Warner Brothers Studio
 

We are considering the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Burbank...has anyone out there in Fodor Land ever been on it? Is it worthwhile? We looked at Paramount also, but they are closed for tours. Please and thanks!

Depends on the time of year. Early summer isn't so good because the TV shows are down so there isn't much happening. August really picks up as all the new TV shows go into production and you see a lot of "action". It's mostly just construction workers running around and caterers and such, but it is fun to see a studio in operation. You really do get a feel for how things work and what goes on daily. Definitely not for younger kids (there is an age minimum - 12 I think), as this is not an amusement park type tour like universal. No rides, rollercoasters, games etc.

Check to see that the tour is still operating. I was there a couple of months ago and it was still closed in the wake of 9/11 with no immediate plans to reopen to the public.

The tour is now operating, but when I was at universal last week and one of my friends tried to go to WB for the tour it was sold out. You need to make advance reservations.

I've done both and highly, highly recommend the Warner Brothers tour. You will need advance reservations. You go on a golf cart with about eight people and tour all over. You feel like a VIP zipping around the studio. If you go during tv taping season you may go into a studio and watch a rehearsal. Our group went to Suddenly Susan. You'll see stars wandering about and get a great overview of the movie and tv business.<BR><BR>Paramont was nice, but seemed more of a history tour. it is a walking tour and you'll see a lot of buildings and areas that you'll recognize from old tv shows. We didn't see any stars or sets when we were there -- unless you count Entertainment Tonight (and I don't.)<BR><BR>Either one will be good. If it will help you decide. Warner Brothers is where your family will enjoy the shows and movies of today. The studio is clean, modern and very well kept up.<BR><BR>Paramount is where you will go to talk about the Brady Bunch, Happy Days, the old Desilu Studio (RKO).<BR><BR>Maybe that will help you make up your mind.<BR><BR>(I'd vote for Warner Brothers for your family.)<BR>

Definitely go to Warner Brothers. I have been on the tour twice and never disappointed, whether I saw stars or not. However, you must make reservations in advance, and I'd do so asap.