There’s something magical about stepping onto a studio lot—the kind of magic that comes from walking the same streets where your favorite characters lived, worked, and got into ridiculous sitcom shenanigans.
On a recent trip to LA, I finally made it to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank. This place is a must if you’re into pop culture, TV and film history, or just want to geek out over Batmobiles and butterbeer. Here’s a look at what stood out the most—and why this tour is worth adding to your list.
Welcome to the Lot
We booked our Standard Tour tickets online in advance to lock in our preferred time. A few days before our visit, we got an email with parking info—heads up, parking isn’t included in the ticket price.
After checking in, we had time to grab a drink from the on-site Starbucks and browse the shop while waiting for our group to be called. Superman merch was everywhere (we visited about two months before the new movie release), and the lobby was buzzing with excited fans.
Once it was time, we watched a short video and met our guide—who was funny, welcoming, and super knowledgeable. She asked what we wanted to see and made sure to point out everything we mentioned.
Backlot Tram Tour
This was the moment I had been waiting for—riding the tram through the backlot. Even better, we got to get out and walk around in several locations. Every building, every alley, every doorway felt like it had a secret history.
A few highlights:
- The fountain from Friends (which also appeared in Hocus Pocus, as I covered in that episode!)
- The fire escape from Newsies and the Purple Rain album cover
- A food truck from Shrinking and golf carts from The Studio**
- A different fire escape used in Rent
- And so much more—every inch of the lot is camera-ready.
One area was closed off while they prepped for a special Mother’s Day event, so if you’re planning a visit, I suggest signing up for their newsletter in case there are pop-up experiences!
Soundstages
We passed several soundstages, including:
- Stage 16: One of the tallest in North America, used for The Perfect Storm and The Goonies
- Stage 24: Renamed The Friends Stage
- Stage 25: Where The Big Bang Theory was filmed
We even got to walk through an active set currently used for George and Mandy’s First Marriage. Soundstages always look so much smaller in person, and seeing how sets are built right next to each other was wild.
Exhibit 1 – Friends, Big Bang, & Filmmaking
This indoor gallery walked us through the filmmaking process—from pre-production to visual effects—with props and costumes from Warner Bros. franchises throughout.
But the big draw? The set recreations.
- Sit on the couch at Central Perk
- Step into Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment (yes, the broken elevator is there too)
- Grab a coffee under the bright studio lights
It was funny, nostalgic, and a little surreal. And yes—I wanted to knock three times and say “Sheldon?” before walking in.
Exhibit 2 – Harry Potter & DC Superheroes
The second building leaned into the studio’s two massive fandoms: Harry Potter and DC.
Highlights:
- Harry’s cupboard under the stairs—surprisingly emotional
- A working Sorting Hat (it put me in Slytherin, which… sure, why not? I do look good in dark green.)
- Plenty of wands, robes, and themed photo ops
- DC costume gallery featuring Wonder Woman, Batman, and more
- A whole collection of Batmobiles spanning multiple eras
And as you’d expect, the tour ends in the gift shop—because of course it does.
Favorite Moment: Abbott Elementary
My favorite part? Seeing the set from Abbott Elementary.
I absolutely adore this show, and standing in front of the school facade made me so happy. The Garden Goofballs flower beds were right there, and we even saw a room that’s sometimes used as the after-hours bar where the teachers hang out. Set magic in action!
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, CA
- Tour Type: Standard Tour (we booked in advance)
- Length: About 3 hours total
- Parking: Paid garage
- Accessibility: Very accessible; check the website for details
If you’re a fan of Friends, Harry Potter, DC movies, or just love seeing what goes on behind the scenes, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour delivers.
It’s immersive, entertaining, and full of fun surprises. Whether you’re into the mechanics of movie magic or just want that Instagram moment in front of a Batmobile, there’s something for everyone.
