Although the Warner Bros. Studio does not operate a theme park at its Hollywood campus, it DOES have a lineup of tours and we were absolutely blown way by just how much is included. More than just looking at buildings where things happened, they offer a series of tours that allow you the chance to not just explore cinematic history but also completely immerse yourself in experiences celebrating a century of movie-making magic.
Having become instant fans from previous visits, we were all too excited when we were invited recently for a hosted visit to check out the brand-new TCM Classic Films Tour. This might just be the best way to experience Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood — even if you aren’t necessarily a film geek for the golden age of Hollywood.
Here’s a look what we thought about the TCM Classic Films Tour experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood…
Video
You can see our recap video of everything you can enjoy on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood from our visit to enjoy the TCM Classic Films Tour.
What to Expect
While we were hosted for the TCM Classic Films Tour that we are reviewing here, it was not our first time on the Warner Bros. Studio lot. We’ve previously visited on our own and done the Studio Tour Plus and were seriously surprised that more people don’t talk about what’s going on behind the gates at the ol’ WB.
Before getting into the specifics of why we think this new offering is worth a try, we’ll get into the cost.
Pricing
There are three traditional tours offered at the Hollywood studio, the Standard ($73 per adult), the Plus ($160 per adult), and the Deluxe ($330). The mid-range Plus version is the one we did earlier this year. The brand-new TCM Classic Films Tour that we most recently took is $95 per adult which puts it right in-between the Standard and Plus tours.
This new TCM tour is a winner as it’s a sort of Goldilocks tour offering significantly more amenities than the cheaper Standard tour but for a price that’s significantly less than the more expensive Plus tour. Just about all the perks that you get in the Plus tour are included in the TCM tour making it the strongest bang for your buck. The major difference in terms of offerings is that lunch is not included at the Central Perk Café although you are free to pay for food and drink here out of pocket.
Thoughts
Beyond pricing, the important thing to know about the TCM Classic Films Tour is that it has a narrower focus on the Golden Age of Hollywood spanning roughly between 1923-1970. You’ll still see a lot of the same sights on this tour with your Tour Guide giving you tidbits and facts centered around films from that time period. In a way, it’s like having TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz in the cart with you filling in details and interesting historical facts as you drive by and visit cinematically significant filming locations from classics including Casablanca, My Fair Lady, The Music Man, Blazing Saddles, and more.
Of course, your Tour Guide is happy to answer any questions along the way and they actually begin the tour by asking the whole tour group for their general interests so that they can hone in and craft the tour to really hit on the preferences of the group. Naturally, during our tour, we shared that we were Disney nuts and while there’s not a lot of Disney history created here (considering the Mouse has their own studio just down the street) there’s still fun some surprises in store. For instance, we learned that pick up shots for the Rainbow Connection scene in the original Muppets movie were filmed here in their green jungle area as well as select town scenes for Pollyanna. Popular ABC shows Full House and Family Matters also taped here.
Another really awesome perk that we enjoyed on this tour is the chance to get to walk through the Property Department AKA the props warehouse. This part of the studio is normally reserved only for the higher tier tours adding yet another compelling reason to opt for the TCM Classic Films Tour.
A true highlight of the tour, the Prop House is housed inside a completely unassuming building that contains an incredible assortment of items including things as small and ordinary as clocks and phones (from every era and in every color) to things as large as (and larger than) chandeliers, jukeboxes, or even the president’s resolute desk. As a special plus, some of the props of historical significance also have little plaques and signs showing how and where they were used including the original Maltese Falcon from the 1941 film noir classic.
As far as what you can expect to enjoy during the TCM Classic Films Tour below is a quick list of the highlights:
- Storyteller’s Showcase: Arrive early and explore an exhibit paying homage to 100 years of Warner Bros. filmmaking
- A Sweet Start: Enjoy pastries and refreshments before embarking on your journey and grab a few to enjoy later
- The Screening Room: A special video starts off the tour offering a peek at what’s in store
- A 90-Minute Guided Tour: Hop on a special TCM cart and explore a rich legacy of classic films and television programs
- Self-Guided Exploration: Continue the fun at your own pace with immersive exhibits, photo ops, shopping, and dining
- Stage 48: Script to Screen: Get a full look at the lifecycle of making a movie with displays and interactive exhibits
- Action and Magic Made Here: Step into the worlds of Harry Potter, DC and more with props and photo-ops.
- Warner Bros. Studio Store: Can’t leave without getting a souvenir to commemorate the trip.
Even if you aren’t a classic movies buff, there’s still a lot of value in taking the TCM Classic Films Tour and the pricing structure makes it incredibly compelling. If you’re curious for a taste of what the TCM Classic Films Tour entails, you can check out our full breakdown pictorial below.
Full Breakdown
The TCM Classic Films Tour is a truly fantastic way to experience everything the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood has to offer and if you’re curious about what exactly it entails, we’ve got you covered. Not a lot of people talk about the surprisingly robust experience of visiting this 100-year-old movie studio.
MORE INFO: GUIDE: TCM Classic Films Tour at Warner Bros. Studio, what to expect
See it for Yourself
TCM Classic Films Tour is available now for booking starting at $95 per adult.
MORE INFO: Compare tour options at on the official site at wbstudiotour.com.
