Universal Studios: Lights! Trammers! Action!
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Fast cars, King Kong's Skull Island and the littered suburban scene after a jet crash from "War of the Worlds" are all part of the newly revamped Backlot Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.
In the biggest overhaul of the tour since it began in 1964, there will be assorted new attractions added to the leaping dinosaurs from "Jurassic Park" and other stalwart features.
The new tour — in the works for about a year — has previews this month, with an official opening June 26. The tram ride lasts about 45 minutes — the same as the old tour — and is packed with lots of information on (and promotion for) the movies made on this working studio lot.
The new tour opens with a bang.
The trams pull into a semi-circular drive that is quickly converted into a stage for a pyrotechnic show based on themes from Universal's "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift."
Using robotic technology, cars styled after those in the film race, dance and hurtle toward the trams at about 45 mph, stopping within inches of the trams and exploding in fire and smoke.
Then the trams head for "dinosaur lane," where props and cars from the "Jurassic Park" movies litter the sides of the road as spitting robotic dinosaurs leap from behind bushes and do their thing. Be prepared to get wet.
When the trams arrive at the cliffs of Skull Island, they pass at eye level through the parted waters for a view of a scale-model, exact replica of the S.S. Venture that took the explorers there in the recent version of "King Kong." Later the tour passes through the destruction wrought by Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds."
A 747 jet — they bought one and tore it apart for the film — has just plowed into a suburban neighborhood. Twisted cars and partly destroyed houses surround the wreckage.
Visitors are always reminded that the 415-acre Universal lots are a working studio — Wisteria Lane (which you don't see) from TV's "Desperate Housewives" is not far away, as is the snow-blanketed movie set from Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," and the Bates Motel and house from "Psycho" (which you do see).
The tour also visits the sets of TV's "Crossing Jordan" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
Universal estimates 125 million visitors have taken the tour at its three theme parks (Hollywood, Orlando and Japan).
Universal Studios: The Backlot Tour is just one of the many rides, tours and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood. Get information at www.universalstudios.com, or call 800-UNIVERSAL.
Prices : General admission, $59; guests under 48 inches tall, $49; "Buy A Day, Get 2006 Free": $59 (adults and kids).
The VIP Experience ($149) includes a private tour of Universal Studios Hollywood and movie lot for up to 15 people with priority front-of-the-line entry at all rides, locations and shows. Regular front-of-the-line tickets are $99.95.