Attractions
Burbank’s tagline is “the media capital of the world” because it features several large, well-known production companies. And naturally, these production companies are one of the city’s major attractions. Especially the studio tours of Warner Brothers and NBC.
The Warner Brothers studio tour does not allow children under eight to visit. Anyone else under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and all adults need to have legal photo identification. Visitors go through a metal detector and are not permitted to carry large bags, digital cameras, or video equipment for security reasons. Film cameras are permitted in some areas of the studio.
The Warner Brothers studio tour is a real behind-the-scenes look at the production of an actual film. No theme park here! It usually lasts about two-and-a-half hours and takes visitors in an open-air tram through the Costume Department, Scenic Department, soundstages, editing rooms, screening theatres and the 2-million-gallon tank used for filming water scenes. Visitors also get to see a short film highlighting Warner’s history as well as whirlwind tour of the Warner Brothers Museum.
The NBC studio tour is a little more understated than the Warner tour. During the 70-minute walking tour visitors get to see the place where the Tonight Show is filmed. Visitors see minor celebrities and watch videos about the history of NBC; they are shown display cases of make-up props and mannequins wearing a small selection of clothes from the wardrobe department. Tour guests don’t visit the actual wardrobe, make-up or special effects departments.
The NBC tour costs less than $10 per adult admission. The Warner Brothers studio tour costs $30+ per adult admission. Reservations for both studios are recommended.
For visitors who like the outdoors there is the Pickwick Entertainment Center (an 85-by-200-foot ice arena) and the De Bell Golf Course to visit.