Universal Studios’ most famous attraction is getting another way to explore Hollywood history.Long before Universal became a global theme park powerhouse, the Studio Tour gave guests a reason to enter the gates. The attraction debuted in 1964, when visitors paid $2.50 to board red-and-white “Glamor Trams” and travel through Universal’s working movie studio.Credit: UniversalThose early tours looked very different from the experience offered today. Guests encountered film sets, makeup demonstrations, costumes, and stunt performances, establishing a concept that would eventually help transform Universal’s filmmaking operation into a full-scale tourist destination.More than six decades later, the Studio Tour remains one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s defining attractions. The roughly hour-long experience is included with regular theme park admission and continues to carry guests through an active production backlot.Along the way, visitors pass working soundstages, recognizable filming locations, and purpose-built entertainment including Jaws and King Kong 360 3-D. Sets and attractions may change over time, but the behind-the-scenes access remains central to the tour.Credit: Shad Islam, UnsplashUnlike Universal Orlando Resort and several of Universal’s international destinations, Universal Studios Hollywood operates alongside a functioning film and television studio. That relationship between movie production and theme park entertainment has long been one of the Southern California park’s biggest selling points.Now, Universal is preparing to offer guests a more exclusive way to experience that backlot — for an additional fee.A New Way to Explore Universal’s BacklotUniversal has confirmed plans for the Backlot Photo Experience, a separately ticketed addition designed to give small groups closer access to locations normally viewed from aboard the Studio Tour tram.The experience will start at $75.95 per person, with the cost charged on top of regular Universal Studios Hollywood admission.Universal Studios Hollywood is introducing the Backlot Photo Experience, where guests can step onto Universal's world-famous Backlot and enjoy special up-close access to several iconic Studio Tour locations – such as the Hollywood sign replica, Courthouse Square, and more. The… pic.twitter.com/Kc7SeUDiZM— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) August 26, 2026Instead of traveling aboard one of the familiar Studio Tour trams, participants will be transported by van in groups limited to 12 guests. An expert guide will accompany the group throughout the experience.Credit: UniversalThe Backlot Photo Experience is expected to last up to 90 minutes and include stops at between five and seven locations chosen by Universal.Among the locations highlighted for the experience are Universal’s Hollywood sign replica and Courthouse Square, the instantly recognizable backlot set featured in the Back to the Future films.Guests will be able to exit the vehicle at designated stops and use their own cameras to photograph the locations. The exact itinerary may vary depending on which areas of the working studio are available during each tour.Universal has not confirmed when the Backlot Photo Experience will officially begin at Universal Studios Hollywood.The new offering effectively introduces another premium tier to an attraction that has traditionally been included with park admission.The Studio Tour Is Still Included With AdmissionFor guests who do not want to pay the additional fee, Universal’s regular Studio Tour is not going anywhere.The standard attraction will continue to transport parkgoers around the backlot aboard a tram, offering views of movie sets, production facilities, and some of Universal Studios Hollywood’s most recognizable experiences.Credit: UniversalGuests are already permitted to take photographs during the existing tour. However, the tram remains in motion throughout much of the route, meaning visitors may only have seconds to photograph certain sets before moving onward.That distinction appears to be a major part of the appeal of the Backlot Photo Experience. Rather than simply passing locations from a tram, participants will have opportunities to get out of their vehicle and spend more time photographing selected areas.It also builds on Universal Studios Hollywood’s growing lineup of premium experiences.The park already offers its VIP Experience, which provides upgraded access to the theme park and studio. Depending on the package, VIP guests can receive benefits including guided backlot access, priority entry to attractions, and additional behind-the-scenes opportunities.Credit: UniversalThe Backlot Photo Experience provides another option for visitors who are especially interested in Universal’s filmmaking history but do not necessarily need the broader benefits included with a full VIP package.Universal Studios Hollywood itself has expanded dramatically since the original Studio Tour opened. The property now features major themed attractions inspired by franchises, including Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Simpsons, and Nintendo’s Super Mario.Yet the Studio Tour remains tied to the park’s earliest identity.What began with $2.50 tickets and “Glamor Trams” eventually helped establish the foundation for Universal’s theme park business around the world. The new Backlot Photo Experience puts another price tag on getting closer to that history — this time starting at $75.95 per person.Would you pay extra for more time and photo opportunities on the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot?The post Universal Studios Introduces New $75.95 Upcharge for Its Iconic Studio Tour appeared first on Inside the Magic.