Universal Studios Hollywood is marking the 60th anniversary of the Backlot Studio Tour with a special program from April 26 to August 11, 2024. As part of the celebration, the trams will get a makeover inspired by the original red-and-white Glamor Trams. Throughout 60 years, over 200 million guests have visited Universal Studios Hollywood, making it the highlight of the Universal Studios Hollywood experience.
The Studio Tour's 60th anniversary celebration will allow guests to step off the tram and onto a legendary movie set with a restored 1964 vintage Glamor Tram. The area will offer additional photo and social media opportunities, including a large 'King Kong' backdrop and the original hanging 'Jaws' shark.
The Earthquake – The Big One attraction, which was introduced as part of the Studio Tour in 1989, has undergone a complete renovation with modern technology and aesthetics.
It’s not clear if the dancing cars from the Fast and Furious – Supercharged portion of the tour will return. The cars have been covered with a black tarp for years, and it's hoped that they are doing well. (The Kuka robotic arm technology that brought the dancing cars to life also powers another attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.)
Other attractions include a visit to Courthouse Square, where scenes from the “Back to the Future” movies have been filmed, complete with an original time machine picture car and Doc Brown. There will also be glimpses of Norman Bates by the “Psycho” house.
As the tram cars navigate around the historic backlot, surprises from the past will make appearances, including the temporary return of the 1976 Runaway Train with warning bells and sirens. Nostalgic moments will also be featured on the tram’s monitors showing clips of former Studio Tour attractions.
The tour will also feature a new dinosaur from “Jurassic World,” located next to a locked paddock of wild dinosaurs that can be heard screeching and clamoring to escape.
Universal Studios has partnered with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Sign Trust to introduce the first-ever original replica of the Hollywood Sign to the studio backlot, where it will be nestled for several years. The large-scale reproduction was meticulously crafted from the Sign’s historic records to faithfully recreate this iconic landmark and bring it to visiting Studio Tour guests. The original Hollywood Sign stands at 45 feet; this official replica will stand at 10 feet to complement the landscape.
There will also be ”a selection of specially made, highly themed food and drinks, chosen by the theme park’s Head Chef Julia Thrash, along with themed items for sale.” You can also purchase a special dining package, which allows you “to pick six eligible menu items: a choice of two main courses, plus a choice of four snacks, sides, desserts or drinks at participating restaurants or food carts. Some in-park venues and food carts are not included, and the Dining Pass is valid only on the day of purchase.
Additionally, the food cart on the upper lot will be transformed into a Glamor Tram and offer a selection of treats related to the celebration, including the Glam Tram Cookie, Film Reel Cookie Sandwich, Giant 60th Pretzel, 60th Celebration Cookies and Banana Breath Popcorn, a nod to the old Kong encounter on the tour and his well-known banana breath. The popcorn bucket (below) is a must.
“The Studio Tour paved the way for the development of Universal Studios Hollywood and celebrating its 60-year milestone pays tribute to its lasting impact,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood, in an official statement. “The Studio Tour is a standout in our theme park collection and a beloved attraction for millions of guests. We are thrilled and honored to share our excitement for its historic significance with guests both new to the experience as well as those who have journeyed with us along the way.”
