The Studio Tour

About this ride

The Studio Tour is the founding attraction of Universal Studios Hollywood, dating back to 1964, and it remains one of the most genuinely unique experiences in any theme park in North America. Guests board a multi-car tram and travel through the actual Universal Studios backlot — past active production stages, recognizable film sets, and a series of engineered special effects sequences including the Flash Flood, a working Jaws encounter, a collapsing bridge, and the King Kong 360 3D experience designed by Peter Jackson. The tour is narrated live by a tram guide, making every ride-through slightly different.

Best time to ride

Board the Studio Tour in the late morning or early afternoon — earlier in the day the backlot is most likely to have active production happening, and natural light makes the exterior sets look best. Avoid the last tour of the day if possible as the backlot lighting dims and some exterior sets are less interesting at dusk. Wait times are significantly shorter on weekday mornings.

Insider tips

• Sit on the right side of the tram (facing forward) — the majority of the major set pieces are presented from the right-side viewing angle.
• The King Kong 360 3D sequence requires the 3D glasses provided at boarding — keep them on your face for the full sequence, the scale effect is designed for the glasses to be in place.
• The tram guides are genuine Universal employees with real backlot knowledge — their commentary varies by individual and can be a highlight of the experience on its own.
• Jaws lake still runs in its original form, which is remarkable given the ride's age — this section gets a reaction from guests of every generation.
• If you have a young child frightened by the flash flood or fire sequence, reassure them before boarding — several of the practical effects come without much warning.
• The backlot sets visible from the tram include recognizable locations from dozens of films and TV shows — worth doing a quick research pass before the tour to spot what you recognize.

What to know before you ride

• No height requirement — accessible to guests of all ages.
• Some special effects sections involve loud noises, darkness, and simulated natural disasters — may startle young children.
• The King Kong 360 3D sequence requires 3D glasses and involves life-size animatronic and projection effects.
• Tour duration is approximately 60 minutes — plan your day accordingly.
• The tram runs outdoors — dress for the weather and bring sun protection on hot days.
• The tour may pass active filming areas — production schedules can affect the exact route on any given day.

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