Glamor Trams Return to Universal Studios Hollywood for 60th Celebration

by Theme Park Magazine

Universal Studios Hollywood is inviting guests to a special celebration from April 26 to August 11, 2024, marking the 60th anniversary of its famous Studio Tour. The park promises to take visitors on a nostalgic journey back to the origins of Hollywood moviemaking magic. This will start with the iconic red and white Glamor Trams that guests rode when the Studio Tour launched in 1964.

Longtime favorites like Flash Flood and Jaws will continue to be part of the Studio Tour experience.
Longtime favorites like Flash Flood and Jaws will continue to be part of the Studio Tour experience.

“The Studio Tour paved the way for the development of Universal Studios Hollywood, and celebrating its 60-year milestone pays homage to its indelible impact,” says Scott Strobl, Universal Studio Hollywood’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “The Studio Tour is a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests.”

Since its inception in 1964, the Studio Tour has become a major attraction, drawing over 200 million visitors worldwide. Guests were originally treated to a behind-the-scenes look at movie and television production in iconic red and white Glamor Trams. Universal Creative has overlayed trams to bring guests back to that period.

Guests of the Studio Tour during the 60th anniversary celebration will be given special historic photo opportunities.
Guests of the Studio Tour during the 60th anniversary celebration will be given special historic photo opportunities.

Instagrammable Photo Ops

In addition to the Glamor Trams (or Glam Trams, as some used to refer to them), Universal Studios Hollywood is bringing history back to life with backdrops and props that guests can take photos with. These include the original Jaws shark, a giant King Kong backdrop, and a fully restored 1964 Glamor Tram.

The celebration will include various other attractions, such as the return of the 1976 Runaway Train, nostalgic clips aboard the tram, and a display of a giant Tyrannosaurus rex from Jurassic World.

The runaway train was an exhilarating part of the old Studio Tour, as it looked like it was going to crash into you. The train is returning (non-operational) during Universal Studio Hollywood's 60th anniversary celebration of the Studio Tour.
The runaway train was an exhilarating part of the old Studio Tour, as it looked like it was going to crash into you. The train is returning (non-operational) during Universal Studio Hollywood’s 60th anniversary celebration of the Studio Tour.

In a special collaboration, Universal Studios Hollywood is partnering with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Sign Trust to debut an original replica of the Hollywood Sign. Guests can take photos with this iconic symbol of Hollywood’s glamorous past.

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled that this incredible opportunity will enable guests to step off the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood and enjoy an up-close look at a perfectly scaled replica of the Hollywood Sign,” says Steve Nissen, CEO and President of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. “It has been a dream of millions to be able to climb the hillside to the actual sign atop Mt. Lee, so this collaboration with Universal Studios Hollywood is the ideal way to inspire guests around the world to dream big.”

Park Updates Highlight Anniversary

The “Earthquake—The Big One” attraction, which simulates a realistic 8.3 magnitude earthquake, has been fully renovated for the anniversary. Visitors can also explore Courthouse Square, famous for the Back to the Future movies, and see an original Delorean time machine car used in the movies.

The 60th-anniversary celebration will also feature themed food and beverages, retro-style menu items, and exclusive merchandise, including a special Dining Pass for guests to enjoy a selection of entrees and treats.

The Studio Tour is very different today than in the past, when giant boulders would roll toward the tram, and the tram would stop mid-way through at Prop Plaza for a lunch break and playtime.
The Studio Tour is very different today than in the past, when giant boulders would roll toward the tram, and the tram would stop mid-way through at Prop Plaza for a lunch break and playtime.

History of The Studio Tour

The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour has a rich history dating back to 1915 when early movie fans could observe the filmmaking process from bleachers for a mere 25 cents. This behind-the-scenes tradition was formalized in 1964 by introducing the iconic red and white candystriped Glamor Trams. Initially departing from the Front Lot Commissary, the tour expanded its reach with the 1965 opening of the Upper Lot Studio Tour Center.

Tour Guides in the earlier years of Universal Studio Hollywood's Studio Tour.
Tour Guides in the earlier years of Universal Studio Hollywood’s Studio Tour.

The Studio Tour’s growth mirrored the film industry’s technological progress. Early 80s updates replaced the original trams, while CD players later augmented live tour guide narratives. 1999 saw the introduction of DVD players and LCD screens, allowing guests to watch clips of movies filmed on the lot. The high-definition era arrived in 2009 with upgraded screens, and Jimmy Fallon became the tour’s comedic video host in 2011.

Universal Studios Hollywood, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability, began introducing electric trams in 2022 for a quieter, more eco-friendly tour.

The Studio Tour is included with park admission.


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