Universal Studios Hollywood’s Tram Ride is celebrating 60 years! This attraction first opened in 1964 but before then, did you know, that they offered walking tours? Back in 1915 Universal Studios offered movie fanatics walking tours to live sets while filming silent films in their backlot. But as sound started being introduced into movies, those backstage tours disappeared. Replaced by bus tours for a few years, then on July 15th, 1915 the Glam Tram (now known as the Studio Tour) was introduced to the theme park.
The Studio Tour, my favorite attraction/ride, offers a backstage look at film stages and locations
where some of the most iconic movies have been filmed. From the iconic “Back to the Future” clock tower to Stage 12, the oldest stage on the lot, where classic Universal Monster movies like Frankenstein and Dracula were filmed. From now until August 11th guests on the World-Famous Studio Tour will be dropped off on the backlot! Where you will have the opportunity for photo-ops with a replicated “Hollywood Sign,” a Glam Tram, the Bates Motel and Norman Bate’s House (from Alfred Hitchcock’s original Psycho), the Fast & the Furious Skyline and Charger cars, King Kong, and the shark from Jaws!
Universal has also recently extended the photo-op opportunities into their Universal Plaza. There you can find the Back to the Future Delorean car, E.T, the Jaws
Amity Island billboard, a western jail set, and appearances from Woody Wood Pecker.
Of course, like with any celebration, new food is also available! For the 60th Anniversary of the Studio Tour most of the food will be available in the Upper Lot of the park. More specifically near the Universal Plaza there is Mel’s Diner has T.V dinners and the City Snacks Shop has 60th (shaped) donuts and pretzel, along with celebration cookies.
But near Water World is where you’ll find the most delicious food for this anniversary celebration, at Hollywood & Dine. Here you can purchase the souvenir 60th Anniversary / Woody Wood Pecker cup (which comes with free refills for day of purchase), the Chilly Willy Coconut Cake and Funnel Cake, the Film Reel Cookie Sandwich, and the savory BBQ entrees; BBQ Brisket Sandwich, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, and BBQ Cheeseburger. All this plus the two items we tried, the BBQ Corn dog which is drizzled with BBQ sauce and mustard that seem to almost be melted on to the breaded exterior of the massive corn dog. But don’t worry if you are not a BBQ or Mustard fan, you can customize it. We also tried the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, the sandwich was delicious but what makes these BBQ sandwich and burger options so cool is the Woody Wood Pecker burnt character on to the top bun, giving it a nice 6oth Universal touch.
Being a huge fan of the Studio Tour plus the extra touches like the opportunity to get off the tram and on to the backlot, Earthquake and the giant destroyed airplane being back, all the photo ops, the QR codes that bring nostalgia while a video of an older Universal shows on your phone, and oh yeah! the food! Makes this for a great time to visit Universal Hollywood and truly enjoy an attraction that brings and excites guests from all around the world.
The 60th Studio Tour Anniversary is being celebrated from now until August 11th, for more information (and tickets) please visit Universal Studios Hollywood.