Guide to Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Iconic Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood
The world-famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood turns 60 this year! To celebrate the milestone, Universal Studios Hollywood is putting on a 60th anniversary celebration from April 26 through Aug. 11, 2024.
Here's everything you need to know about the 60th anniversary celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The Universal Studios Tour opened to the public on July 15, 1964. Guests got to experience a two-hour "Glamor Tram" ride around the working Universal Pictures movie lot.
Stops included an exhibit of Edith Head's costumes, a makeup demo, a stop at the studio commissary and a staged Western shoot out!
Universal Studios Hollywood's celebration includes bringing back several of the red and white striped Glamor Trams.
There’s new stops on the backlot tour, a refurbished “Earthquake—The Big One” attraction, special photos ops, and limited edition foods and merch to honor the attraction that put Universal Studios Hollywood on the map.
Universal Hollywood's Studio Tour 60th Anniversary Celebration Overview
The celebration includes all-new experiences such as stepping off the tram and
onto the studio backlot to visit an iconic film set, immersive photo ops, nostalgic
temporary additions as well as all new updates to the Studio Tour.
The 60th Anniversary of the Studio Tour runs from April 26 through Aug. 11, 2024.
Here’s What's New on Universal Hollywood’s Studio Tour
From late April to early August Universal Hollywood’s Studio Tour will allow guests the rare opportunity to get off the tram to step onto the Bates Motel movie set where an original, fully restored 1964 vintage Glamor Tram will be parked.
While there, guests can get their picture taken with the classic tram, with a giant King Kong backdrop or with the theme park’s original hanging Jaws shark.
Limited Time Photo-Ops:
A replica of the Hollywood sign
The Bates Motel
Be on the look out for Norman Bates
A King Kong photo-op with you inside his hand
Fast and Furious photo-op with 2 cars
Photo op with Bruce, the original hanging "Jaws" movie shark
Courthouse Square
For the 60th anniversary celebration, The Studio Tour when able visits Courthouse Square. ( When there's no filming nearby). This is where movie scenes from "Back to the Future" was filmed.
Doc Brown and the DeLorean time machine car is sometimes out for a photo or drive by passing on the tram.
If you don't see them at Courthouse Square-- keep your eyes peeled for the DeLorean time machine car a little later on in the Studio Tour. We found it seeing right here in front of the LYON ESTATES entrance.
Dinno Paddoc Display
A “behemoth” dimensional Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur display used in the promotion of Universal Pictures’ Jurassic World movie will also be added, located adjacent to a locked paddock of “wild dinosaurs that can be heard screeching and clamoring to escape”
“Earthquake—The Big One” Attraction
Once back on the Glamour Tram, guests will experience the updated “Earthquake—The Big One” attraction which debuted at the park in 1989. Refurbished to reflect modern technology and special effects, the water and pyro heavy event wow you!
Hollywood Sign
For the first time ever, Universal Studios Hollywood is debuting the original replica of the Hollywood Sign.
Per the Universal Studios press release, the large scale reproduction has been recreated according to the historic records of the iconic landmark. Studio Tour guests will get to see the 10-foot tale replica on the hillside during the 60th anniversary Stuio Tour.
Guests disembarking the tram to experience the original movie set on the studio backlot will now have the unique and exclusive opportunity to pose for the first time ever in close proximity to this officially sanctioned Hollywood Sign replica.
Other Exciting Features
he 1976 Runaway Train is returning, as warning bells and sirens alarm from its stationary location. The tram’s monitors will also show clips of former Studio Tour attractions as they once appeared on the tour.
Special 60th Anniversary Food
The Studio Tour 60th Anniversary will offer an array of new limited-time food, snack and drink options. You’ll find these offerings at several Upper and Lower lot locations.
A special Dining Pass will be available for purchase for the special menu items on the day of your visit. Guests can choose from six eligible menu items: a choice of two entrees, plus a choice of four snacks, sides, desserts or beverages at participating restaurants or food carts.
Hollywood & Dine
Located in the Upper Lot
Themed drinks
BBQ Brisket Sandwich
BBQ Cheeseburger
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Summer Strawberry Salad
BBQ Corn Dog
Film Reel Cookie Sandwich
Chilly Willy Funnel Cake
Mel’s Diner
Located on the Upper Lot.
Mel’s Classic Burger
Beyond Meat BBQ Cheeseburger
Chili Cheese Dog
Tuna Melt
Chicken Caesar Salad
2 entrees inspired by iconic mid-century, TV dinner-style tray: the Meatloaf Combo and Fried Chicken Combo
City Snack Shop
Located in the Upper Lot. This standalone food cart has been transformed into a Glamor Tram!
Glam Tram Cookie
Film Reel Cookie Sandwich
Giant 60th Pretzel
60th Celebration Cookies
Banana Breath Popcorn
Studio Scoops
Located on the Lower Lot.
Kong Size Sundae for 2
The Glam Tram Ice Cream Cone
Studio Tour 60th Anniversary Merchandise Collection
There’s an all-new Studio Tour 60th anniversary collection! Take home a piece of the historical celebration with unique items like the 60th anniversary popcorn bucket shaped as an iconic Glamor Tram.
There’s a ton of retro-themed souvenirs including:
Glamor Tram themed pillow
blanket
backpack
mugs
magnets
jacket
hats
tees
candy and more!
Universal Studios Hollywood also has a special Glamor Tram Refillable Freestyle Cup for fountain drinks.
For More information head to Universal Studios Hollywood’s website!