Universal Studios Hollywood’s Backlot Tour attraction continues to be a fan favorite for fans of movies and movie-making. Guests would board the iconic Glamour Tram, where they would be taken across the park for a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the studio’s biggest blockbusters are made. And now, that same attraction is celebrating its 60th Year.
Originally launched in 1964, the attraction was took tourists to “see film rushes of current productions, both feature and television, being made at Universal City.” It’s one of the attraction’s core themes that continues to this very day. And 2024 celebrates the Studio Tour’s milestone 60 years, the more than 200 million guests who have experienced this attraction and, ultimately, Universal Studios Hollywood’s storied history.
Studio Tour Guides were central to the operations of the Glamor Tram tours then and remain vital to the success of the Studio Tour today. Numerous times a day, professionally trained Studio Tour Guides interact with guests, educating them on the inner workings of the movie and television lot, armed with insider information and first-hand accounts, and entertain them with tours in both English and Spanish. And the role of the Studio Tour Guide has evolved and even inspired. For some, Studio Tour Guides would go on to become filmmakers, budding actors and executives in-the-making. They are all empowered to take advantage of a variety of opportunities and Hollywood-insider perks, that may include intimate group symposiums with prestigious industry professionals, free acting classes, participation in an actor’s showcase with top industry casting directors and chances for job placement positions within the company.
From ushering guests past iconic sets from the renowned film Psycho directed by Alfred Hitchcock — one of the very first film sets accessible for visitors to see up close and personal in 1964 — to the evolution of Universal Studios Hollywood, immersing guests in innovative, groundbreaking rides and attractions themed to compelling film and television properties, Studio Tour was “act one” in the development of the notable Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) portfolio of global theme parks. Other additions that have shaped the Backlot Tour are Jaws Lake where Bruce would take a bite out (or at least try to) of the tram. And “Earthquake,” which had guests clinging for their lives with its fabricated but eerily realistic 8.3 magnitude quake. The memorable King Kong attraction of the Tour, which was added in 1986, was destroyed in the 2008 backlot fire, but then reemerged in 2010 s “King Kong 360-3D,” a signature attraction on the Studio Tour, inspired by filmmaker Peter Jackson’s Oscar®-winning film.
As the landmark Studio Tour turns a milestone 60, the juxtaposition of then and now shines a spotlight on its evolution to the theme park of today. So as one of the most iconic attractions celebrates its 60th year, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD — touted as a revolutionary addition to Universal Studios Hollywood when it expanded its scope of movie and television themed attractions to include the popular Super Mario™ video game property—celebrates its one-year anniversary.
At SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, guests can gather to experience the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge.” This technologically advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series, seamlessly fuses cutting-edge augmented reality with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. With its broad cross generational appeal, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD envelops guests in its unique world complete with interactive activities, Toadstool Cafe™ signature restaurant, 1-UP Factory™ store and walk-about characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.
