Yesterworld: Universal's Abandoned Tram Tour Attractions (Universal Studios Hollywood Tour))

Hey all, use my link vrv.co/yesterworld to get a 30-day ad-free trial of VRV Premium!
Exploring the abandoned attractions and effects of Universal Studio Hollywood’s Studio Tram tour, as few remain to this day while others linger around the tour hidden in plain sight.
Support on Patreon: / yester_world
SHOP: yesterworldentertainment.spre...
TWITTER: @Yester_World
INSTAGRAM: yester_world
Yesterworld website: yesterworld.squarespace.com
FACEBOOK: / yesterworldentertainment
SOURCES:
TheStudioTour.com (too many pages to list here, but check out their amazing articles on past attractions)
Inside Universal
Stone Mason aka Universalstonecutter
www.insideuniversal.net/2014/0...
www.thestudiotour.com/wp/studi...
www.playle.com/listing.php?i=...
www.thestudiotour.com/wp/studi...
gorillasdontblog.blogspot.com/...
gorillasdontblog.blogspot.com/...
www.thestudiotour.com/ush/chro...
www.thestudiotour.com/wp/studi...
Videos used:
Archival footage -
TheStudioTour.com
(Will be updated ASAP with links due to technical issues)
Navarro Home Movies:
/ @navarrohomemovies8845
• Universal Studios. 1973.
• Universal Studios. 1967.
andys-arcade - • Universal City Studios...
Rolleen Carcioppolo - • Disneyland and Univers...
AnderFam Videos - • 1995 06 Universal Studios
Dumbros World - • 1971 Universal Studios
allenmovies - • 1970s: Universal Studi...
historycomestolife - • Trip to Los Angeles & ...
pariemen - • Universal Studios, Cal...
michael strout - • Universal Studios Holl...
Chris Iller - • 1970 universal studios...
mtkscat - • Disneyland and Univers...
Lynn Cunningham - • CHM1966 Vacation Unive...
• Universal Studios Tour...
Mackenzie Rough - • Universal studios tour... & • Universal city studios...
Guildford Ghost - • A TOUR OF UNIVERSAL ST...
• UNIVERSAL STUDIOS (PAN...
The W/O/C Archive - • Universal Studios Holl...
Tiger Ray - • Universal Studios 1976
Current Footage (Tram Tour, Universal):
Andrew Patrick Ralston - • Universal Studios - Fo...
NakadaFamilyArchives - • Reel 25 1972 Universal...
Travel Videos - • Universal Studios Holl...
Mouse Hangover - • Video
ddrusa - • Universal Studios Holl...
Strong and Beyond - • Tour and Reviews of Ho...
Manong J - • Universal studios tou...
SoCalAttractions 360 - / socalattractions360 - • [HD] The Collapsing Br...
LMGvids - / @lmgvids
FireByNight - • Universal Studios Holl...

[@NimrodClover]

I took the tour as a kid in the summer (June) of 1983. I really feel that it was during probably the best stretch to take the tour. Nearly all of the old "classic" events were still there; the collapsing bridge (which was fun) and there was part of a car, the parting of the Red Sea, the rotating ice-tunnel, Battle for Galactica, Jaws, the Mexican flash flood (with the falling down tree), the run-away train (I was in car 4, so I got to see the animatronic conductor) even the mid-tour prop plaza stop where I got to lift the A-team van and pose with oversized objects. The "spooky" 2nd Empire mansion (Norman Bates) residence and hotel were not crowded in by Whoville and the crashed airplane still was the waterfall and natural spaces along with a better discussion of the fake Ocean blue screen set (it still had clouds painted on it at that time). The tour was longer, more informative, and had many more moments where the tour guide provided actual information. I hope to find those old photos again.

[@derekllewellyn6663]

I love oid tour New oasr awesome picture awards TCM hollywood netflix original email money made movie maze party oasr awesome picture awards TCM on money made into store story documentary about biography history books documentary on Netflix app magic key new

[@seanfrancisellis]

My first visit was in August '83! I agree, it was a great time to go. There were also plenty of prop aircraft and spaceships from TV shows like Buck Rogers and Tales of the Gold Monkey lying around, and the trams still stopped down in the lower lot, where passengers got out to see the Special Effects show, which is where The Transformers dark ride is now. You could take a photo on a BMX with E.T. and much more.

[@amvin234]

In reference to all the fires on the backlot, I'm not at all surprised. Universal Studios Hollywood is literally built in the Hollywood Hills, a natural landscape full of native chaparral plants very prone to catching fire. Much of the chaparral in California is highly adapted to wildfires, even containing oils within the plant itself to promote the spread of fires since many of the plants can only reproduce when there's a fire, with seeds only opening and taking root after a fire sweeps through. (This is partly why wildfires are such a problem in California with suburbia encroaching on this natural landscape more and more). Anyway, Universal Studios was built on these hills in an environment naturally very prone to fires.

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

amcaff That’s so interesting, thank you!

