On July 4, 1964, Universal Pictures opened the first-ever tram tours to the public. These trams, named Glamour Trams, were located in Hollywood, California, and took guests through the backlot studio where movies and TV shows were shot. If the guests were lucky, they would even be able to see actors being filmed for their next movie.
The tour grew to be immensely popular, so much so that Universal Studios Hollywood expanded throughout the years from a filming studio to a full-fledged theme park that doubled as a studio. The world-famous studio tour has seen many changes since its opening. From attractions, the tram’s design, the addition of sound stages, and guests no longer being able to step off the tram outside of the VIP experience. However, as of April 26 of this year, features from past iterations of the tram tour may be returning.
Old-school attractions such as Runaway Train and Earthquake: The Big One will be making a return. Earthquake returning after a 6 month-long hiatus and Runaway Train having been closed since 1985. And, for the first time in years, guests will be able to step off the tram. This hasn’t been part of the studio tram tour in decades. Aside from Horror Nights and Universal’s VIP experience, guests will be able to take pictures and explore the backlot themselves until August 11, when the celebration ends.
The studio tour has been decorated with photo opportunities and props to celebrate the 60th anniversary. These will include a Dino paddock along with a T-Rex statue used originally to promote 2015’s Jurassic World, a scaled-down replica of the Hollywood sign, a massive King Kong backdrop, and the classic hanging shark from JAWS.
Anniversary-themed dining options will also be offered to guests during the celebration. This will include donuts and pretzels in the shape of a 60, a sugar cookie made to look like the original Glamour Tram, as well as a Woody Woodpecker burger, based on the classic Universal cartoon character to name a few.
A special “dining pass” will be offered to purchase for guests. The pass will allow guests to choose 2 entrees and 4 drinks, snacks, desserts, and more at participating dining locations throughout the park.
Anniversary-themed merchandise inspired by the red and white stripes of the original studio tram will be sold to guests as well such as shirts, cups, jackets, mugs, and more. A special limited-edition Glamour Tram-themed popcorn bucket will also be sold. The popcorn bucket features a figurine of Woody Woodpecker driving the tram. The tram also features light-up headlights and Woody’s laugh, they will be available for $43.99 while supplies last.
To learn more about the World Famous Studio Tour’s anniversary, visit blog.discoveruniversal.com for more details!
