot Tour

The Universal Studio Hollywood Studio Tour is not only one of the most favored attractions at the park, but a favorite amongst the studio tours in the city.

It has a storied history and is fun, exciting and puts you right in the middle of some of your favorite past and present television and film productions.

And as mentioned before, it is the reason why the park exists today.

It’s a great way to take a break from the excitement of other attractions from the day.

Plus, it truly will leave you with stars in your eyes saying “Hooray for Hollywood!”

Let us know if you have done the Universal Hollywood Studio Tour and what you liked about it in the comments section below!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.

She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.

She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.

(Original Article Date: July 10, 2023/Updated by Editor on March 2, 2024)

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Key Information

Originally the main attraction of Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Backlot Tour is a combination guided walking tour / tram tour of famous movie sets and effect departments, including the well-known Catastrophe Canyon, which crumbles and resets in front of guests.

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Five Things We LOVED about the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

While change is inevitable at Walt Disney World, there are some attractions whose fond farewells hurt more than others. This was certainly true of the Studio Backlot Tour , which was the premiere attraction when then-MGM Studios opened on May 1, 1989. The attraction closed permanently on September 27, 2014, to make way for Toy Story Land.

This was one of the most unique attractions in Disney World. It’s combination walking tour and ride made for a complete experience that took guests through the movie-making process. Both entertaining and educational, this attraction was full of memorable components that we miss to this day.

The Original

The original version of the Studio Backlot Tour, then called Backstage Studio Tour, was much longer. In fact, it was a whopping two hours long, and Disney had built in a break for guests half way through! In 1996 the attraction was renamed the Studio Backlot Tour, and by then much of the attraction had changed from its original concept.

The Harbor Attack  Experience

The first major component of the Studio Backlot Tour most people will remember is the  Harbor Attack  show. Those lucky enough to have been selected as volunteers would act out a scene in a large show area while the other guests watched. The purposes of this portion of the attraction was to show guests how water tanks are utilized on film sets to create special effects. Where else in Disney World can you have this sort of unique experience nowadays!?

The Prop Warehouse

One of the remaining pieces of the walking portion of the Backlot Tour was the prop warehouse. This room, which brought guests out to the tram loading area, held countless props and costume pieces from films such as  Who Framed Roger Rabbit , The Santa Clause,  Honey, I Shrunk the Kids , and  The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. 

The Boneyard

One of the lasting parts of the tram tour was a trip to the boneyard. This is a place where guests could see vehicles used in several films, including  Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,  and  Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest . It was around this portion of the tram ride where guests would get a great view of the “Earful Tower”, the original icon of the park.

Catastrophe Canyon

Most guests will remember Catastrophe Canyon as the “grand finale” of the Studio Backlot Tour. In its original version, this would be near the conclusion of the first half of the attraction, with the walking tour taking up the second half. This ‘live’ movie set gave guests a glimpse into the special effects process when shooting a film. Effects included a rumbling earthquake that would shake the trams, a fuel truck explosion (complete with a fireball), and a flood of water rushing towards the trams. Once the sequence was over, the set would reset before the guests’ eyes, again lifting the veil on the movie making process.

What was YOUR favorite part of the Studio Backlot Tour? Let us know in the comments!

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5 Replies to “Five Things We LOVED about the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios”

I miss the backlot tour. My family and I always enjoyed it. I liked the prop room and was once chosen for The Harbor Attack Experience. It was a blast!!

We went the first year it was operating and it was wonderful. They did a little bank robbery scene while you were going by, you saw the home fronts with the open backs that they used to film, you went through wardrobe design and my whole family got to participate in the harbor attack. It took a long time but, it was great.

Once Disney made the decision to abandon the idea of a true working studio (both live action and animation) in Florida, a “behind the scene” tour ceased to make sense.

While I enjoyed the tour in its early days, several years later, during a trip to California, I did the Universal backlot tour. Now that was an authentic “behind the scenes” look with a rich history. Disney’s version,‘by comparison falls short.

how about ❤️ For the cast members who worked this attraction. My daughter did! The spiel was very long asked an accomplishment to learn. They brought the emotion and excitement to the different sets. It was such a fun experience

In my mind, I group this and the animation tour together as one. They are both a tremendous loss. For me, the biggest things missed are the Williams/Cronkite film (animation) and the Midler film (studio walking). They were informative and entertaining. I also liked seeing how the animation working area was set up and the film stage areas, even if there was nothing live happening. I would have loved the Studios to succeed as a working studio, but there is much historical and educational benefit that could have been preserved.