[@derekllewellyn6663]

@@GabrielTheMagolorMain universal studios hollywood new 20th years before New 50th years 100th anniversary celebration party years documenty biography VIP tickets tour New oasr awesome picture awards TCM hollywood netflix original email money made movie maze party oasr awesome news story show on doing live concert in the world and the best Deanna show bout

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Universal studios hollywood do you know what before WB studio's same time years before New Year at least before New DVD releases on Disney company class starts at VIP tickets tour guide Legends of view of the same time years before Sybil Jason she was new girl friend Derek Llewellyn feel like I was in 1935 with oasr awesome picture awards TCM channel on money made movie little Big shot movie made

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Do you know movie take place little big shot on 1935 universal studios hollywood into WB studio's before

[@FluffyNinjaUnicorn3Gaming]

"I really don't think we should go inside that spaceship." *Lasers firing* "On second thought, maybe we should.' *Lasers continue to fire* WHAT! WHY!

[@christopherwall2121]

Because the Cylons would shoot to kill if you resisted.

[@KEVMAN7987]

@@christopherwall2121 By your command.

[@zooweemama_3978]

Hey it ain’t fun if there isn’t a lil risk

[@kayangstrom4692]

I miss the animatronic King Kong. There was a wind effect when he roared and his breath smelled like bananas.

[@mrjohnnyk]

Yeah it was the coolest. Something about being driven through a real movie set with the big anamatronics, 3D stuff can't touch that.

[@clurkroberts2650]

Extremely well done ride experience which was enhanced by dozens of practical set effects.

[@waynemorrison8125]

Yea and I didn't even get to see it.

[@Roadent1241]

Good thing there's a new one in the ride? Which looks really good, I honestly thought it was just part of the 4D CG effects.

[@brianbankz114]

Omg yes I remember lol I always loved that as a kid lol

[@wherethetatosat]

"I sound like a Jungle Cruise skipper." You say that like it's a bad thing.

[@gotonewchanneltheofficials7131]

It’s not

[@KingOfGaymes]

I waited two hours for a ten minute boat ride with stupid puns It’s a very bad thing

[@chandlertrotter1560]

What park did you go to and when? Because a two hour wait for the Jungle Curise seems unlikely.

[@mattfahringer148]

@@gotonewchanneltheofficials7131 but it is though

[@Quandal3Dingl3]

@@chandlertrotter1560 exactly

[@ThemeParksShouldntExist]

10:38 What is it with theme parks making extremely expensive animatronics and then just driving them down the highway without any kind of protection? JUST COVER IT WITH A SHEET OR SOMETHING, ANYTHING!

[@closeupwizard]

Unless you crate it, some AA figures could get hurt by a flapping sheet and strapping. I know that Disney imagineering liked to drive figures down the road for publicity, too.

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

Publicity ;) Can you imagine driving down the freeway and seeing a gigantic "fluffy" head? Today it'd be on every social media site within a second.

[@hookjock]

Park Ride History a

[@Happymali10]

Maybe those are so heavy that they don't need strapping down at the low speeds they're going....

[@andrewheld2475]

@@Happymali10 The heavier it is, the more it needs strapping down.

[@TommyT067]

I lifted that van as a kid when the tram would drop you off in the middle of the tour where you would walk into the stage area. They had the six million dollar man and bionic woman at the time. They picked out me as Steve Austin and a girl for the bionic woman. It was fun, they took me in the back stage telling me that I was gonna kick the tire and it would explode then I would lift the van. As we got in front of the audience I was so nervous, I forgot to kick the tire and when I lifted the van i walked away as it was still in the air...hahaha I was in 3rd grade at the time and did it in front of my whole school at the the time as we were on a field trip that day! I will never forget that!

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

TommyT 067 LOL, great memory! 😊

[@nickrustyson8124]

Plus by the looks of that ad, that A-Team skin was done after the van was there

[@Gabriel-gv1mx]

1986- what a year! Knight Rider, Jaws, the King "Kongfrontation", E.T, Psycho, Back To The Future, and the truly superb Battlestar Galactica experience, were all on display. I waved furiously to be selected for a screen test. I got the part: I was tipped upside down in a plane wearing a striped jailhouse garb along with a complete stranger as a co-pilot. I had a ball. At the time I was itching to go to Disneyland, but Universal Studios was the ultimate in unrivalled fun. Disney had nothing on this! I purchased a hefty sized foam rock from the Universal shop (a rock I managed to literally squeeze into my suitcase upon my flight back to Australia). This latex covered foam rock looked so realistic, it fooled everybody! I would say, "here, catch." I would hurl this benign chunk of foam at my confounded friends and watch them jump back; their face a billboard of horror. It was hilarious. Also, the people working there all looked like they wanted to be there. It actually rained a touch and I wasn't able to talk with Kit the car "in person", but they gave everybody blue ponchos to ward off the drizzle and a free pass to another event. Seriously, I could have gone home with four different families in the group by the time the tour finished- that's how much fun we had. I was just the right age (10) at just the right time, 1986. If only we could go Back To The Future.

[@theultimateswagon]

Man, I want to go to Universal Hollywood back when these effects could have a strong effect on me rather than riding a dark ride covered in screens at Universal Florida

[@TeardropSidemarker]

Fun fact: The airplane seen briefly at 1:40 was a real P-51D Mustang which has been restored and kept as part of the Commemorative Air Force Collection in California. Apparently it was in the 1957 film 'Battle Hymn' and displayed at Universal for nearly a decade before being auctioned off.

