studio tours
 

Which studio tour(s) are the best?

I am curious, also. I will be in LA in 2 weeks and I would like to compare WB with Universal, or any other other suggestions to see ow a real studio works.

Ok since no one else has commented, here is my 2cents. Universal Studios is really a theme park but they still do a decent job of showing you about backstage production. I've never been on the Warner Brothers or Disney productions tour so I can't compare. I did the old NBC tour and wasn't impressed. I'd say I most enjoy when I can go see a show taped and if you aren't too choosy and go at the right time, many are taping now. They usually go on hiatus the end of May or so and start back up the end of August. If you are interested, Dr. Phil is pretty easy to get into. Good luck.

And one more comparision- Universal is thousands of people on trams and $56 for basically an all day experience while Warners is much smaller (25 or so?) and about $30 for a 2-3 hour tour.

Thanks.
Does the tram leave throughout the day? Is it okay to just buy tickets there?

If you really want to see how a working TV/movie studio REALLY operates, either:

-- Pay for the VIP tour of Universal Studios, where you get quality time in the sound stages; or

-- Do the Warner Brothers tour.

Universal without the VIP tour is nowadays just a theme park; its novelty compared to the Orlando park is the actual Universal backlot-- and you really only ride through.

We enjoyed the Warner Bros tour very much. You should make a reservation, unless you don't mind waiting for an opening an hour or so after your arrival.

Also at Universal, they have a deal where you buy a $55 ticket and it's good for all year long (but check the blackout days). So, if you're with kids, and you have a week and are staying somewhere not far from the park, it can be a good deal.

I would add that in late April, in May and in June, many if not all of the TV shows are on vacation and you don't see much "action" on the WB tour.

We've taken all the studio tours, and we enjoyed Warner Brothers most. We got to get off the tram and walk around outdoor sets and we also got to walk around the sets for Friends and ER. The museum that is now part of the tour was not yet open when we took the tour.