How to Get Free Behind-The-Scenes Tours at Universal Orlando Resort
There are a ton of cool things to do at the Universal Orlando Resort, but if you're looking to try something different.. There are a few attractions around Universal that offer special “tours” around the queue. In total, there's 10 free tours you can do!These tours can be a cool break away from the hot Florida sun. Or maybe someone in your group isn't into roller coasters. Maybe you're celebrating a trip with a loved one and want to do give them a special experience while in the park. 
During these behind the scenes tours, you get the opportunity to learn cool details about your favorite attractions,, and you can often times take pictures in areas where you wouldn’t normally be able to get to.
What Are Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando offers several free, unpublicized tours of attractions inside and outside the park. These tours include behind the scenes information, story explanations, secrets, and visits to areas guests normally cannot access for anyone who asks. If the park is not too busy, and there's an available team member, several attractions offer behind the scenes tours of the rides So far, I’ve done the Raptor, Forbidden Journey, Gringotts, Mummy, and the Men in Black Immigration Tour.
How Do You Request a Behind-the-Scenes Tour?
To request a tour ask a Team Member located at the attraction entrance if tours are available. If the attraction tour isn't available come back later in the afternoon, or on another day of your trip.
Best Times to Ask for a Tour:
Non peak/busy days
Mid-morningLate afternoonSometimes during a ride delayI’ve had luck when Forbidden Journey has been on an extended delay
I can’t strep enough tours are subject to staff availability and are NOT guaranteed..no matter how slow the park may seem.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Universal Studios Florida
ET Adventure Forest Tour
You’ll get the history of the attraction, some of the hidden elements around the queue, and technical details for the ride itself.
if you really keep your eyes peeled, you’ll be able to find an animatronic rabbit hiding in the bushes. This is a nod to the shot of a rabbit in the movie’s opening scene.
Revenge of the Mummy Production Tour
Ever wondered why Brendan Fraser is asking for coffee at the end of the ride? This question, and more, are answered during the Revenge of the Mummy Tour. 
During this tour, the Team Members educate you on how Universal made the ride, the storyline, Easter eggs from a previous attraction, original props from the movie, secrets from the movies, and more!
My favorite part of this tour is being able to see the track switch section of the ride where you can watch the “Cup Of Coffee” video play roughly every 30-45 seconds.By far one of my favorite free tours so far!
Men in Black Immigration Tour
The tour is one of the coolest tours! Recruits are allowed to wander the alien office seen from the queue. Guests are able to take photos with the aliens, review documents, and sit in iconic white chairs. If you're pressed for time, this is one of the shorter free tours you can do.
Pro Tip:
Do not forget to sign your name on the log books.
Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon Studio Tour
You start the tour on the first floor with a personal tour of Tonight Show artifacts from previous hosts like Johnny Carson. You then get a tour of the lounge areas. 
Guests then get a behind the scenes tour of the show control booth before finishing with a sweet view from the VIP balcony. SOMETIMES you'll get to meet Hashtag the Panda while on the balcony.Tours lasts about 20 minutes.
Fast & Furious Supercharged Garage Tour
Harry Potter & the Escape from Gringotts Bank Tour
Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey Castle Tour
This is usually a non-guided Castle tour. However, sometimes the team member will walk around with you pointing out easter eggs and secrets.During this tour you walk through the Express queue without having to ride. This is a great option for guest who cannot ride due to motion sickness.You can soak in he portrait gallery, look around inside the Gryffindor common room, visit Dumbledore’s office, and hang out in Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom. There's an easter egg for each of the professors in this room.
Jurassic World Velocicoaster- Paddock Tour
VelociCoaster is the newest attraction at the Universal Orlando offering a behind the scenes tour for guests.You get an introduction on how VelociCoaster was brought to life. Details you don't normally see are the raptor claw marks on the walls near the second launch. and the raptor transport cage.I was first taken down to the lagoon to see the Mosasaurus roll. The Team Member gives you information about the Mosasaurus in the water, as well as cool facts and stats about the coaster.Next you’ll walk the queue while the Team Member given facts about the iconic raptor statue in the middle.
My favorite part is be taken right up to the windows where the second launch occurs. The Team Member explains how the launch works, what a Rollback is, and how fast the ride vehicle goes. You'll get to see some really really easter eggs, too.This tour took about 20-25 minutes and is a good option for those too scared to ride but want to feel included.
The Incredible Hulk Gamma Tour
The only way to take photos and videos of the Incredible Hulk Coaster is through the Gamma Tour. Team Members will point out various queue easter eggs, and often missed details of the attraction’s storyline. You'll also learn who created the music that's played during the ride.
Photo curtesy of Universal Orlando
Skull Island Reign of Kong Temple Tour
This tour takes you through the attraction’s queue, explaining how the ride vehicles work, and the ride’s storyline. You'll also learn how many skulls are in the queue. You don't get to see any backstage areas in this tour, but you do get to hang out longer in areas of the queue than you normally would.
Dr. Doom’s Villain Tour
Some guests get the opportunity to sit in Dr. Doom's chair during this tour. This is super special as it's normally behind a locked cage. Check out the awesome theming in the alley leading up to the Fearfall entrance (Yancy Street). There’s a ton of easter eggs hidden in the store fronts and signage, referencing classic characters from Marvel comics.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Tours are subject to staff availability and are not guaranteedTours are done upon request, thus there are no scheduled times
Learning all these little tidbits really add to your experience as you realize how much effort it takes to create such an amazing park.While the free tours may not be available during your visit, it’s always worth asking. Especially when Universal isn’t too busy.