[@MrEd8846]

i get that they need to evolve attractions and keep things fresh.... but that king kong replacement and the fast n furious thing is just..... poor effort

[@taylorward3773]

I think King Kong 360 pretty great, F&F however...

[@blancabuen7]

The original King Kong burnt down

[@Nokkiwow]

Former Studio Tour employee here. It's so interesting to see how much the tour has changed over the years. I left in 2015 right after we finished the Fast and Furious addition. As of then, the collapsing bridge and the parting seas were still used, but very rarely. Sometimes when trams would cross the collapsing bridge, it wouldn't activate (which actually happened a lot with a few of the other attractions as well). And sometimes the red sea would still flood the trams, depending on how fast the tram drivers got through there. We had some VERY interesting stories about the tour XD

[@derekllewellyn6663]

It's looks like new IMAX universal studios hollywood history month for years before New documentary about biography and legend legends

[@NYYRobThomson]

In 08, was working in the cutting room on a Universal Studios movie when the fire happened. At the time the big worry was what was lost in the film storage rooms/vaults. Nitrate film is highly combustible and know improper storage has been blamed for multiple fires since the 30's in all the studios and memory serves was the factor in many of the ones you mentioned at Universal.

[@taraniso]

We're just learning now what was destroyed. Tons of original music masters. Heartbreaking.

[@OscarASevilla]

@@taraniso i was just about to mention this

[@srvforever]

Holy crap Batman! Now this is making sense but why haven't they come up with a way to store them properly? Very very interesting indeed! See for me, this is where Fire Insurance comes into play, big payouts! Sir, I am copying your story and moving this to the top! You defiantly have the INSIDE SCOOP!

[@mustdieproductions]

Has anyone ever considered that insurance fraud could be a cause for these fires breaking out?

[@jessluvecko]

I have always thought that those fires were manmade in order to drive publicity for new attractions. But that's just my conspiratorial mind talkin'. I'm so glad I was able to experience Kong Encounter before it was burned down.

[@cammysan]

I honestly think this too..

[@Kdog4660]

I was thinking every 10 years sounds like a got time for a refresh, and would be a cheap way to clear out an old attraction.

[@amojak]

@@Kdog4660 especially if it is insured :)

[@gator9339]

Didn't some old rare movie footage burn down with the ride? Strange if it was intentional

[@jessluvecko]

@@gator9339 yeah but according to the CEO of Universal Studios they were just copies of film reels. They weren't the originals.

[@FIREBRAND38]

This is the best USH documentary I've ever seen, even at 16 minutes. You've researched attractions I never heard of for this video. I also wanted to compliment you on something all to rare nowadays; when you don't know something you actually admit that you don't know it. Keep up the good work!

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Show bout Deanna durbin she knows about contact info for years before making money made into store story about how much money does it take care universal studios hollywood new number

[@ColeWalker]

They actually found one of the Cylon Animatronics under the Simpsons ride. It was on display for the anniversary of the tour I believe. Also somebody reportedly stole the Cylon that was in the gun turret outside of the building one night years ago

[@somegeekyperson4645]

What where?

[@ColeWalker]

DEADPOOL THE ROBLOX WARRIOR www.thestudiotour.com/wp/studios/universal-studios-hollywood/theme-park/attractions/the-studio-tour/past-studio-tour/battle-of-galactica/

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

That's absolutely incredible...and depressing at the same time. I'll definitely have to look more into that!

[@SciFiFan2012]

I wanted a Cylon outfit so bad as a kid, along with the original BSG Colonial Warriors’s uniform.

[@mikesloan8667]

The Simpsons ride was back to the future

[@groovylobster]

If there's a major fire at Universal by the end of this year, i'm gonna be officially spooked.

[@KevinGoldenEnterprises]

I remember the collapsing bridge, the rotating tunnel, Galactica, and jaws.

[@evancortez2]

I remember as a kid reading in comic books about the Universal tour and all the attractions and I couldn't wait to go to California for the first time to experience it! I haven't done this tour in many many years but starting in the mid 80s I've done this tour about 20 times - I remember the flash flood, the collapsing bridge, the rotating tunnel, the prop plaza with the giant props and the A-team van that you could lift with one hand, the Jaws shark, the Battlestar Galactica attraction, the King Kong encounter and the earthquake attraction

[@Disneylandtourguide2]

Honestly your editing style is flawless, keep up the great work.

[@kimsleep4111]

One of the 2 times there were fires, was a brush-fire

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Wor of the world made movie l back lots

[@thetevinator7083]

I once went through the Parting of the Red Sea on the tram tour back in 2012, and the four car lost traction in the middle of the track and we got stuck for like three minutes. Pretty freaking exciting.

[@brianstone6463]

This video is such a weirdly nostalgic trip for me. We visited Universal once when I was a kid, probably around 1980. I remember almost all of this stuff. But there's so much I don't remember, which is even more fascinating to me.

[@ladylunaginaofgames40]

My mom still remembers attending it in 1989. She was about 12 years old and it was amazing to her

[@eramos7055]

Damn... this video lets some of us know we're getting old... i remember the battle of Galactica, the falling bridge, the water parting for the tram, the old King Kong, the spinning tunnel & lifting the A-team van!!

