Ever Wondered What Happens Behind the Scenes at Universal Orlando?
So my friend, let me tell you about these absolutely brilliant backstage tours at Universal Orlando! If you've ever been queuing for The Incredible Hulk Coaster or VelociCoaster thinking, "Blimey, how does this contraption even work?", you're in for a proper treat. Universal offers some cracking backstage experiences where you can peek behind the curtain and see what makes these epic attractions tick.
Now, here's the thing – Universal offers both unpublicized complimentary backstage tours and paid VIP Experiences. The free ones can’t be booked in advance and depend on which Team Members are about that day. If the park's a bit dead, they might not have enough staff to run them. If it's absolutely heaving with people, they'll be too busy to take you backstage. It's all about catching them at just the right moment, but there's no harm in asking, is there? These usually last about 10-20 minutes and give you a quick but fascinating look behind the scenes. They do take a fair chunk of time though, so they're probably best if you've already been on your favourite rides a few times and fancy something a bit different.
If you’re after a more in-depth experience, Universal’s paid VIP Experiences offer exclusive backstage access, priority front-of-the-line access to rides and attractions, and insider tips from a dedicated tour guide. These VIP tours can be booked in advance and provide a much more structured look at the park’s inner workings.
Whether it's getting up close to a roaring launch system, stepping inside a high-security raptor paddock, or standing beneath the towering Doctor Doom's Fearfall, these backstage tours give you an insider's perspective that's bloody brilliant.
Right then, let's break it down! Here's everything you need to know about Universal's best backstage tours in 2025. 🚀
Universal Studios Backstage Tours
👽 Behind the Scenes (The Immigration Tour) – Men in Black: Alien Attack
Ever fancied stepping inside the actual Men in Black headquarters? This tour takes you behind the scenes of MIB: Alien Attack, where you'll get a proper gander at the legendary Immigration Room filled with all these animatronic aliens hard at work.
🎤 Behind the Scenes (The Studio Tour) – Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Fancy a peek behind the production magic of The Tonight Show? This tour shows you how Universal blends live TV theming with all that fancy ride technology.
🌲 Behind the Scenes (The Forest Tour) – E.T. Adventure
Step into one of Universal's most nostalgic rides and explore the whimsical, otherworldly sets of E.T.'s home planet. It's like stepping into the 80s, this one!
🏦 Behind the Scenes (The Bank Tour) – Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Ever wanted to step inside Gringotts like a proper wizard? This tour takes you beyond the vault doors to uncover the secrets behind one of Universal's most immersive attractions. Those goblin animatronics are even more impressive up close!
🔥 Behind the Scenes (The Production Tour) – Revenge of the Mummy
Get an insider's look at how this thrilling indoor coaster was designed, from its fiery effects to its seamless mix of roller coaster and dark ride elements.
🚗 Behind the Scenes (The Garage Tour) – Fast & Furious: Supercharged
Step into Dom's world with a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible car collection and special effects that bring the Fast & Furious franchise to life.
🤖 Behind the Scenes (The Robotics Tour) – Transformers: The Ride 3D
Ever wondered how Universal brings Optimus Prime and Megatron to life? This tour gives you an inside look at the groundbreaking motion simulator technology behind Transformers: The Ride 3D.
Islands of Adventure Backstage Tours
💚 Behind the Scenes (The Gamma Tour) – The Incredible Hulk Coaster
A deep dive into the incredible launch system, massive coaster track, and behind-the-scenes workings of one of Universal’s most intense roller coasters.
🎭 Behind the Scenes (The Villains Tour) – Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
A closer look at the drop tower’s mechanics, how the launch system creates that gut-wrenching freefall sensation, and hidden details in the queue that pay homage to Marvel’s infamous villains.
🏰 Behind the Scenes (The Castle Tour) – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
An exclusive look inside Hogwarts Castle, uncovering the intricate set design, animatronics, and effects that bring the Wizarding World to life.
🦖 Behind the Scenes (The Paddock Tour) – Jurassic World VelociCoaster
A behind-the-scenes look at the high-speed launch system, ride mechanics, and raptor animatronics that make this one of the most immersive coasters in the park.
🦍 Behind the Scenes (The Temple Tour) – Skull Island: Reign of Kong
A closer look at the ride vehicles, massive animatronics, and 3D projection technology that transport guests into the heart of Kong’s world.
Pro Tip: If you're keen on getting one of these complimentary tours, your best bet is asking first thing in the morning or during that quiet patch in the early afternoon when everyone's gone for lunch. And don't forget to be nice to the Team Members – they're more likely to sort you out with a tour if you're friendly rather than demanding. If you're after something even more in-depth, consider booking a VIP Experience in advance for guaranteed backstage access and priority ride entry.
Have you ever done any of these backstage tours? Or are you planning to try one on your next visit? Let me know which one sounds most interesting to you!