Now that we are seeing the proverbial light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, so many of our favorite Southern California attractions have opened their doors again. The latest to do so is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. Warner Bros. Studios has upgraded their tour experience, which some fun new things for guests to do and see during their visit.
The biggest changes to the experience are where it begins and ends. In the past, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood began with guests parking at the WB corporate office across the street from the studio and waiting in a lobby on the ground floor. It was a spartan location that’s saving grace was a Starbucks utilized by WB employee and tour visitor alike. Now, the studio has its very own parking garage as well as tour building. The WB Studio Tour store, where guests could purchase exclusive merchandise, has been moved to this starting location. And, yes, there is a Starbucks location there as well. Gotta have my morning coffee! The Storytelling Showcase room is a very cool walk down memory lane to acquaint tour guests with some of the studio’s history prior to embarking on the shuttles. This room is incredible, with a “miniature” version of the studio’s iconic water town as well as model versions of the various soundstages found on the lot. Along the walls are various Warner Bros. film and television props and moments, and the room’s frigid AC was a welcome vacation from the Southern California heat. After checking out the Storytelling Showcase, guests are moved onto the shuttles.
The tour experience itself is very similar to its pre-COVID self. During the tour, you’ll tour exterior (and some interior) sets, be provided with some amazing trivia by the tour guides (who’s knowledge of studio history is darn-near astounding), and even go through the Stage 48 From Script to Screen walk-thru building. Along the way, you’ll notice that the old studio store building at Stage 48 has been converted into a larger Central Perk and Friends Boutique for those Friends fans out there. They have recreated various sets from the venerable television show throughout and you can even pick up a coffee or treat at the bar.
After touring the studio and Stage 48, guests are shuttled over to the Action and Magic Made Here walk-thru experience, where guests can view various costumes, interactive sets, and a whole lot more from their favorite DC and Harry Potter films. There are also some pretty great photo ops to be had here, so I highly suggest taking advantage of them. I especially liked seeing the Batmobile from the 1989 Tim Burton/Michael Keaton film, BATMAN. That was always my favorite growing up and I couldn’t believe I was standing right there next to it!
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is back and better than ever. Tickets start at $57 dollars for SoCal residents and are available at the official tour website.