[@willemdafuck8433]

If they change it to a modern backlot tour, then then itll be a tunnel of green screens or blue screens

[@gator9339]

It's funny because its true. F&F/ King Kong 360 3D is already like that

[@vampirefan5425]

Your not the ghost host the dude that hung himself is

[@foofy3406]

so true! good point!

[@Roadent1241]

Vampire Fan No, that's Hatbox Ghost.

[@BrandonFlix]

The Disaster/Earthquake portion wasn’t included in this vid, that was one of my fav growing up.

[@Harry-mm7zj]

I feel like a 2018 version of the prop plaza would be really fun and popular

[@WeCanShowYoutheWorld]

right? Especially if it was ever changing - Instagram would love that ;) -- K

[@davidfeltheim2501]

To really pull in some cash Universal should add a few of these old effects back into the parks in new and exciting ways to draw in the old fans and the new park-goers. Like what if Universal could do another sci fi battle sequence with updated animatronics since Disney closed the gangster and western shoot out scenes in the great movie ride?

[@alx42013]

I'm So Old I remember All these thing's on my visits to Universal... 70's,80's,90's. It was fun back then.... I miss those day's😢

[@thepowerstation2702]

😊 👍 Happy memories. I remember back in 1986 lifting up the A Team van in the Prop Plaza. So sad that King Kong burned in the fire along with so many priceless objects in the Destruction By Fire Every 10 Years!!! ✌️

[@Mattitude23]

Saw the thumbnail and instantly something clicked in my head.....I’ve seen this before......omg memories . Thanks man

[@TheDAExperience]

As Batman once said "I dont believe in Coincidence" Smells like arson to me.....and smoke

[@Loremastrful]

Except they are different fires from different causes. 97 was a brush fire that spread from the surrounding hills to the back lot. 87 was man-made. (I may have those two switched in my memory.

[@DanDanDanDanDan]

Wow, Battle of Galactica looked neat!

[@BLasherman]

I was like 6 the only time I went on it, scared the crap out of me.

[@Riceball01]

It was a fun attraction and I loved it as a kid since I was a big fan of the show.

[@AJ17_]

I got to experience it a couple times in the 80s. It was pretty cool and also a little hokey, which I liked. I got some photos my dad took of it in 1985 when we first visited.

[@FreedomforHaiti]

It was neat! Plus there were aliens on the opposite side of the tram watching what was going on. One year for my birthday, I talked my family into taking the tour, but only up to the Galactica, which was the very beginning. (That was an option on the tour then.) So we went there just to see the Galactica part.

[@4ernieg]

I actually have a few memories of the prop plaza. You could lift up that van, it was a 6 million dollar man, thing. I also remember the rocks from the avalanche. It's funny that you wrote they would sometimes hit the tram Because that's exactly what I remember when I was about 4, it hit the side where my Grandfather was sitting !

[@KBCFoxStudios]

Actually, the motionless train at 7:31 in the original backlot tour wasn't repurposed to become the runaway train. It was actually taken to the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Nevada City, CA, due to the locomotive being part of the named railroad's rolling stock before being acquired by Frank Lloyd productions in 1939. The runaway train was actually a prop based on a small Mexican locomotive that was used in the original Magnificent 7 and Two Mules for Sister Sara. The latter film is where the majority of the RT prop's features came from.

[@MrDumbElite]

Thinking about Universal now is just depressing. It feels like Universal stop caring about making attractions that push the envelope and are just trying things that will make them money in the short term and not longterm. Compare them to Disney which has so much respect for their old attractions while still doing new and exciting things. At least i'll always have good memories going there as a child.

[@TheRealAustinRamey]

Universal has a problem with throwing a screen, acting like it's immersion. Immersion is having physical sets around you, imagine if the Indiana Jones ride at disney was a simulator similar to transformers, that would be awful. They need to start doing more animatronic and set building rides, then I think fans will be more on board.

[@Kdog4660]

Honestly in Orlando I am now more gung ho for Disney, they have caught back up to universal, and surpassed them, for example compare Disney springs to City Walk, it isn't even a contest, and what new rides has universal made recently? Fast n furious looks terrible.

[@DrVagax]

These 360 3D screen attractions are a true example to this. How lazy can you get. Might as well just install a VR theater which would be more fun.

[@JeffreyPiatt]

Well they are owned by Comcast.

[@BLasherman]

It looks like they always did that, Jaws was thrown in the park just after the movie came out as was Battlestar Galatica, chasing what was hot just then, they just got lucky with Jaws

[@mercurialmoose5006]

Man...I actually remember a good majority of theses, from the Battlestar Galatica set, to the avalanche tunnel, the burning house, the fall apart bridge. Pretty sure my parents have a recording of the entire tram tour from the early 90's somewhere

[@wasted18youth]

Fast and furious burns down in 2019.

[@seatspud]

LOL But since F&F is their biggest cash cow right now, I doubt they'll try to squeeze out any money from it that way. Yet.

