Studio Tour

[Koda]

Has anyone done a movie or television studio tour in the Hollywood area, besides Universal? If so, which one, and was it worth the time? We only have 2 days in that area, and plan on spending one of the days at Universal. We just want to make the most of our time, and fit in as many Hollywood sights as we can.

Thanks!

 

[iHEARTflorida]

Warner Bros Studio is a popular choice, it's a small group [I think 12 people including the tour guide], travelling around on a golf cart, and foot. It lasts around 1hr45mins I think, much more intermate than the Universal tour. it's around $45

Sony, and Paramount also offer similiar tours aswell, for the same price and time -- but there's are all on foot

 

[Koda]

Do you think a studio tour is worthwhile if we only have one day to tour Hollywood (besides our day at Universal)? We want to see the Walk of Fame, Grauman's Theater, Hollywood Bowl, Rodeo Drive, La Brea tar Pits, Disney Concert hall, and probably a tour of Star's homes. That seems like a lot to cram into one day. Although we might have a 1/2 day or evening on our arrival day. We are heading to LA/Hollywood after staying at DLR, so it depends on if my family wants to go to the parks for awhile on our departure day.

 

[iHEARTflorida]

I think that is probably too much for 1 day. The Walk of Fame, Grauman's Theater etc.., you can fit that in after Universal [which only takes around 1/2-3/4 of a day]

Do you plan on seeing a show/concert at the Hollywood Bowl?

If you heading from Anaheim to LA, go through Downtown LA and you can pass and stop at Walt Disney Concert Hall on your way.

I would probably scratch a tour's of the Star's Homes off your list, it's time consuming, and you just end up looking at gates, fences and hedges. Most of the time it isn't actually that celebrity current home, it's a house they used to live in.

Don't forget to visit the grove, and farmer's market while at the la brea tar pits.

 

[Koda]

Thanks for the info! Stopping at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on our way in is a good idea. We will also hopefully get to Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Walk of Fame on our arrival day. We are staying not too far from there.

I will have to rethink the star's homes tour idea. There is so much to see, and my girls (14,14, and 12) are really excited to be in Hollywood. I have told them that it is not as glitzy and glamorous as they think it will be.

Do you ever see any actors during the studio tours?

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

My husband used to work at Warner and we have taken the Studio Tour several times with guests. It is the BEST tour of it's kind.

Seeing celebrities depends on what time of year you go. If it's in summer or during holidays, no. They have hiatus from taping television shows that have dedicated sound stages. If it is Jan-April or in the fall after school starts, then yes. They are still in production. The occasional movie happens, but that isn't as visible as daily TV shows.

Make sure you check on the minimum age. WB has one. I think it might be 8? My kids are too young, so I haven't looked in a while.

 

[1rocky]

I am also thinking of doing the Warners bros tour and go deluxe. Has anyone done the Deluxe tour? thanks

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I think the deluxe is definitely worth it. On the regular tours, you see what is available at the time - that's what they mean by "every tour is different". If a soundstage isn't busy during a period, they take you into that one, but if it is, they bypass and go somewhere else. You may go to costuming one time and not the next. With the Deluxe, you have those 5 hours to hit mostly everything.(If there are restrictions due to filming, you may miss some things. The fun part is that they are including lunch in the studio canteen. We have eaten there and the food is tasty. It's a step above normal cafeteria food.

Whatever you decide, enjoy!

 

[pigletliz]

I agree with taking the Warner Bros tour. I have done both the deluxe and the standard tours. It is so much better than the other studio tours because you almost always see some prodution going on. I also think they have more informed tour guides. (Even my daughter knew when the Paramount Guide was matching the incorrect actresses with the classic movies )

I remember years ago meeting the cast of ER before they were famous. We've watched the filming of the Gilmore Girls and gone in their "house". Warner Brothers also has a little museum with costumes, props and letters. On our last trip, they had some items from Harry Potter, including the ballgown worn by Emma Watson during the Yule Ball. The food in the canteen is really good. I think your girls would really enjoy it.


Have a great trip!

 

[Koda]

Thanks for all of the great info! I will definitely check into the Warner Brothers tour.

 

[tom-from-anaheim]

I agree with all the Deluxe Tour posters... I have heard it's amazing and I have a friend who, during lunch in the commissary, sat hear Clint Eastwood so, if you have the time and the money, I think that would be amazing!

Enjoy and do a report if you do it!

Tom

 

[Dizneydaz]

I just checked out the WB website and the tour does look interesting. $48, 2hr and 25 min. tour.

Years ago (and now I'm dating myself) when I was in my teens there used to be a Fund raiser called "Actors and Others for Animals" that was held at the WB Ranch. I'm thinking this was in the early 1970's. My girlfriend and I went with her mom and sister twice. It's was pretty cool you just got to walk around the lot checked out the Partridge Family,Bewitched, Hazel and other houses. I remember there was a Western Town set you could walk around as well. Also a city block.

I wonder, is the WB Ranch part of the WB tour? Nope, I just did a search and it isn't-too bad, I would love to go back there.

 

[tom-from-anaheim]

The ranch is only a couple of blocks away and I was speaking with the Director of this program and he said they wanted to figure out a way to include it in the tour.

It hasn't happened yet but there are plans in the works. If and when it happens, I'll post here.