Getting to Know Universal – Free Attraction Tours

Ever wanted to know more about your favorite Universal Orlando attractions? See the backstage areas not available to most guests? Well, you can, and in this article we will tell you where to find these free tours.

What Are Attraction Tours?

Universal Orlando offers several free, unpublicized tours of attractions inside and outside the parks. These tours usually last 10-20 minutes and include behind the scenes information, story explanations, secrets, and visits to areas guests normally cannot access for anyone who asks. Tours are available when staffing permits at the discretion of the Team Members. To request a tour ask the greeter Team Member located at the attraction entrance if tours are available. If the attraction tour is not available come back another day or in the late afternoon.

Universal Studios Florida

Men in Black: Alien Attack

The first tour, and arguably the coolest, is the MiB “Immigration” tour where recruits are allowed to wander the alien office seen from the queue. Guests are able to take photos with the aliens, review documents, and sit in those incredibly uncomfortable white chairs. While one of the shorter tours it ranks high in coolness factor when those in the queue wonder how you got down there! Do not forget to sign your name on the log books.

Revenge of the Mummy

Ever wondered why Brendan Fraser is asking for coffee at the end of the ride? What are those hand prints on that coffin? Who is Reggie? All these questions, and more, are answered during the Revenge of the Mummy Production Tour. Team Members will guide you through the attraction queue, explaining the attraction’s oddly complex storyline, and finally get a tour of the track switch section of the ride where you can watch the “Cup Of Coffee” video play out every 30 seconds.

Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon

Team Member’s NBC Page costumes come in handy as they give a tour of Tonight Show history at Race Through New York. Guests start on the first floor with a personal tour of Tonight Show artifacts from prior hosts such as Carson and Conan followed by a tour of the lounge areas. Guests then get a behind the scenes tour of the show control booth before ending on the VIP balcony.

Islands of Adventure

Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Skull Island: Reign of Kong’s Temple Tour takes guests through the attraction’s queue, explaining the technology found within the attraction and explaining the ride’s plot. No backstage areas are visited in this tour but you will be able to linger in areas you will normally not for the queue.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

The only non-guided tour, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Castle Tour allows guests to walk through the Express queue without having to ride. This is a great option for Potter fans who cannot ride the attraction. You will walk through the portrait gallery, visit Dumbledore’s office, and visit the History of Magic classrooms.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

The only way to take photos and videos of the Incredible Hulk Coaster is through the Gamma Tour. Team Members will point out various aspects of the attraction’s storyline, queue easter eggs, and other attraction information. This tour is great for any Marvel fans who want photos of the attraction.

CityWalk

Hard Rock Cafe

[Ed – Upon publishing we received confirmation that Hard Rock Cafe has discontinued the VIBE Tour. A paid tour is now available by calling the restaurant.]

Have you done any Universal Orlando free tours? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!