[@treyartson6788]

Wouldn't be soon enough!!! That series has continued to do the same repeat of story ending, just with a different story leading up to it. Seriously, like holy shit. It has become using Micheal Bay type explosions and effects tied into a continuous use of the same characters (give or take a few) to milk money out of easily entertained people. In the aspect of viewers and money made by the film makers and studio from number of patrons' (like the Transformers movies), thank God for China and their people lol

[@StarberrySlash]

Wouldn't that be the greatest 😂😂😂

[@gheebus3890]

Fast and Furious : Overcharged

[@WeCanShowYoutheWorld]

We can only hope. -- K

[@jlee4873]

I went on the tram in '79 - I can remember the psycho house, jaws, galactica, parting water, ice tunnel, falling bridge etc... way cool as a 9 year old. I have some old super 8 footage somewhere - I will have to find it now!

[@wrestlingwithdisney]

I had no idea most of the older tour even existed! So cool!

[@East10Outpost]

The bridge was most certainly operating around 2002-2005. I remember riding it during our yearly summer trip multiple times before the crashed tram was placed to block it off.

[@GrustaniaNicko]

for a brief time it was operational during 2013 and 2014 if king kong wanst working

[@SabrinaTwyla]

I totally remember the parting waters in the lake. Not too long ago (maybe like 2 years or so, maybe even only a year ago actually), the track to that was open for ONCE on the Hollywood Universal Studios backlot, and it might’ve been the last because the water started filling up too quickly, and suddenly everyones feet (in the last two cars which was where I was), were getting soaked because the water started going up our legs, right before the water hit our calves, we made it out of the lake. But you have to think, the water rose quick because the tram vehicles are so high up, so the tires must’ve been SOAKED. That’s probably why it was the last-ish time they did it. But it’s still there, maybe working OCCASIONALLY.

[@OldBonesCreative]

It's always really frickin' bothered me that the Studio Tour "experiences" are billed as "attractions." Like, when Fast & Furious: Supercharged opened, it was heavily marketed as a new ride...but it's really only one part of the Studio Tour. Same for Kong 360. That being said, the Studio Tour is the single greatest theme park "ride" of all time for me. I could ride it over and over and over and over and never get tired of being in, around and on those sets, learning very cursory trivia about movies and their histories. Each ride-through is unique, too, because every tour guide has a different perspective on things. Last night we did the RIP Tour at HHN and got to ride in the VIP Trolley that went through some of the backlot that you would never be able to go in the generic tram, even on a regular day. THAT was really special for me

[@trebillis7399]

Agree 100%. It makes the park. And is what is lacking from Orlando. I understand why...there is not he movie history in Orlando.

[@WeCanShowYoutheWorld]

That sounds like a super cool experience. -- K

[@stinkysushi1272]

Yeah, when i first saw the commercial for F&F Supercharged, I thought it was a actual ride.

[@kevinnagel68]

Funny, we were at Universal Studios in about 1979.. I was a Battlestar Gallactica fan and it was a clear highlight for me , I also clearly remember the tram going below the waterline, and they had moved the Jaws Animatronic jumping out while we were in the tram below the water level.

[@conanfan1412]

I haven't seen "The Nude Bomb" so I had no idea Get Smart filmed scenes in the Tram Tour until now. Also, Battle of Galactica looked freaking awesome!

[@LuthienNightwolf]

GOD this gives me so much nostalgia! I frequented Universal in the 90's (our family had annual passes) and I was obsessed with the Beetlejuice show where they sang and danced. Anyone else remember that? I cried when I found out they were ending it. lol

[@TreadwellJay]

13:40 on Park Lake, just before the "part the Red Sea" gag, was a two-story hotel facade built for one of the Gilligan's Island reunion movies and later used as the main location for Tales of the Gold Monkey. The tram was disruptive to filming, because it passed within feet of the building.

[@fifthrider]

2:20 - The push-button snow was on prop plaza where the Simpsons meet-n-greet now is. ( Technically where the restrooms now are ) It was tied into something early like Laurel and Hardy. 6:40 - This originally began as a Six Million Dollar Man attraction where you could lift a van. ( Seen at 6:54 ) By the time the 1980's rolled around, turning it into an A-Team van was more contemporary. Also, in 6:50 the man and woman in this 1981 commercial are very intentionally dressed as Indiana Jones and Marion as a means to associate with the success of Raiders of the Lost Ark, a license not owned by Universal but that they needed to find a way to capitalize on. One unmentioned attraction at the end of park lake ( just after the parting of the red sea ) was the external set of Louie Bon Chance's hotel/bar from Tales of the Gold Monkey. For some time the actual Grumman Goose used as Jake's seaplane sat on the shore in front of it. The set was eventually destroyed but the plane was sold and re-used. On 02/05/05 the plane suffered a catastrophic accident but was later purchased by someone who intended to restore it. It's hull number hasn't yet re-appeared on a registry of flyable Grumman Gooses. www.wdaguy.com/N327.html

[@JustJessee]

I love being able to experience (or re-experience) these long gone attractions. Thanks so much for putting these out there!

[@KARMA2369]

From time marker (2:30) I remember everything as a Kid and YES !, I do remember the Sub being PINK !, I do have some film foot (8mm Color) but they are in storage. I remember My Dad taking footage of My Brother holding a bolder over His head and You could see it was made up of Styrofoam !. The Van You could lift was from the TV show " The Six Million Dollar Man/ The Bionic Woman " and NOT from The A-Team. The Gorilla did have sound FX mostly of Grunts and Growls and I do recall it playing the Tarzan Cry. They also had a Iconic Car from Knight Rider "K.I.T.T." there and I do have photos of that (Again in Storage). Great video You out together.

