Warner Bros. Studio's Reopens Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, CA

Today’s update is a little overdue, but we wanted to focus a bit of attention on another Southern California attraction that recently reopened its doors to the public after a year-plus closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Although it has a lower profile than its famous Hollywood partners over the hill at Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studio still offers a pretty great movie studio experience. You might remember their delightfully fantastic Horror Made Here haunt event a few years ago. Although it was not able to continue into the 2019 season, it provide a nice glimpse of what the folks at Warner Bros. could conjure up.

Outside the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Last month, Warner Bros. Studio reopened its studio tour to the public—the last of the major Southern California theme park / movie tourist attractions to do so. The new experience comes with expanded and new content, including new sets and experiences from the DC Universe and Harry Potter franchises, a new tour finale celebrating the rich history of WB’s television and cinema, and also an expanded Friends studio experience. There’s a lot to take in, and Southern California residents can also get a discount for weekday visits through the end of September.

Press gathered for the grand reopening of the Studio Tour.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

As SoCal [hopefully] continues to return to normal (crossing fingers that the new Delta variant doesn’t put a damper in things), the return of attractions like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour are a welcome sign for an industry that has been drastically impacted by all the closures and stay-at-home orders. And especially for those who are vaccinated, the risk to attend these tourist spots is exponentially less than it would have been last year.

So if you’re itching for a bit of that Hollywood behind-the-scenes experience again, plan a trip out to Burbank on the backside of Griffith Park, and check out the the Warner Bros. Studio!

A glimpse of the exhibits and offerings on the reopened Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

From the press release:

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD REOPENS WITH NEW WAYS FOR FANS TO GET CLOSER TO THE ENTERTAINMENT THEY LOVE

DC Universe and Wizarding World Fans Will Explore the Action and Magic of Iconic Films in Our New Grand Finale and Delve into Warner Bros.’ Nearly 100 years of TV and Moviemaking History on the Studio Lot Where Storytelling Comes to Life

New and Expanded Features Include:

• The “Storytelling Showcase,” where guests can explore the evolution of Warner Bros.’ nearly 100-year history;

• “Action and Magic Made Here,” the new grand finale experience featuring the DC Universe and Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series;

• An expansive new Warner Bros Studio Store, which will be open to the public without a Studio Tour ticket purchase;

• The Studio Tour now welcomes families with children five years and older.

Plenty of Friends and other franchises’ merchandise can be found at Warner Bros. Studio.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Burbank, CA – Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (WBSTH) is excited to welcome back guests on June 26, revealing new experiences that get fans closer to the entertainment they love. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted at the new Welcome Center, their gateway to Hollywood, with all-new ways to go behind the lens of movie-making magic. Already a Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice award recipient, the studio tour in Los Angeles is now more fun with the “Storytelling Showcase,” and a new interactive grand finale, “Action and Magic Made Here.” The incredible new Studio Store provides fans access to exclusive merchandise from their favorite film and TV titles.

Harry Potter fans have their pick of souvenirs and gifts too.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

“Entertainment is about connecting with fans and we are thrilled to welcome guests back to the tour after a more than 15-month hiatus” said Danny Kahn VP and General Manager. “Our new experiences will take guests on a journey through our history, how we bring stories to life and celebrate the DC Universe and Wizarding World.”

Upon arrival, guests enter the “Storytelling Showcase” and discover the world of Warner Bros., examining the breadth of the studio’s film, TV and animation titles, as well as the technological innovations from its cinema chain origins in 1923 through its nearly 100-year journey to become one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world. Guests can even take a selfie with a replica of the iconic water tower as they walk along an aerial view of the sprawling studio lot.

The entrance to the Friends portion of the tour.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

After guests tour the lot with one of our expert tour guides, they will arrive at Stage 48: Script to Screen, the Studio Tour’s interactive sound stage where they can immerse themselves in the technology and methods of production, revel in the Central Perk set from Friends and Sheldon’s apartment set from The Big Bang Theory before dining at our very own Central Perk Café. From Stage 48, guests will head to our “Action and Magic Made Here” grand finale, where they’ll experience the universe of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains and step behind-the-scenes of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts with all new interactive experiences, props, costumes and memorable photo opportunities.

Sets from Fantastic Beasts have been recreated with rigorous movie-making detail.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

DC fans will enter Batman’s secret lair and explore the all-new Batcave, where they can get up close to the authentic Batmobile from Tim Burton’s original Batman, the Tumbler from The Dark Knight, and the Batwing from Batman v. Superman. Memorable photo ops include the Lasso of Hestia from the hit sequel Wonder Woman 1984, Jared Leto’s Joker and Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn costumes from Suicide Squad, Poison Ivy in front of the actual Arkham Asylum gates featured in Joel Schumacher’s Batman and Robin and so much more from Aquaman, Superman and Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

The DC section has plenty of displays, costumes, props, and artifacts for fans to check out.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Costumes of the Justice League.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Vehicles from various Batman films.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

The journey continues as guests explore recreated sets from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts where fans can dabble in the art of potion-making, snap an unforgettable photo inside Harry’s cupboard under the stairs at 4 Privet Drive or be surrounded by Hogwarts acceptance letters at the Dursleys’ fireplace, test their wand choreography skills, and learn more about the magical creatures from Fantastic Beasts in Newt Scamander’s Shed of Magical Creatures. Our new Sorting Ceremony will dazzle fans in the Great Hall recreated set; be sure to download the Harry Potter Fan Club mobile app for an even more enchanting experience where fans can discover their official Hogwarts house before arriving. Just like magic, visitors will hear the Sorting Hat call out their true Hogwarts house when it’s placed above their heads.

