Universal Backlot Tour-amount of time needed?

[Sk8Leigh]

I'm going out to Cali for the D23 Burbank Studios tour in August, and will go to DL after that. But I'll have a couple of days before it, and I thought I would try to do the backlot tour. I've always wanted to see the Psycho house, etc. What is the length of the tour? And are they continuous, like doing the backlot tour at DHS, where you just wait in a line and take the next tram, or are there any schedules I need to know about?

I assume it's just included in park admission? That's really the only thing I want to do there, but I guess if I have any extra time I could ride some rides. Is the tour open during the entire time the park is open? If so, I would assume it's better during daylight hours.

TIA!

 

[blackjackdelta]

They have both the contineous tour where you wait in line for the next ram or the VIP tour where you spend about 3 hours on the backlot and have a chance to get up close to the Bates Motel and the house on the hill.

Jack

 

[dismsn]

The regular backlot tour is included in your admission. I assume the VIP tour costs extra. I'm also not sure if the tours end prior to the park closing (we went on the tour as soon as we entered the park). In April, we saw the Bates motel (and the house on the hill), the set from The Grinch, the Deperate Housewives set (my favorite--I love that show), a few special effects areas, some western sets and some cars from Fast and Furious. We also saw a few sound stages that we drove past (but didn't go into).

 

[blackjackdelta]

With the VIP tour, which is about 6 hours long, you get to go into the sets, walk around, go into the prop warehouse, paint shop, War of the Worlds set, have breakfast and lunch in the VIP lounge, etc. Very fun but $$$

Jack

 

[Huff]

The tram tour is included with admission. It runs continuously until dusk, just get in line for the next tram. Line can be long some days I'd say up to 30 mins but most days its much shorter.

Tour takes about 45mins to an hour. What you will see varies as they have to change routes if live filming is going on in some areas.

You will almost always see the Psycho house and Bates Motel as well as the War of the World plane crash set. Another common set to see is Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives. Many other outdoor sets from classic movies from the 1930's-1960's as well.

Unfortunatly the very cool King Kong set burned down last year as is no longer part of the tour. They do have a few things to see from the movie but not King Kong himself.

I wouldn't pay the admission if thats the only thing to do unless you got heavy discounts. While there also check out the Water World show. Very fun! I also love the Terminator 3D and Backdraft shows.