[@Petpatrol2]

Wow! I didn't realize so many of the things I remember fondly from my time there as a kid were gone by now! I remember the Volcano tunnel and King Kong, and riding through on the collapsing bridge! I think I still have home videos of the tram tour from back then! It's bittersweet hearing what happened with them. I'm sad they're gone but I'm glad I got to experience them!

[@nicholas_scott]

Sad to see all the attractions that I’ll never experience

[@PhantomRaven13]

It’s sad realizing how a lot of the old and neat charm of the original backlot tours have been gutted more and more in place for the green screen effects. Case in point, I finally got to ride the backlot tour at night back in 2016 after having not been back at Universal since the summer of 02, and quite honestly that whole Fast and Furious Supercharged bit is just straight up cringe. The fact we were held up in the club scene room with all of the dancing chicks for a few extra minutes because the tram ahead of ours was lagging it in getting out didn’t help dissuade the cringe factor at all.

[@yeehaw-city3086]

I’ll never not be jealous of my mom being able to see the Kong animatronic in person. At least she has some cool pictures of him!

[@kristink247]

I remember my parents bringing my brother and i to universal all the time, back when the giant kong smelled of bananas, the water split open for jaws, the miniature set of kong island, the mummy tunnel, the bridge before it became the "the set is hot," all of it. I really miss the narration before the jimmy fallon scenes on the monitor, but things become old and get replaced. Jurassic Park animatronics back in 1997 were smooth and the truck actually fell at a quick pace. Although universal is not the same as it was before the 2000's, I will still love this place and treasure the memories ive made there.

[@Loremastrful]

I remember the studio tour from the early and mid 80's. The tram tour had 3 -4 stops when i rode it. One was to disembark for the special effects tour, another was the prop pit stop and a third was a sound effects stage/stunt show. I do remember the Battlestar Galatica section. And i remember them mentioning how the Jaws lagoon was also Cabot Cove for 'Murder She Wrote'. The real shame is although there is still plenty of shows being filmed on the backlot not as much of it is recognizable scenery pops up. In the 80's you could easily spot the Town Square in 'Dukes of Hazard', the Mexican Village in A-Team. Now the closest you get is the Citywalk before it's blown up in Iron-Man 2.

[@CollItsabotchDeadp99]

Did the tour back in 2011, absolutely loved it!!!!! This video was very informative, absolutely loved it too!!!!!

[@susanf915]

I remember the giant phone in the prop area! LOL Love your videos, but damn, they make me feel OLD! Also, went on the studio tour many times when we had out of town guests, and I don't ever recall seeing a car wreck at the collapsing bridge. Bet then again, see that part about OLD.

[@FMAYasha12]

Honestly, the King Kong getting destroyed has gotta be the most heart breaking thing here, especially considering that amazing animatronic.

[@Gravydog316]

7:53 also, Hitch didn't want to meet Señor Spielbergo because Steven was the new kid on the block, & Hitch HATED him because his own career was long over. :(

[@Dylan-Hooton]

I think that the rock slide part of the tram should return, along with the gorillas scene, the Battle of Galactica set, and the remade version of the Mummy's Tunnel scene.

[@tri0xin]

I have great memories of Universal studios tour and park in the late 70's up till the late 80's. Ahh.. good 'ol days. Great video!!!!!

[@kevinhogan1108]

Thanks so much for that! I have so many Universal Studios that go back to the early 80’s. Back to being able to sit inside of k.i.t.t, or watch the A-Team stunt show! I’ve been to Universal at least once every year since then. And some years I went more times than I can remember!

[@alandecker2886]

I went on the backlot tour around Thanksgiving in 1982, and my main memory of it is the Battlestar Galactica attraction. I was 8, and the time it seemed like lasers were flying all around us. I wonder how it would look now. I also remember the Jaws lake, and I really think I saw the pink submarine. What I also clearly remember is a pavilion dedicated to the soon-to-be-released ET Atari game. They had lots of consoles and TVs set up, so we could try it out. The game's reputation is completely deserved. Completely terrible.

[@gator9339]

I still have my copy of E.T the game. Worst $80 I've ever spent

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

Yeah, I remember being blown away by Battlestar Galactica. (I think I saw it a couple years before you.) I remember after we pulled out them saying it was the largest laser display in the world.

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

Alan Decker LOL, that ET game. I remember my brother had it, and I always see it listed in videos like “Top Ten Worst Video Games.”

[@sofiagartland5737]

I went on the studio tour maybe 4 years ago and they had the parting water thing!

[@-abacchus]

Wow! Great video!This is the first time I've visited this channel and if the rest of the videos are of this quality, I should be in for a great time!

[@jamesjourneys7566]

Thanks for all the old footage. I first went in '76 and being a kid, I was blown away by the tram tour, set tours, and stunt shows. I couldn't wait to go each year to see what was new on the tours. You forgot to mention how they used the ice tunel in the Six Million Dollar Man/Bionic Woman crossover episode. Imagining big foot walking through the tunnel as the tram went in never got old.

