Tram Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood: Dinosaurs, Sharks, and the Bates Motel
Hold on tight as you embark on a thrilling adventure through Universal Studios Hollywood. This isn’t your ordinary tram tour – it’s a heart-pounding journey filled with dinosaurs, sharks, and even the iconic Bates Motel.
As the tram takes off, a giant Kong gorilla comes charging towards you, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. The jungle surrounds you, and you can feel the rush of air as you navigate through this thrilling landscape. But that’s not all – a Tyrannosaurus Rex emerges, and you find yourself in the midst of a dinosaur battle. Don’t worry, though, your 3D sunglasses protect you from any unexpected encounters, such as dinosaur spittle!
The experience is so realistic that you’ll forget you’re in a theme park. Universal Studios Hollywood has truly brought Jurassic Park to life, immersing visitors in a world where imagination knows no bounds.
The history of these tram tours dates back to 1964 when they were initially introduced as a way to sell cheap lunches to visitors. As silent movie stars filmed their scenes, locals saw an opportunity to showcase the behind-the-scenes magic to the public. The tours quickly gained popularity, and soon studio executives decided to launch their own tours, complete with open-sided trams.
During the tour, our knowledgeable guide, Bob, takes us through the fascinating history of Universal Studios Hollywood. From the secrets behind film sets to the iconic Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, there’s never a dull moment. Did you know that behind Bree Van de Kamp’s front door lies a public toilet? These intriguing tidbits make the experience even more memorable.
One of the highlights of the tour is a stop at the original Psycho House. As we slowly pass by, we witness a special anniversary surprise – a convincing Norman Bates walking from room to room. The actor’s portrayal is so compelling that you can feel the depth of his troubled character, even if you haven’t seen the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic.
The tram tour at Universal Studios Hollywood is a beloved attraction that has captivated visitors for over 60 years. It’s a thrilling adventure that allows you to step into the world of your favorite movies and TV shows. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe.
Selfies on Wisteria Lane (Picture: Amanda Cable)
Get ready for some thrilling adventures at Universal Studios Hollywood! Behind the motel, strike a pose for a selfie with a massive King Kong or dare to stick your head in the mouth of a shark. And speaking of sharks, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the set of the original Jaws film. As we watched animatronic divers meet a grisly end, a gigantic plastic shark emerged beside our tram, with exploding oil drums creating a fiery spectacle in the background. The excitement never stops at Universal Studios Hollywood!
Visit the set of Jaws (Picture: Universal Studios Hollywood)
Capture unforgettable moments (Picture: Amanda Cable)
But the fun doesn’t end there! We also had the chance to explore the props unit, a massive warehouse filled with fascinating items. Among them were a pile of shoes for the newly released The Fall Guy, as well as furniture and lamps from various periods of history. Once the tram tour was over, we discovered even more thrilling experiences. Take a thrilling ride on the Harry Potter attraction, where you can dive and swoop alongside Harry and Ron on their broomsticks. Face the exhilarating rollercoaster joy of The Mummy, hop in a cart for Bowser’s Challenge, and enjoy an augmented reality ride with Mario and his friends in the vibrant Super Nintendo World. And when it’s time for a break, indulge in a delicious lunch at the Moulin Rouge restaurant, while admiring the stunning backdrop of the Hollywood mountains.
A trip to the Hollywood sign
During our trip, we had the incredible opportunity to come face to face with not just one, but TWO famous Hollywood signs. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Universal Studios Hollywood has built a scaled-down version of the iconic sign. Additionally, we embarked on a guided hike through Bikes and Hikes LA, taking us up the winding paths of the Hollywood mountainside. This allowed us to get up close to the original sign, which was celebrating its 100th birthday. Our knowledgeable Californian guide shared fascinating stories about the sign’s origins as an advertising board, created by a real estate executive who struggled to sell his newly-built homes in the area. We even learned about the ghost of a doomed actress said to haunt the sign, as well as the excitement of spotting rattlesnakes (luckily, none on the day of our visit) and discovering incredible mansions on the mountainside, some of which are available on Airbnb.
The scaled-down mini Hollywood sign (Picture: Amanda Cable)
Get ready for an action-packed adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood, where nostalgia and thrills await at every turn!
Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a range of themed merchandise for visitors to take home as souvenirs. From t-shirts to backpacks, pillows to a popcorn bucket shaped like the iconic glamor tram, there’s something for everyone. And with the park being well-organized and not too overwhelming in size, you can easily enjoy everything it has to offer in just one day. But be warned, the rides are so much fun that you’ll want to go on them again and again.
If you’re planning a trip, my advice is to book now and visit before August to make the most of the special anniversary extras. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on.
Here’s what you need to know: You can purchase a Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free Special Offer Ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood. Prices start from £92 / €102 per person when booking through AttractionTickets. These tickets are gate-ready, meaning you can skip the ticket and voucher lines and enter the park instantly. Plus, you have the flexibility to use your second visit within six days of your first visit. So don’t wait, take advantage of this fantastic deal and experience all the excitement Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer.