New to the tour is a recreation of Harry Potter’s room under the stairs at the Dursley’s.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Naturally, it’s a photo op.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Interactive features like a wand demonstration abound at the WB Studio Tour too!
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Guests can take part in a Sorting Hat ceremony at this movie studio too!
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Concluding the tour is an elegant display of iconic treasures from Warner Bros. most beloved films and TV shows in the “Celebration of Awards Season.” The exhibit spotlights iconic crown jewel props and costumes from our classic films, such as the trombone that Robert Preston played in The Music Man, the jersey worn by the late Chadwick Boseman to portray Jackie Robinson in 42, and a painstakingly detailed miniature blimp from Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner.

The Welcome Center will house a brand-new Warner Bros Studio Store that will be accessible to the general public. The studio store offers the only in-person shopping experience with exclusive merchandise from legendary Warner Bros. films and TV shows. In the Personalization Area, fans can bring their fandom to life and choose from a host of personalization options, including engraving a wand, a replica award, and more. Later this year, guests will be able to access merchandise from the studio store online.

The Studio Tour is conveniently located near public transportation and will offer ample covered parking for guests and tour buses with designated drop-off and pick-up areas for rideshare services.

Combining the Instagram angel wing photo op fad with the popularity of Wonder Woman.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Upon reopening, the Studio Tour will be open on weekends, from June 26 through July 11, with the Tour also being open on July 5. From July 15, the Studio Tour will operate 5 days a week and remain closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tours will depart from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM with departures every 30 minutes. Tickets are available online for $69 for adults (ages 11 and up) and $59 for children ages 5 to 10 at wbstudiotour.com (advanced reservations will be required). Additionally, Southern California residents are eligible for a special rate of $57 on weekdays only, through September 30, 2021.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols: The Studio Tour follows all City, State and Federal health guidelines in addition to internal mandates to ensure the health and safety of our guests, employees and production partners.

Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984 director Patty Jenkins poses with an exhibit from the films.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Friends actress Maggie Wheeler sits on the couch at Central Perk.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Also, here are some addition details from the press release on the expanded Central Perk Cafe and additional attractions for fans of Friends:

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD OPENS WITH EXPANDED CENTRAL PERK CAFÉ AND FRIENDS BOUTIQUE 

Guests will now enjoy an expanded New York deli-inspired menu, be able to dine in recreated sets, and shop for exclusive Friends merchandise 

Burbank, CA – When Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood reopens on June 26, Friends fans are in for a treat. Located in Stage 48: Script to Screen, one of the many stops on the tour, guests can now enjoy a delicious New York deli-inspired menu including corned beef melts, pizza wedges, hot dogs, fries, and an assortment of salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and our special blend of Central Perk coffee with new Friends character-inspired beverages. For dessert, we have recreated Rachel’s Thanksgiving trifle (no meat in this version), New York style cheesecake, Central Perk cupcakes, and other tasty bakery treats.

Outside Central Perk, part of the Friends component of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

Guests then get to dine in recreated sets inspired by the show including Central Perk, Joey and Chandler’s Apartment, or Monica’s Apartment, where you can sit at the kitchen table or settle into her comfortable sofa. A variety of costumes worn by the cast are on display, and there are plenty of great photo opportunities throughout.

The interior of the Friends hangout has been recreated with rich detail.
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)

After dining, shop in our Friends boutique with exclusive merchandise found only at this location on the Studio Tour. The store has an exclusive collection of kitchen and dining ware, Monica’s famous door frame, Friends reunion-inspired spirit jerseys and coffee mugs, and a wide range of other gifts, souvenirs, and collectibles. Central Perk coffee beans (only available at the Central Perk Café and Friends boutique) are also on sale for guests to enjoy a cup of joe at home.

Central Perk Café and the Friends boutique are only accessible with the purchase of a Studio Tour ticket. Opening June 26 on weekends, the tour will operate Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) beginning July 15. Tours depart every 30 minutes from 9:00AM to 3:30PM. The main WB Studio Store will be open to the public from 9:00AM to 8:00PM on days the tour is operating. SoCal residents pay only $57 weekdays through September 30 (conditions apply, see website for details). Advanced booking is required. Tickets are $69 for adults 11+ and $59 for children ages 5–10 when booked online at www.wbstudiotour.com.

(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio.)