[@gator9339]

The tour was one of my favorite things to do at USH even if the wait is always so long, it's worth it. Just wish I could've experienced the collapsing bridge or the 360 tunnel. Great video as always 👍

[@clurkroberts2650]

Yeah, it’s fascinating about these repetitive backlot fires. Keep in mind that all those backlot sets were poorly maintained dried up structures, and generally unsafe. The Studio did not have to follow stringent city fire and safety codes because they were under their own jurisdiction. Set construction was inexpensively built , the Backlot sets used building materials not intended for long term exposure to the environment; bricks and stone were often just wooden plaster facades or fiberglass; interior framing was serviceable but flimsily constructed, roofs leaked and fire prevention was... well it existed but was not rigorously observed or enforced in the extensive backlot set areas. Flammable sources and materials were often left behind facade walls, cleaning materials, old props, rags and trash accumulated, and electrical distribution was often not properly maintained. This information was gathered from film crew members I know who worked on the lot, and often commented about the poor conditions; and were very cautious about working on the old lot areas. And yes, It was a common rumor that the frequent fires might have been set to collect insurance, at least by early Studio management. I believe the last fire was actually caused by workers improperly applying asphalt shingles to a facade. After the 2008 fire, sets were finally rebuilt, but used steel and aluminum construction framing along with robust exterior materials; they also integrated sprinkler and modern fire protection practices. But This was after the fire destroyed not only the crumbling old studio set facades ...but also the fire spread to film and audio vaults, destroying hundreds of thousands of original movie and tv film masters, videotape masters and music recording masters. Even though the temperature controlled UMG Media Archive Facilities employed state of the art fire protection systems, they could not withstand the intensity and fury of the Universal fires once they spread to their building rooftops. The Flames and heat caused major structural damage that quickly spread internally and destroyed the fragile recoding media. The actual severity of this loss went unreported to the public; but an estimated 175,000 original audio source record masters, outtakes and source material, from artists such as Nirvana, to Bing Crosby, to an extensive collection of vintage jazz masters were DESTROYED. DECCA, MCA, A&M, GEFFEN and CHESS labels lost their original Record Masters!!!! The loss was enormous, and the actual level of destruction of the media was kept hidden from even the recording artists for months, until news articles appeared in LA Times and Rolling Stone. It was estimated that up to 500,000 song recordings were lost. Lawsuits are only beginning to come to light. It’s really sad, because a significant portion of irreplaceable film and music history was destroyed, all because of the old movie sets left in a neglectful state of condition by the studio.

[@spclfxguy]

No mention of the CONAN LIVE SPECTACULAR?? It was one of my all-time favorites for a few reasons! 1) It was an AWESOME, well-produced, highly entertaining show - One of the best I have seen in this type of venue, with lots of really neat special effects and stunts! 2) it was the COOLEST place in the park - when you just needed relief from the hot California sun 3) Hot guys and gals in loin cloths! Hubba Hubba! LOL! T2-3D - also a fantastic experience! Again, awesome physical and visual effects, coupled with live action and the most innovative use of 3-D I have seen to date, James Cameron directed (I actually worked on the miniatures for the 3-D film)

[@seanfrancisellis]

This is excellent. Some very impressive research and beautiful old footage of the tour, not to mention those old hand painted maps! I first visited the park in '83, and have Super 8 footage from then, as well as '86 (including the Prop Plaza, with the A Team van), video from '89, '90 and '92. You covered so much I didn't know about, from the '70s and early 2000s. Great job.

[@MikeWorleyLAc]

The same summer Mr T was on the train, A-Team’s Hannibal was seen torching the burning house.

[@milagrosmartell9378]

Once they had Miami Vice show with a crashing helicopter & explosions.

[@brycevo]

The Universal Studio Tour had really good stops, it was always great

[@lynblake55]

Thank you for this, i went in 1981 and this brought back so many memories

[@drewwadsworth3285]

I first went in 1984, the Battlestar Galatica set was awesome. The tram had been captured by the Cylons and had to be rescued. I seem to remember that the Avalanche tunnel was tied in with the Six Million Dollar Man's battle with Bigfoot. Being a child of the 70's my biggest thrill was seeing engine and squad 51 from Emergency!.

[@closeupwizard]

I remember the Rock Slide, the runaway train, the Ice Tunnel, the Battlestar Galactica thing, all that was fun. Back then, the tour started at the top, and you had a 60 min stop at the bottom where you got out and did the special effects show. You even toured a real dressing room and make-up room. Then you got on the tram and drove around again. Prop Plaza was a stop, but you didn't have to exit if you didn't want to. The collapsing bridge was the coolest. I also remember the tram driving through the main prop warehouse. I think the main difference between then and now was speed. If you take the tram now, it seems more like they are in a hurry. I also remember driving down the other street in the residential area, too. Great job with the videos!

[@closeupwizard]

@bigevilworldwide1 , I was referring to the speed of the glamour trams themselves. Because the trams were slower than they are now the guides actually had a lot more to say, to fill in the long slow spots. I still remember several stories that guides used to tell. Jump ahead 20 years and I remember telling tour guides the same stories and they were amazed at how much used to be taught. Fill an entire tram full of people and a teenager could out run it.

