Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Studio Tour this summer with the return of classic attractions from the tour, like the iconic earthquake scene, along with the return of a several iconic red and white candy-striped Glamor Trams.
Universal Studios Hollywood will feature other exciting additions to the Studio Tour throughout the summer including the chance for historic photo op moments with the original hanging Jaws shark and more.
The Studio Tram is an essential part of Universal Studios Hollywood history, keep reading for the full overview of this new celebration including dates and offerings for this new event.
Studio Tour 60th Anniversary Celebration Dates
The Studio Tour is being transformed to celebrate the 60th anniversary and this celebration is being called an “experimental program” by Universal Studios Hollywood. This indicates we might see these changes extended past the celebration date or at least some of these new elements remaining a permanent addition.
The Studio Tour celebration takes place from April 26th 2024 through August 11th, 2024.
Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour Celebrates 60 Years
The Studio Tour is a huge part of Universal Studios Hollywood history as this is the attraction that started it all. In 1964, Universal City Studios began inviting tourists to see Hollywood sets in person on the iconic red and white Glamor Trams.
The Studio Tour has spanned 60 years and has undergone many different transformations and has always remained an essential part of a day at Universal Studios Hollywood. We always recommend guests prioritize experiencing the Studio Tour as this attraction is uniquely Universal Studios Hollywood!
In honor of the Studio Tour's 60th anniversary, the attraction is undergoing some temporary changes (and likely some permanent additions..!) to showcase this incredible history.
The queue itself will be transformed as the monitors in this area will play archival images and videos of the tour's history along with a new all-original augmented reality (AR) Studio Tour trivia challenge.
Universal is also bringing back several iconic red and white candy-striped Glamor Trams as part of the Studio Tour celebration. Let's get into all the new changes coming to the Studio Tour for this celebration!
Enhanced Earthquake Scene Returns
There will be multiple changes to the Studio Tour to honor this iconic attraction's 60th anniversary.
One of the biggest highlights is the return of the “Earthquake—The Big One” attraction which debuted on the Studio Tour in 1989. This element of Studio Tour included a realistic 8.3 magnitude earthquake. The simulated earthquake attraction has undergone a “top to bottom renovation” and will debut as part of the tour once more with new technology and aesthetics.
This is one aspect of the Studio Tour from this special celebration that will become a permanent addition to the tour as this is really just a returning element after its long refurbishment which started in June 2023 when the scene was removed from tour to undergo these new changes.
Runaway Train Cameo
The Studio Tour will also feature the temporary return of the 1976 Runaway Train from the attraction which will make a cameo appearance on the tour. Warning bells and sirens will alarm and guests will be able to view clips of the former Studio Tour attractions on the tram's monitors.
Historic Universal Props & Attraction Elements
The Studio Tour will feature a variety of historical Universal props from the studio's history for guests to see up close!
Universal is bringing back several iconic red and white candy-striped Glamor Trams as part of the Studio Tour celebration. There will also be an opportunity for guests to step off the tram and onto a legendary movie set where an original, fully restored 1964 vintage Glamor Tram will be available to view. Once guests step off the tram in this area, they will also be able to see the theme park's original hanging Jaws shark and a giant King Kong backdrop.
Another stop on the Studio Tour will include a visit to Courthouse Square where scenes from Back to the Future movies were filmed. This area will include an original time machine picture car on display along with a nearby Doc Brown character interaction.
The historic movie props don't stop there with the addition of a “behemoth dimensional Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur display” that was used in the promotion of the Jurassic World movie. This giant, growling dinosaur will be located next to a locked paddock of dinosaurs that can be heard screeching and trying to escape.
Finally, guests will also have the chance to be among the first to see the new officially sanctioned Hollywood Sign replica which was the result of a collaboration with Universal and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. This large scale reproduction was created from the Sign's historic records and stands at 10 feet tall.
I anticipate high demand for the Studio Tour this summer and purchasing Express Pass can be a great way to avoid long wait times during this celebration.
Universal Announces Conversion of Trams to Electric
The Studio Tour is also in the midst of improvements that help reduce carbon emissions and improve guest experience. Universal Studios Hollywood is currently in the midst of converting its fleet of 21 diesel-hydraulic engines to electric trams.
This change helps reduce carbon emissions and improves guest experience by reducing the noise that is associated with the diesel engine.
Studio Tour 60th Anniversary Celebration Food
The Studio Tour 60th anniversary celebration will also feature retro themed food along with opportunity to purchase a dining pass.
The Dining Pass will allow guests to choose 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. Select in-park venues and food carts are excluded, and the Dining Pass is valid only on the day of purchase.
Hollywood & Dine, located on the Upper Lot of the theme park, will feature BBQ Brisket Sandwich, BBQ Cheeseburger, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Summer Strawberry Salad, BBQ Corn Dog and Film Reel Cookie Sandwich.
Mel’s Diner, also located on the Upper Lot, will feature Mel’s Classic Burger, Beyond Meat BBQ Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Dog, Tuna Melt, Chicken Caeser Salad. This location will also include two mid-century TV dinner style platters: the Meatloaf Combo and Fried Chicken Combo.
Studio Scoops ice-cream parlor on the Lower Lot will also offer themed desserts.
But the best part is the City Snack Shop outdoor food cart, located on the Upper Lot, will be transformed into a Glamor Tram serving themed food like the Glam Tram Cookie, Film Reel Cookie Sandwich, Giant 60th Pretzel, 60th Celebration Cookies and Banana Breath Popcorn.
Studio Tour 60th Anniversary Merchandise
The Studio Tour 60th anniversary merchandise will feature a pop corn bucket shaped like a Glamor Tram along with a variety of retro-themed souvenirs all highlighting the iconic Glamor Tram. This popcorn bucket (featured above) is so cute, this is a must for those that collect theme park popcorn buckets.
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