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Studio Backlot Tour

An Attraction in Hollywood Studios

Last updated: April 9, 2019

At a Glance

A substantial part of the Studios was a film and TV-production facility, although very little actual production takes place these days. Nonetheless, visitors can take a backstage tour to learn about production methods and technologies.

The tour begins on the edge of the back lot with the special-effects walking segment, then continues with the tram segment. To reach the Studio Backlot Tour, turn right off Hollywood Boulevard through the Studio Arch into the Animation Courtyard . Bear left at the corner where Voyage of the Little Mermaid is situated. Follow the street until you see a red brick warehouse on your right. Go through the door and up the ramp.

The first stop is a special-effects water tank where technicians explain the mechanical and optical tricks that "turn the seemingly impossible into on-screen reality." Included are rain effects and a naval battle.

A prop room separates the special-effects tank and the tram tour. Trams depart about once every 4 minutes on busy days, winding among production and shop buildings before stopping at the wardrobe and crafts shops. Here, costumes, sets, and props are designed, created, and stored. Still seated on the tram, you look through large windows to see craftsmen at work.

The tour continues through the back lot, where western desert canyons exist side by side with New York City brownstones. The tour's highlight is Catastrophe Canyon, an elaborate special-effects movie set where a thunderstorm, earthquake, oil-field fire, and flash flood are simulated.

A reader from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, found the tour lacking:

I was extremely disappointed to discover how much the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney Hollywood Studios has been shortened. The tram ride is hardly worth the time, as most of the Backlot is now gone. Catastrophe Canyon is tired and in need of refurbishment. The years of fires have caused significant black scarring on the attraction, which detracts from the realism of the effects. And the special-effects/behind-the-scenes walking tour, which I thought was a great experience when I was a young teen, is also no more.

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Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

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Home » Prices and Trans-Siberian Tickets » Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

Ticket prices for the Trans-Siberian Railway also depend on the current ruble exchange rate.

Is the Trans-Siberian Railway expensive?

Before starting on your Trans-Siberian Railway adventure you naturally want to know what the entire trip will cost. Although this sounds like a simple question, it is pretty difficult to answer. The Trans-Siberian Railway price of travel depends on the following factors:

• Which travel class do I want to use? The price for a first class ticket is about three times the price of a 3rd class ticket
• Am I willing to buy the tickets myself and assume responsibility for the organisation of the trip?
• How many stopovers do I want to make? The more breaks, the higher the total price.
• What sort of accommodation do I want? Will it be a luxury hotel or will a hostel dormitory be sufficient?
• What tours and excursions would I like to go on?
• What is the current exchange rate for rubles?

Basically, everything from a luxury to a budget holiday is available. If you buy yourself a 3rd Class nonstop ticket at the counter, a few hundred Euros will cover the price. All you will experience is a week on the Trans-Siberian train and will see nothing of the cities on the way. There is, however, any amount of room for upward expansion. Everyone makes different choices about which aspects they are willing to spend money on. I personally prefer to save money on accommodation and railcar class, visit as many cities and do as many trips as possible. To enable better classification of your travel expenses I have contrasted two typical traveler types. In the third column you can calculate the total cost of your own journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that these are only rough estimations and not exact prices.

The all-in costs seem fairly high at first. However, they cover everything and it is quite a long journey taking four weeks. Many people forget to consider that when looking at the list. We should also deduct the running costs for food and leisure at home. I think most visitors to this page will classify themselves somewhere between the two categories, that is around the € 2,000 – € 2,500 range. When comparing these prices with other travel packages, you get the impression that it is hardly worthwhile travelling individually on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that most packages last no more than 14 days and you are herded like cattle through the most beautiful locations.

If you spend less time on the Trans-Siberian Railway you will, of course, pay less. I chose this particular travel length because I prefer not to do things by halves. If you fulfill your dream of travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, enjoy it and don’t rush things. But it’s up to you, of course. Try playing around with the form a bit to find the appropriate price for your trip.

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