[@micksplace]

Thank you for this....you've cleared up a lot of hazy childhood memories.

[@rixx46]

I was first there as a kid in 1967. I went back over the years and saw a lot of this stuff - the parting of the red sea - the torpedo - the burning house, the bridge, the ice tunnel etc. I remember the prop plaza having props from LAND OF THE GIANTS. I loved the life-size King Kong drive-through. You could smell bananas on his breath!

[@MrDumbElite]

Thankyou for making this video i cant really find any other channels that talk about Universal like you do.

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

Means a lot to read, thanks!

[@amigajunk4890]

Your videos are nearly flawless

[@MCastleberry1980]

My first trip to Universal Studios was for my 6th bday in July of '86, so this brings back a lot of memories. Definitely got dizzy in the avalanche tunnel.

[@williamedmonds9581]

I remember several of those rides from when I was a young kid back in the early 80’s. Since I’ve seen this I’m definitely going to be looking for the remaining pieces scattered around. Now that I know where to look. Thank you.

[@Bill23799]

2:26 OH WOW!!!! Now i know I was not imagining it. There WAS a " Submarine Vs. Navy Destroyer " battle on the Universal Tour! I remember seeing that on my only visit to Universal in 1968 or 1969 I think as an 11 year old boy. I have seen several vintage videos of the " Submarine Attack " without the Destroyer but this quick glimpse is the first time I saw the Submarine Vs Navy Destroyer duel. Thank you!!!

[@gtt85]

So many memories. Thank you for a great video and reminding me of the rotating tunnel i wished you went in deeper and talked about the Earthquake experience, and when and why they got rid of the first Fast & Furious ride.

[@starlingwatch3921]

Very well researched and done! BTW, the cool thing about the ice tunnel is the tray the tram sat on when in the tunnel would tilt a few degrees left and right. Combined with the spin of the walls, gave you a good feeling that you were moving.

[@CantGetRight-rd8bj]

Went through as a kid in the early 80's. I still vividly remember the parting of the sea, jaws, the breaking bridge and the Battlestar Galactiga parts of the ride. I also remember passing the Munsters house and just a couple houses down, the Cleaver house from leave it to beaver.

[@williampetersen9915]

I have fond memories of The Universal Tour in the 70's and 80's. How many remember The Bionic Testing Center as part of the special effects stage. It later included a pre-filmed exhibit hosted by Robert Wagner. They also had the make-up show as a post tour attraction; in the early 80's a KITT car from Knight Rider served as a interactive attraction where those sitting in KITT could speak to KITT and ask him questions. The interaction conversation could be heard by those waiting their turn and those just watching. I also remember a Kodak film kiosk shaped like an instamatic camera outside the special effects stage.

[@alliezimmerman1593]

I went on March 3rd 2019. The sets for Jurassic world are gone and you can see the waterfall now! Also idk why but the jaws lake was drained :(

[@Akael01]

I got to experinece quite a few of these in the 80s in California. As a kid that was some of the coolest stuff I remember from Universal. The Battle Star Galatica was my favorite part.

[@Teletran35]

I remembered as a kid I wanted to see the Battlestar Galactica part.It blows me away that it still existed till Jurrassic Park

[@devinaschenbrenner2683]

I’m so happy my mother took me when she did, the original Kong attraction was there, and tbh its more impressive then driving through a big screen, knowing that the huge ape is a physical thing brings a sense of awe and horror.

[@rickluque6429]

Really enjoyed this video. Loved a look back at the old Universal studios. and seeing all of the old studios props , backlot and a look back at Prop plaza Good times… Good times ❤👍👍

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

I just love your intro, it gets me every time!

[@porkins74]

I remember alot of these. My favorites growing up were Battle of Galactica, the Falling Bridge and the Ice Cave. I also have distinct memories of lifting the A-Team van lol.

[@Revox67]

thanks for this! Answered a bunch of my questions.

[@AndrewB..]

Wow this was informative as always Mark! :3

[@Riceball01]

Great video, I remember some of these attactions from when I was a kid. I actually have a photo of me as a kid lifting that van before it was rethemed to be the A-Team van.

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

So glad you enjoyed it! I feel like the A-Team van was a pretty popular photo-op at the time, but I did come across photos when it was just a more generic vehicle....found it hard to determine whether it was before or after.

[@loobygub9346]

There's gonna be fire at Universal soon this year

[@unclepatrick2]

I saw the Galatica ride twice in the early 80's. I loved it. Jaws was great too and I do remember see the Pink Sub one year but it was black the next. The other thing that I really loved was they use to have the large props from the 1950's Incredible Shrinking Man on display at the Prop place. My mother has pictures of me and my sister with the giant scissors from the film.

[@crscott9908]

First trip to Universal was 1973 or 74. Part of the tram tour was through the soundstage where the in-car RP scenes for Adam-12 were filmed. Tour guide spent a fair amount of time explaining how the shots of Reed and Malloy driving through the streets of Los Angeles were made. To me, the tour was equally about education and information on movie-making, as it was about entertainment. Went back in the mid 1990's and it was a much different experience. (Ask for Babs)