Nowadays, visitors to Los Angeles can visit several working movie studios. But back when Universal invited the public to tour their backlot in 1964, it was a completely new idea.
Fast forward to 2024, and Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating the big 6-0 in a big way, with special experiences (and even a few surprises) along its historic Studio Tour route.
“Universal Studios Hollywood's 60th anniversary celebration is a wonderful opportunity to be immersed in cinema and entertainment history,” says Beci Mahnken, president & CEO of MEI-Travel. “It's a milestone event that embodies adventure and excitement, making it a must-see destination for any traveler looking to bring the silver screen to life — and especially dedicated movie buffs.”
Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating the Studio Tour’s 60th anniversary with special experiences along the route.
Credit: 2024 Universal Studios HollywoodDetails on Universal Studio Hollywood’s Studio Tour Anniversary
Clients visiting the theme park from April 26 through Aug. 11, 2024, can join the diamond anniversary celebration, which includes throwbacks to the Studio Tour's past, as well as updated experiences that take it into the future. One example is the park’s modern trams, which have received a glamourous makeover to pay tribute to the red and white Glamor Trams that took the very first guests through the backlot in the tour’s early years.
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The Studio Tour … is a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests.
“The Studio Tour paved the way for the development of Universal Studios Hollywood,” said Scott Strobl, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Studios Hollywood. “It’s a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests. We’re thrilled and honored to share … its historic relevance with guests both new to the experience, as well as those who have journeyed with us along the way.”
The Studio Tour’s 60th anniversary celebration includes Glam Tram and Film Reel cookies.
Credit: 2024 Universal Studios HollywoodEarthquake – The Big One
One of the tour’s most beloved attractions, Earthquake – The Big One, has been shaking up the Universal backlot since 1989. Recently, the experience received refreshed production design to tell an updated story and upgraded technology to kick up the thrills.
“This attraction has been around for a very, very long time — and it’s kind of iconic — but between the art direction and the years, it needed some TLC,” said Jon Corfino, creative vice president for Universal. “We gave it a fresh look with new lighting and updated colors, graphics and props [like e-bike charging stations, which weren’t around in 1989] — and that's just the aesthetic part you can see. We've also completely redone the sound, so it is a much more powerful experience.”
The updated Earthquake experience rejoined the Studio Tour as part of the 60th anniversary celebration.
Limited-Time Opportunities on the Universal Studio Tour
In addition to the newly renovated Earthquake attraction, the Studio Tour is offering a rare “step-off” opportunity on one of the tour’s iconic sets — the Bates Motel from “Psycho” — where clients can pose for photos with a fully restored 1964 Glamor Tram, a giant King Kong backdrop, and the theme park’s original hanging “Jaws” shark.
More limited-time anniversary features include an original time machine picture car and live roaming Doc Brown character in Courthouse Square (the location for pivotal scenes in the “Back to the Future” movies) and the return of the tour’s 1976 Runaway Train, with warning bells and sirens sounding from its now-stationary location on the also-retired collapsing bridge.
Modern trams have received a glamourous makeover to honor the red and white Glamor Trams that took the very first guests through the backlot in the tour’s early years.
Credit: 2024 Universal Studios HollywoodA Hollywood Icon Joins the Celebration
In honor of the tour’s 60th anniversary, Universal also partnered with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Hollywood Sign Trust for the first-ever original large-scale reproduction of L.A.’s iconic landmark, which guests will find near the house from “Psycho.”
“[We’re] thrilled this incredible opportunity enables guests to … enjoy an up close look at a perfectly scaled replica of the Hollywood Sign,” said Steve Nissen, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. “It’s been a dream of millions to climb the hillside to the actual sign … so this collaboration with Universal Studios Hollywood is the ideal way to inspire guests around the world to dream big.”
From the original Glamor Tram tours of 1964 to the modern Studio Tour in 2024, Universal Studios Hollywood has continued to provide behind-the-scenes experiences movie lovers want, with cutting-edge attractions that theme park goers expect.
