Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a real Hollywood movie studio? That’s exactly what The World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood offers. It’s more than just a theme park ride. It’s a peek into the magic of movie-making.
The World-Famous Studio Tour is legendary. Narrated by Jimmy Fallon, it takes you through the working backlot. Here, movies come to life. You will see sets from films like War of the Worlds, Psycho and Jaws. You will explore filmmaker Peter Jackson’s King Kong 360 3D. It is the world’s largest 3D experience.
But how did The World-Famous Studio Tour become so famous? Its roots go back to the silent film era. In 1914, Universal Studios founder Carl Laemmle bought land in Lankershim Township. He moved his studio from New York to Southern California. Laemmle wanted to promote the move. So, in 1915, he invited the public to visit “The World’s Only Movie City”. For 25 cents, guests got a boxed lunch and watched the filming. They cheered for the heroes and booed the villains.
The arrival of sound ended these early tours. Visitor noise disrupted filming. But in the late 1950s, Universal revived the idea. Bus companies drove tourists through the studio lot. This increased revenue and sold lunches in the commissary.
In 1963, Lew Wasserman wanted to create a permanent tour. He hired a team to design the experience. They created the famous candy-striped Glam Trams. On June 17, 1964, the first official tour opened. Tickets sold out quickly. The 90-minute tour included lunch and a make-up show.
Over the years, The World-Famous Studio Tour has evolved. New attractions were added. These included the Parting of the Red Sea, the Flash Flood and the Collapsing Bridge. Some original attractions have been replaced. But the goal remains the same. The World-Famous Studio Tour strives to get guests as close to filmmaking as possible. The tour route changes daily.
One constant element is the Universal Studio Tour Guide. They are “Ambassadors to Hollywood.” Each year, thousands apply for the guide positions. The training program is intense. Guides become experts on Universal Studios and the entertainment industry. Many former guides have successful careers in Hollywood.
In 2000, The World-Famous Studio Tour became a “Movie Theater on Wheels.” LCD video monitors and a state-of-the-art audio system were added. Guests can now see how the Universal lot is used for movies and TV. They also learn about filmmaking from famous filmmakers.
Today, The World-Famous Studio Tour continues to evolve. It remains a must-see attraction. As you ride, remember you are experiencing a piece of Hollywood history. You’re not just watching movies. You are stepping into them.