Time is running out to experience Universal Studios Hollywood’s 60th anniversary offerings
The first step in what would become Universal Studios theme parks around the world was the creation of the studio tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. Unlike the other Universal theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood began (and continues) as a working movie and television studio. 60 years ago, the now World-Famous Studio Tour was born allowing guests to witness the magic of making movies. In honor of this milestone, Universal Studios Hollywood has been celebrating with special offerings throughout the summer. But time is running short for you to witness it all before it ends on August 11th.
This special celebration has a lot to offer and shines a light on past offerings from the World-Famous Studio Tour. On the Upper Lot, guests can enjoy photo opportunities and interact with rare characters available during the celebration.
In the center of Universal Plaza sits the iconic Time Machine from the “Back to the Future” film franchise. With its wing doors wide open, it’s easy to see all of Doc Brown’s circuitry and time-traveling mechanisms in full display. This vehicle is typically only seen briefly as guests would drive by on the studio tour. It’s nice to have a chance to take as much time as you’d like to examine it.
Also standing in Universal Plaza are photo backdrops including a chance to hop on a “bicycle” with E.T., a western set reminiscent of yesteryear’s Wild, Wild, Wild West Stunt Show, an oversized postcard advertising the former avalanche finale of the studio tour, and more.
One of my favorite photo ops in Universal Plaza is the Amity Island billboard from “Jaws”. If you time it just right, you’ll have the chance to meet & greet George. You know, George the scuba diver who’s killed by the shark during your studio tour experience. But don’t tell him that. He’s not aware of what the future holds. Fun fact, the “Jaws” attraction portion of the studio tour debuted in 1976, just one year after the film debuted. It was the first feature on the studio tour themed to a specific movie.
Another offering in Universal Plaza is coloring pages highlighting past and present attractions. This may seem like an activity meant for kids, but I personally love the illustration designs and they’re printed on a high-quality card stock. In my opinion, they’re a cool, free collectible for theme park nerds. These coloring pages include illustrations from the attractions Earthquake, Jaws, The World-Famous Studio Tour and more.
If you’re someone who appreciates theme park history, be sure and take notice of the QR code signs displayed around the theme park. There are five in total, and they can be found at the entrance to Universal Plaza, near the Fast & Furious roller coaster construction wall, at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, The Simpsons Ride, and Revenge of the Mummy. When you scan the QR code, a video will play on your phone showing what once stood in that location. The video below appears when you scan the QR code at The Simpsons Ride revealing this land’s former attraction, Back to the Future The Ride. Now, go and scan the rest for yourself to discover what once was and is sorely missed.
That is just the tip of the iceberg as now it’s time to head onto the World-Famous Studio Tour. You’ll notice that some of the studio tour trams have been given a flashback makeover with the red and white Glamor Tram look of days past. While aboard the tram, many new video presentations give historic context.
But the main feature is when guests get to step off the tram onto the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot. As you hop off at the Bates Motel, made famous in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”, you’ll see even more displays, photo ops and characters. Among them is a very cool photo op featuring the Bates Mansion in the background. If you’re lucky (or perhaps unlucky depending on how you look at it) you’ll even encounter Norman Bates. Other photo opportunities include King Kong, more Jaws, Fast and the Furious, and more. Check out our video below for an overview.
As with all special events, it wouldn’t be complete without specialty food and merchandise. There’s no shortage of shirts, bucket hats, glassware, posters, popcorn buckets and other collectibles to remember this milestone anniversary. And it all has a retro-vibe bringing us back to the roots of the tour that started it all.
If this sounds like fun and you haven’t visited yet, be sure and get to Universal Studios Hollywood before it all goes away on August 11, 2024.
Jeff DePaoli is an event producer and voiceover artist living in Los Angeles. He can be heard as the voice of Disney Trivia on Alexa as well as the host of “Dizney Coast to Coast” podcast, where he and his special guests share honest opinions on all things Disney. Get your FREE gifts of “America’s Hidden Mickeys,” “On the Rohde Again,” “Theme Park Comfort Kit” and more at DizneyCoastToCoast.com. DePaoli’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily represent Attractions Magazine.
